Top 7 Essential Oils to Kill or Repel Fleas on Dogs

Regardless of what season it is, fleas are always around, even during cold Minnesota winters. I have four dogs and actively use natural flea prevention year-round. There are many reasons I like to use essential oils to prevent flea infestations like they smell good; they are easy to use and are very safe.  

Using essential oils for fleas is becoming a more popular method for the fight against fleas. People are often attracted to using essential oils for their pets since they are looking to avoid methods with harmful chemicals. Essential oil use has been around for centuries aiding in the healing of various ailments or conditions. Essential oils can be employed using aromatherapy, ingestion, or topically.

There is an endless number of essential oils on the market, and it’s hard to know which ones will work best for our pups. Below I have listed the best oils for flea prevention and extermination, along with recommendations and how to use them properly.  

Please contact your vet before applying essential oils to ensure they feel it is a good fit and will not interact poorly with any health conditions or medications your dog may be taking.

Advantages of Using Essential Oils for Fleas 

Some dogs may have a negative reaction to over the counter flea and prescription medicine, so using an alternative method is best. However, many dog parents are also considering alternative medicine options as a safer method for long term use.  

In addition to being safer for dogs than some classic flea medications, essential oils pose less of a concern for the humans in the household. For example, after applying essential oils, there is no fear of petting your dog and coming in direct contact with the flea treatment.  

Additionally, essential oils often have several added beneficial properties making them multi-functional. For example, some oils not only prevent fleas but also act as a bug repellent against other insects or some aid in reducing anxiety. Plus, essential oils smell much better than traditional flea medication, especially powders, sprays, and collars.

Risks Associated with Using Essential Oils to Kill Fleas

Though essential oils are often safe to use, they do come with some risks. Some essential oils may be toxic to dogs, so it is imperative to know which oils are safe before use. Not all essential oils for our dogs will be safe to use around all pets. So, if you have a multi-pet household, please verify if the oils you are using are safe for all members of the family.

Also, the proper use of essential oils is vital to ensuring your dog’s safety. For example, some oils may be safe for topical use but may not be safe for ingestion. And if oils are applied topically without proper dilution, skin irritation or even burns may occur.

Additionally, essential oils always have the possibility of causing an allergic reaction. Be sure to try a small amount with your dog first to ensure they will not have a negative response to the oils; this pertains to both topical and oral use. 

If your dog has a bad reaction, you will see symptoms like:

• Skin irritation
• Excessive panting
• Drooling
• Biting or itching at the area where the essential oil was applied
• GI upset
• Restlessness

Symptoms will vary on the application method.

Plus, if you are using a topical method, it is best to try the carrier oil alone to be sure your dog isn’t allergic to it. 

Though it is not a danger, not all dogs will find certain oils agreeable. 

Use a small diluted amount on a paper towel to see if your dog finds the aroma offensive, simply leave it in a room to see if your dog actively avoids the area. Do not bring the paper towel to your dog. Some oils can cause sinus irritation if not properly diluted. 

Ways to Use Essential Oils as Flea Repellent

Though there are several ways to use essential oils against fleas, the oils listed below are for topical use only.  

These oils can be mixed for the use as a spray, shampoo, or in a diffuser. When used topically, the essential oil ratio should never exceed more than 25% of the final product, and it is best to start with less and build up from there.

Spray for Your Dog

Mix the chosen essential oils with water and coconut oil then spray on your dog’s coat, gently massaging it in. Do not saturate your dog’s hair, their fur may be damp but shouldn’t be wet. 

Reapplication will be necessary.

Additionally, sprays can be used throughout the house on carpets and dog beds. However, be sure to test it out on a small spot to ensure that it won’t discolor or stain the fabric.

Shampoo

Add the essential oil and coconut oil to your shampoo of choice. Bath your dog as you normally would, but allow the shampoo to sit for 10 minutes. Be sure to rinse them off thoroughly since dried shampoo can further irritate your dog’s skin. 

Aromatherapy

The repellents listed below can be used in a diffuser in rooms attached to entrances into the home. Though it is not the most effective method, it will help repel insects from entering that area and make the room smell great. 

Also, if you have a puppy check with your vet first, puppy’s systems are not as developed as an adult dog, and their skin is more sensitive. So, it is best to make sure the oils you have chosen are safe.

What Essential Oils Kill or Repel Fleas?

1. Cedarwood Oil Kills and Repels Fleas

Cedarwood oil has a rich, warm amber aroma. It is an oil that has been utilized for centuries as a bug repellent. You can find cedarwood in several natural commercial bug sprays. In addition to being able to kill and deter fleas, cedarwood can also increase circulation and to aid in healing dermatitis.

