Natural Flea Defense Options: Essential Oils for Fleas on Dogs

Although we rarely see them, fleas can cause serious discomfort for our dogs, especially during the warmer months. At some point, you may find yourself searching for ways to prevent a flea problem. Or worse, you might already be dealing with an infestation and desperately looking for a solution.

There are many flea treatment options available on the market, from natural essential oils to strong chemical spot-ons, and choosing the right one for your pet can be a challenge. You might even wonder if those natural options are safe and efficient.

We are here to answer all your concerns about essential oils for fleas on dogs. We will find out what the best option is to keep your dog safe and sound!

Why Do We Need to Keep Away Fleas?

Fleas might be tiny, but not harmless! They are attracted to dogs because they provide them with the perfect conditions. Inside the dog’s coat, they find warmth and moisture, and of course, fresh food (blood).

They can attach to different body parts, including:

• Neck and ears
• In-between toes
• Base of the tail
• Belly and inner thighs

After attaching, they reproduce rapidly and can lay up to 50 eggs per day. And if you ignore all of this, you will only give the fleas and ticks the perfect conditions for attacking your dog.

Fleas and ticks, if found on time, can be treated, and you can avoid the worst-case scenario, serious disease, or even death as a consequence. Once you start suspecting that your dog has fleas or ticks, include some natural remedy, or even better, ask for professional health advice.

Remember that if you keep ignoring this problem, you will also increase the chances of flea infestation in your home!

• Constant itching
• Skin damage
• Anemia
• Flea dirt
• Biting and gnawing
• Sore skin
• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Household infestations

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are still chemicals, but they are derived from plant materials and can be used as antimicrobials, medications, pesticides, and as home refreshers. These oils are highly concentrated to bring the natural “essence” of a plant.

Essential oils can be made from different parts of the plants and they are known for their strong aromas. Usage of these oils goes back to the ancient Egypt, from which many other medicines and scientific reveals came from.

However, us, modern people, started actively using them in the early 20th century when the interest for natural remedies and holistic health became more popular.

Essential oils are made with extraction with the process of steam distillation. The process is simple, steam passes through the plant material and causes the oil to evaporate. Other common methods include:

• Cold pressing
• Solvent extraction
• CO2 extraction

Besides the holistic approach of using essential oils, there are other ways in which these oils can be used:

• Aromatherapy
• Cleaning
• Topical application
• Pest repelling
• Beauty and care

Here are common popular essential oils for repelling fleas: ‘

• Basil
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary
• Rose Geranium
• Cedarwood
• Clove

Can Essential Oils Kill Fleas?

People look for natural treatment options, and that is the main reason for the popularity of essential oils. It is not necessarily the safest option, however it helps pets a lot.

Chemical treatments are widely used, but they can cause side effects and leave harmful residues in the environment. One study evaluated the in vitro effectiveness of five essential oils, Zanthoxylum limonella, citronella, clove, peppermint, and ginger against ticks and fleas, and examined the skin sensitivity in dogs.

The following results were found:

• At 16% concentration, all five oils significantly reduced tick egg-laying.
• At 2% and above, they effectively killed tick larvae.
• A 4% concentration rapidly eliminated fleas, and clove oil killed 100% of fleas within 1 hour.
• Clove oil at 16% was the most effective and safest for use on dogs' skin.

So, science says that essential oils can be a safe and effective natural alternative to chemical flea and tick treatments.

The only problem is that not every dog will have the same reaction and efficiency. That is why, before applying any new holistic medicine on your dog, first, do a patch test. This way, you will test how your dog responds to that specific treatment.

What Other Uses Do Essential Oils Have?

No matter your purpose, before applying essential oils, we advise you to consult with your vet. There are many ways in which essential oils can be used, and here are some of them:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Skin and coat care
• Odor control

Side Effects of Essential Oils

Not always the natural option is the best option. It is mainly because of the unwanted incidents that might happen during the application. Dogs might accidentally swallow, and gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea can arise.

Respiratory distress is another incident that might happen. These oils are very concentrated, and even a minor mistake while diluting the oil can be harmful to your dog. Signs like rapid breathing and coughing can happen during the application.

After the essential oil absorbs and enters the bloodstream, it can also lead to some serious side effects. This includes bleeding, organ failure, fever, seizure, collapse, coma, or even death.

What Really Works to Protect Your Dogs?

There are numerous brands in the market introducing various anti-flea and tick products. And sometimes it can be challenging to find the right one, as it should be both effective and without any side effects. Here comes Furlife with its various product types - collars, pendants, sprays, and chews. It is ok to choose only one or to combine some of them to make sure your pet is protected 100%.

Among the many options available on the market, FurLife stands out with its fast-acting, custom formula designed to meet your dog’s specific needs. Made with natural ingredients, it delivers effective flea and tick protection without unwanted side effects.

Many FurLife customers describe it as a lifesaver, even a game-changer that makes life with their pets easier. The ingredients are carefully selected to repel, eliminate, and protect against fleas and ticks at all life stages, both on your dog and in your home environment.

Here’s what you can find in the FurLife product range:

Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs

This waterproof collar is suitable for dogs of all sizes and helps protect against ticks, fleas, and even bugs. With your purchase, you’ll also receive a free anti-flea and tick eBook filled with tips on prevention and care.

The collar uses a SmartRelease system that gradually distributes natural essential oils around your dog’s neck. This helps guard against harmful pests and the diseases they may carry.

Thanks to its water-resistant design, your dog can continue enjoying water activities without any issues. If the collar is too long, you can simply trim it for a perfect fit. It contains a synergistic blend of lemon eucalyptus, linaloe oil, cinnamon oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Flea & Tick Chews for Dogs

FurLife's flea and tick chews offer a natural approach to pest prevention using a powerful blend of ingredients like garlic, brewer’s yeast, and apple cider vinegar. These components not only help deter fleas and ticks but also support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

The chews help reduce common signs of infestation such as constant scratching, flea dirt, tick paralysis, and stress-related behaviors. They're designed to protect your dog from both pests and the diseases they may carry.

Made with 100% natural ingredients, these chews are suitable for all breeds and provide a simple, effective way to keep fleas, ticks, and other bugs at bay.

Flea & Tick Pendant for Dogs

FurLife’s protective pendant is another effective option for keeping your dog safe from fleas and ticks. Made with 100% natural ingredients, including camphor oil, mulberry oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, and peppermint oil, it offers chemical-free protection that’s also waterproof.

The pendant is designed to be worn outdoors or during times when extra protection is needed. It works by releasing its active ingredients into the air around your dog, creating a protective barrier.

Available in six stylish colors: pink, green, blue, red, black, and grey. This pendant not only defends against pests, but also adds a fashionable touch to your pet’s look.

Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs

Lastly, FurLife’s flea and tick spray has a dual-action formula that protects both your pets and your home. It’s made with a potent botanical blend of cedarwood oil, spearmint oil, and sesame oil, offering a natural yet effective solution against pests.

A single bottle typically lasts between one to two months, depending on how many pets you have, their size, and how often you use the spray.

Final Thought: Does Essential Oils Kill Fleas?

Beside the usage of essential oils for fleas and ticks on dogs, there are plenty of other purposes in which they can be used. These oils have calming, and odor control properties.

There is no definitive answer on the question if essential oils can kill fleas on dogs. The efficacy depends on the concentration, way of application, and severity of the problem with fleas and ticks.

The safest option is to find a natural blend available on the market that provides protection for your pet. One of those options can be found at FurLife with plenty of available products!

Have you thought about chews, pendants, and sprays instead of the conventional collars? If yes, then visit FurLife and pick your favourite product!