Tick off ticks and flee fleas
Guest Blog by Susan Lintell
Tick off Ticks & Flee from Fleas with Essential Oils
It’s peak Flea and Tick season again, the most active time for fleas and ticks. If your dog is scratching and you’re wondering how to repel and kill fleas and ticks, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to get rid of these unwelcome freeloaders.
Essential oils get rid of fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks hate essential oils. They sniff out pets and people, so essential oils work masking your dog’s scent, and actually repel them.
Essential oils are also a natural and effective way to support your dog’s wellbeing, to prevent common ailments, help with illnesses, and improve health.
Application for Dogs
There are three different ways to use essential oils. Just like with people, you can use them aromatically, topically, and internally. Great to use essential oils in a diffuser or topically.
Always use caution when using essential oils on your dog and consult with your vet before trying anything new.
Topically
Essential oils can be mixed with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, and rubbed into hour dog’s fur and legs. When using essential oils on dogs, it’s important to dilute the oils properly to avoid skin irritation. The dilution ratio for essential oils varies depending on the size of your dog, their age, and other factors.
For ticks or fleas, a good dilution is roughly five drops of essential oils mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil and then rubbed into the fur. Avoid the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals.
Aromatically
Your dog has millions more olfactory receptors than you do, so they will be naturally more sensitive to essential oils. Diffusing oils around dogs is a great way to benefit your dog on a regular basis. Use a dōTERRA water-based diffuser on an intermittent setting, with one to three drops at a time in water. Always give your dog the option to exit the room by leaving the door open. This way, you can start to understand which oils they prefer!
Internally
Always contact your vet before giving your dog anything internally.
Some of the best oils for repelling fleas and ticks
Geranium Top of the list for repelling ticks.
Cedarwood A natural insect repellent that can help to keep fleas and ticks away.
Lavender A natural insecticide, great for repelling fleas and ticks. It also has a calming effect, which can be helpful for anxious or nervous dogs. Lavender oil prevents tick eggs from hatching.
Lemongrass Another natural flea and tick repellent.
Peppermint
Its strong scent repels fleas and ticks, with a cooling effect to soothe itchy or irritated skin.
Fun ways to use essential oils on your furry friend
Make your own dog collar Soak a bandana in a mixture of essential oils and water. Let it dry and then tie it around your dog's neck for a fashionable and effective flea and tick repellent.
Playtime with Essential Oils
To repel fleas and ticks, and leave everything smelling fresh and clean.
Dog Massage
To repel fleas and ticks, but it will also promote relaxation and bonding between you and your furry friend.
Flea & Tick Spray
Ingredients
· 60ml Aloe vera juice or distilled water
· 5 drops of Cedarwood,
· 4 drops of Lavender,
· 3 drops Geranium,
· 1drop Lemongrass,
· 60ml glass spray bottle.
Method
· Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle,
· Shake before each use,
· Spray your dog's coat before heading out on a walk or hike,
· Avoid eyes and nose area,
· Reapply every 2-3 hours or as needed.
Safety
A safe dilution ratio for dogs:
· 0.1-1% dilution of essential oil per kilogram of body weight. For example, if your dog weighs 10 kilograms, the maximum recommended amount of essential oil would be 0.1-1 ml of essential oil diluted in a carrier oil
· Some essential oils are toxic to dogs, and your dog may have allergic reactions to some oils. Always consult with your vet before using essential oils on your dog, especially if they have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking any medications.
Essential oils should always be diluted before you use them on your dog. Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as dōTERRA fractionated coconut oil, at a ratio of 1:10 (one drop of essential oil to 10 drops of carrier oil). Never apply essential oils near your dog's eyes, nose, or mouth, and avoid using essential oils on puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with medical conditions.
And remember…not all essential oils are safe. Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs, especially if ingested or applied in large quantities.
Always use caution when using essential oils on your dog, and to consult with your vet before trying anything new.
It’s really important to use the right brand. With doTERRA essential oils you're getting CPTG Certified 100% Pure Tested Grade™ oils. Consult your vet before using any essential oils.
With a little creativity, you can find all sorts of fun and effective ways to keep fleas and ticks at bay!
Have fun and enjoy keeping your furry friend pest-free!
For more recipes and advice on using essential oils on your pet contact
Susan Lintell
dōTERRA Wellness Advocate
+44(0)7797756117
www.linkedin.com/in/susanlintell