Ticks and fleas feed on your pet’s blood and can cause various health issues, including allergic reactions and dangerous, tick-borne infections. Fleas and ticks are more commonly found in the summer, and you can identify an infestation by flea droppings (black specks in the fur), flea eggs (white specks in the fur), persistent licking or itching, and hot patches on the skin. Treatment for fleas and ticks at the vet can get expensive, which is why many people purchase pet insurance or dog insurance online. Luckily, you can prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs by using these 5 effective essential oils: 

1. Neem oil

Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the tropical neem tree. The oil has an ancient legacy of use as a folk treatment in many parts of the world, and it treats a variety of ailments. The oil is particularly known for its pungent odor, which repels ticks and fleas. The recommended dilution ratio is one drop of neem oil to ten drops of carrier oil, which can then be applied to the dog’s fur directly or combined with shampoo. 

2. Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil aids in the healing of flea bites and is also an effective flea repellant, since it has a strong aroma that repels pests. However, it is quite potent and might irritate the skin in rare circumstances. Apply this essential oil sparingly, and keep an eye out for any irritation or inflammation on your pet’s skin.

3. Lavender oil

Lavender essential oil is prominent, widely used, and adaptable to aromatherapy. This oil repels fleas and ticks naturally, making it less likely that any of these will burrow into your pet’s fur. It also stops tick eggs from developing, meaning that, if ticks do get into your dog’s skin, they won’t be able to multiply and will die off quickly. Lavender essential oil is calming, antimicrobial, and helps your dog to avoid infection.

4. Lemongrass oil

Extracted from the tropical lemongrass plant, lemongrass oil is popularly used in personal care items and soaps. Lemongrass essential oil contains aldehydes, making it viable for organically repelling insects. To keep your dog flea and tick-free, you can use a spray bottle to  diffuse the oil in their kennel or on their bedding, or you can spray or rub the oil on your dog’s body.

5. Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood essential oil is made from the woods of the cedar tree and is steam distilled. Cedarwood oil is widely used in pest control, since it repulses and kills fleas and ticks on both animals and people. When it is diffused for aromatherapy, anti-parasitic molecules are released into the air, killing any fleas or ticks in the house. For maximum protection, rub and spray your dog with cedarwood essential oil.

If you see these signs, talk to a veterinarian about effective ways to deter and treat these pests. Many veterinarians recommend using products such as Frontline Plus Flea and Tick for dogs or a dog heartworm flea and tick medication to protect your pet in case of an infestation. Afterall, it is better for your dog to never have fleas and ticks, period.