To increase its effectiveness, use with: 

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus

Precautions:

• May cause skin irritation to dogs with sensitive skin
• Do not use with pregnant dogs
• Should not be used around children under the age of six

2. Lavender Oil Repels Fleas

Lavender is an extremely versatile oil; it has been employed from everything from room fragrance to healing. Lavender is not only an excellent flea repellent, but it also repels other insects. Additionally, lavender is often used to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Heal since it has antibacterial and regenerative properties
• Aid in healing skin irritation

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Cedar Oil 
• Thyme

Precautions:

• May cause light sedation

3. Thyme Oil Kills and Repels Fleas

Thyme is not just a popular kitchen herb, but it is also great for killing fleas. Thyme is one of the oldest plants used for medicinal purposes since it has several health benefits. Some of its other uses are as an antiseptic, pain reliever, and dermatitis.

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus

Precautions:

• Though safe to use topically, it is an oil that many are sensitive to, so be sure to test a small amount on your dog first. Additionally, be sure to dilute it properly. 
• Do not use on pregnant dogs

4. Rose Geranium Oil Repels Fleas

Rose Geranium has a sharper floral smell, versus the classic sweet aroma. Note that rose geranium is different than geranium; there are several geranium varieties, so be sure to check the label. In addition to being a good bug deterrent, it also acts as an antiseptic.

Precautions:

• Do not use on pregnant dogs

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Lavender
• Cedarwood

5. Eucalyptus Oil Repels Fleas

Because it has a strong yet pleasant, aroma using eucalyptus oil in moderation is best. Eucalyptus has several health benefits, such as:

• Reliving upper respiratory infections
• Pain reliever for muscle and joint aches
• Has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal

In addition to its health benefits, you can use eucalyptus oil to aid in cleaning, as it helps to disinfect rooms it will also work as a pleasant-smelling bug repellent.

Precautions:

• Do not use on pregnant dogs
• Do not use around children under the age of six
• For external use only

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Peppermint
• Cedarwood

6. Rosemary Oil Repels Fleas and Helps Flea Bites

Rosemary is another popular culinary herb that has medicinal purposes as well. This spicy smelling oil is one of the most popular herbs used in medicine. It can help reduce the chances of infection, aid in overcoming depression and relieve aches and pains. Because of its pleasant aroma and antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it can be added to some cleaning products.

Precautions:

• Do not use with pregnant dogs
• Should not be used on or around dogs with epilepsy

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Peppermint
• Thyme

7. Peppermint Oil Repels Fleas and Helps Flea Bites

Peppermint is a beautiful smelling oil that most find enjoyable. Peppermint is one of the staples to any essential oil collection due to its pleasant aroma and many useful properties. And according to the Medical and Veterinary Entomology journal, it is a potent insect repellent.  

Precautions:

• Could cause skin irritation – must be extremely diluted
• Do not use with pregnant dogs
• Should not be used on or around dogs with epilepsy
• Should not be used around children under the age of 6

To increase its effectiveness, use with:

• Eucalyptus
• Lavender

Other Natural Methods to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs

Essential oils are not the only natural alternative to exterminating or repelling fleas. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can be used both orally or topically, though it is best to use both forms if your dog actively has fleas. Using coconut oil in your shampoo at a minimum of a 50/50 ratio will kill fleas on your dog within hours. Additionally, when using coconut oil orally, you need to start with a minimal amount and build up from there; otherwise, your dog may end up with diarrhea.

However, don’t forget about your house. Even after you have gotten rid of the fleas that were on your dog, you still need to address the fleas in your home. If you don’t, they will either reattach to your dog, other pets, or even to you, a couple of natural methods to get rid of fleas in your home are:

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is fossilized algae ground down into a powder. Diatomaceous earth cuts the flea’s exoskeleton since it is essentially teeny-tiny razor-sharp flakes. Additionally, diatomaceous earth will dehydrate the fleas after cutting their exoskeleton. 

To use this, sprinkle on areas suspected to house fleas, allow it to sit undisturbed overnight, then vacuum it up. 

Diatomaceous earth should never be applied to your dog.

Steam Vacuum

Using a steam vacuum will kill and remove fleas at all life stages from your home. It is important to use attachments when available to remove fleas from tight or small areas, such as where the floor and baseboards meet. 

Be sure to dump the bag or canister outside.

Final thoughts

Fleas are always a challenge to get rid of, so prevention is critical. I use multiple natural flea prevention methods since they are often safe to use together. Mainly when using natural remedies as a preventive both in and outside of our home. 

I know that it can be a pain to keep up with some of the prevention methods that require follow up, but it is a lot less work-intensive than having to eradicate fleas from your home.