Flea and Tick Repellent Spray for Dogs

Spring is here and summer is coming which means your dog is probably scratching at the door to go outside...and ticks and fleas are on the prowl. We already have one blog post about using essential oils with dogs, but today I want to go into a little bit more detail about how to use aromatherapy to repel fleas and ticks from your dog.

Several studies (like this one and this one) have been conducted to study the efficacy of using essential oils to repel fleas and ticks. These studies, along with anecdotal and historical evidence, have shown that there are essential oils that may be helpful in protecting your dog, which is good news for those of us who prefer using natural, non-toxic remedies. Below we list our favorite tick and flea repellent essential oils. Of course, please remember that dogs are like people: they are all unique and they all react to essential oils differently.  Always be sure to dilute essential oils properly, to avoid application in sensitive areas, and to consult with your vet before using essential oils with your pet.

Essential Oils for Repelling Ticks and Fleas from Your Dog:

1. Lavender

2. Lemon

3. Citronella

4. Clary Sage

5. Cedarwood

6. Lemon Eucalyptus

7. Peppermint

8. Rose Geranium

Creating a Homemade, Natural Flea and Tick Spray

Each of the above oils has been known to be useful for repelling pests from dogs.  In this section, I'll share a recipe for a Flea and Tick Repellent Spray that I have personally found to be effective for the dogs in my life.  Of course, feel free to experiment with different combinations.  If your dog is very sensitive, I recommend adding a few extra ounces of water to dilute the solution a bit or reducing the amounts of essential oil.

Flea and Tick Spray Recipe for Dogs:

Ingredients:

• 7 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 7 drops Cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops of Citronella essential oil
• 5 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil
• 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• 1 tsp castor oil or 15ml grain alcohol/vodka
• 8 ounces of water

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on your dog's fur. Shake well before each use as the oils and the water will likely separate naturally. If you have a small dog or a dog with sensitive skin, reduce the amounts of essential oils.