If you have a dog suffering from fleas it can be tough to understand what the best solution is given all the harmful substances in many products. You have most likely heard your fair share of the horror tales about substances in most of these products, as well as their negative effects. Fleas themselves may cause your pet to have allergic reactions, skin discomforts, and anemia.
Using chemical treatments to get rid of the fleas could cause a wide variety of unwanted effects like irreversible nerve damage, tremors, nausea, skin discomforts, and respiration difficulties. Natural treatments like eucalyptus oil for fleas can get rid of all the trouble of these pests without substances that can harm your dog, and all the while helping to maintain your dog’s coat so that it stays wholesome and lively. There are also other insects along with fleas that loathe the scent of eucalyptus oil.
How to Get Rid of the Fleas
You’ll need an all-natural bottle of no-tear pet shampoo, as well as a towel and eucalyptus essential oil, to dispose of the flea issue in your pet. In order to experience the most of eucalyptus oil’s amazing benefits, you can apply the use of an eye-dropper to gauge the eucalyptus oil, and use it to add drops of the oil into the bottle of shampoo (approximately 7 drops to 32 oz and 3-4 into a 16 oz bottle of shampoo). Be sure to properly mix so that they become one substance.
- Get your bathtub water running, and put it at a cozy, warm temperature. Wet your pet totally all over. Set a cotton ball in every ear to prevent soap and water from entering their ears.
- Bathe your pet as you usually would while using this particular eucalyptus shampoo, making a pleasant rich lather from head-to-toe, using care to not get the shampoo combination too close to the eyes, ears, mouth, or genitals.
- Allow the mixture to sit for around a minute or two before rinsing. Repetition is key here, so shampoo, let it sit, and then rinse it one more time. Be sure to rinse the shampoo out thoroughly, as any remaining residue can irritate your dog’s skin.
- Towel dry your pet and follow-up with a blow drying session – just be sure that the temperature is set to cool.
- Make sure your dog is fully dried and combed through.
Additionally, you can also rub eucalyptus oil in your dog’s collar or a removable bandana to act as an all-natural flea collar! When it comes to managing fleas, remember that fleas also live in your pet’s environment. For every flea you find in your pet’s fur, you can assume that there are several others in your home. It is best to tackle a flea infestation from all angles. So for more tips on eradicating fleas naturally, be sure to check out EarthEasy’s natural flea control guide.
Essential Oils for Pets Warning
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the use of essential oils for pets, much of which has been focused on the potential dangers. As we know, pets are often much more sensitive to substances than humans are, which includes sensitivity to essential oils. When it comes to using essential oils for pets, it is always best to be cautious and we must consider the effects of all possible interactions with the oil, which can include inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin. But this does not mean that essential oils cannot be used safely for your pet, just ask holistic veterinarian, Dr. Melissa Shelton.
When it comes to eucalyptus oil for the treatment of fleas, only use it on your dog as instructed above being careful to avoid prolonged exposure in sensitive areas like the ears, nose, and genitals. It is never advisable use eucalyptus oil or any essential oil undiluted for your pet nor is it safe for their consumption.
While we do feel comfortable recommending eucaltptus oil for dogs, we do not recommend the use of eucalyptus oil for cats. It is well documented that the eucalyptus plant is toxic to cats when ingested, and there have been reports of poisoning through the use of undiluted eucalyptus essential oils. In addition to very acute senses of smell, cats have delicate and thin skin, which allows for quicker absorption of these concentrated substances into the bloodstream. Most importantly, cat lack the enzymes that allow humans and other animals to metabolize certain substances, which means that cats can’t efficiently metabolize some of the compounds in essential oils. This can lead to toxic build-up in their bodies over time. While some believe that use of essential oils for cats in moderation can be safe, ultimately we do not know what concentration of oil would be a toxic to fleas while still being nontoxic to cats.
The bottom line when using essential oils for pet is to always use high-quality essential oils in a diluted form, introduce the oils slowly, and always be sure to monitor your pet’s behavior and symptoms for any signs of distress or discomfort.
RJ says
August 26, 2015 at 5:21 amThanks. Exact info I was looking for and didn’t find elsewhere.
Shelby Daley says
August 26, 2015 at 12:30 pmHey RJ,
Glad you found what you were looking for! Let us know how it goes.
Be Well,
The NAR Team
Linda says
August 30, 2015 at 5:00 pmI was wondering about the oil for the collar. Do you also dilute it to put it on the collar or do you just put it on straight? Thanks.
Shelby Daley says
August 31, 2015 at 1:47 pmHi Linda,
Great question! While some use undiluted essential oils on their pet’s collar, we know that animals are more sensitive to essential oils than we are, which is why we always recommend diluting the oil. We also recommend introducing essential oils to your pet gradually, observing your pet to ensure that he or she is not experiencing any adverse effects. So if you have never used eucalyptus essential oil on your dog before, try over-diluting the oil in a safe carrier and upping the concentration over time or using the essential oil on yourself first to allow your pet to get acquainted with the smell.
A good rule of thumb for small animals like cats and smaller dogs is a dilution of at least 5-10 drops of carrier oil for every 1 drop of essential oil and only using 3 drops of essential oil total at a time. For large dogs, you can start with slightly less carrier oil. That said, be sure to find the safest concentration for the oil you are using, as some oils are only tolerated at much lower levels (some as low as 0.1-1%).
Using eucalyptus essential oil on your dog’s collar can be a great option for repelling fleas, but in case you don’t want the lingering scent on their everyday collar, you can also use a apply the oil to a bandana, which can be easily taken on and off your pet as desired. Let us know how it works for you and your furry friend!
Be Well,
The NAR Team
Peg says
November 5, 2015 at 10:41 amEucalyptus and CATS. I heard it was toxic to them? Your thoughts. Thanks.
Shelby Daley says
November 5, 2015 at 3:28 pmHi Peg,
Thank you for your comment! In response to your question, we updated our essential oil warning above to clarify our thoughts on using eucalyptus oil specifically for cats (as our original recommendations were geared toward its use on dogs). We hope that you find this information helpful.
Be Well,
The NAR Team
Susie says
November 15, 2015 at 3:33 pmJust the straight E oil on a cotton bandana?
Shelby Daley says
November 16, 2015 at 12:04 amHi Susie,
Thanks for your question. While some use undiluted essential oils on their pet’s collar or a cotton bandana, we know that animals are more sensitive to essential oils than we are, which is why we always recommend diluting the oil starting to introduce the oil slowly.
We hope this helps you and your furry friend!
Be Well,
The NAR Team
C says
November 27, 2015 at 2:07 pmIt should be noted that putting a scent on your dog that they don’t like is torture! To find out if they hate the smell of the oil you are about to use let them smell it first and read their body language. I usually put a few drops on a cotton ball or my wrist, I almost used a eucalyptus / mint flea treatment then found out my girl HATES mint!