DIY Natural Flea Repellent: The Safe and Effective Way to Protect Your Dog from Fleas
Stop wasting your money on harsh and expensive flea repellents that don’t work. Learn how to create your own DIY natural flea repellent for your dogs now!
DIY Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs
It’s that time of the year. Flea and pest season. Ugh. It absolutely makes my skin crawl just thinking about it! I’m not sure about you guys, but my luck with finding a “good” flea repellant has been nonexistent. I’ve tried all the veterinarian-recommended brands, some over-the-counter, and even one for farm animals that I’m embarrassed to admit that I tried!
And guess what? Not a dag one of them worked. It might have worked for a few days, but that’s about it. Does anybody else have this problem? It’s annoying, isn’t it? Not to mention, ridiculously gross.
But guess what? I have found a solution, and I no longer have flea problems.
Seriously! Want to know my secret?
It’s called lavender essential oil, and it’s the best DIY Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs.
No joke! I use one simple, itty-bitty little essential oil on my dogs (every other day for right now!), and the fleas have hit the road!
Personally, I use a handful of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and two drops of lavender. I rub the mixture together in my hands and massage it all over one dog. If you remember, I have three so it takes a few minutes, but it’s sooooo worth it!
I’ve noticed less itching and scratching not to mention, that lavender is also a natural remedy to ease anxiety in dogs as well. A complete win-win all around!
My Favorite DIY Natural Flea Repellent for Dogs
PLUS, there are a few other ways you can also use lavender on your dogs. Try these too:
- 5-10 drops of lavender added to your dog’s shampoo
- A few drops added to your dog’s water bowl
- Or add a few drops on your dog’s favorite resting spot (think: bedding, couch, rug, etc)
So, how do you get lavender essential oil? You can order it through your local essential oil guru (think Young Living Essential Oils or Doterra), or through a reputable source. For instance, make sure when you purchase your own lavender essential oil it is 100% pure and undiluted. This is key!
Not only have I been using these products on the dogs, but my daughter, husband, and myself.
Lastly, please remember that not all essential oils are created equally. Sure, you might be able to find a better price at Walmart, but I’ll bet ya dollars to donuts that it isn’t pure and probably won’t work either!
One last thing. I promise! A few seasons ago I raved about the healing power of lavender essential oil on your pups (against fleas & itching). While I still stand by this method sometimes you just need… well, more. My sheltie gets the worst hot spots as well, and I found an amazing shampoo to help the poor guy out. I highly recommend it if your pups are having the same problems!
If you loved these ideas then you’ll definitely want to browse some of my other pet-inspired projects that are full of step-by-step tutorials as well as freebies galore! Can’t wait to see you again!
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DISCLAIMER: Also, please keep in mind that I am not a doctor or any type of health professional whatsoever. I am only suggesting what I have personally tried, liked, and from my own research with this product.
This post was updated in July 2022.
We treat our dogs every month and I always worry about the chemicals. I’ll have to give this a try since I have lavender oil.
I would highly encourage it Erlene! The crazy chemicals in all of the pet products completely scare me! This is by far my favorite (and most affective!) way to go.
Is it just straight lavender oil
Hi Crystal. That is correct. However, just remember to use some kind of oil (olive, coconut, etc.) as a base with the lavender. It’ll be too strong for your pets if you put it on without a base. Have a great summer!
So I have a boxer and a yorkie. I’ve bought capstar and it helped for about 2 days. That’s it! I washed all bedding…everything. Guess what??? Fleas are back! I need help!!!!!!!! Will the oil leave them greasy? They are house dogs.
Hi Amy! I have a Shetland Sheltie (lots of hair!) and a Boxer/Lab Mix, and both are indoor dogs. Personally, I didn’t notice any greasiness with either dog. However, you might need to try a little less (oil) with your Yorkie. Thankfully with EVOO it’s actually really good for your dog’s skin as well (dryness and/or dandruff) so it’s an added bonus! Just remember to keep applying every few days for the best results. Best of luck 🙂
We had some really bad flea problems with our dogs last year and I vowed the same thing would not happen again this year. This post may well have solved my problems. Thanks!
I definitely feel your pain, Danny! Last year was so miserable for us too. Trust me, you will be so happy that you tried this product. Totally worth it!!
Wow! Great idea. I also have 3 crazy dogs, so I should be putting lavender all over the place. I’m trying this tomorrow!
Hi Shannon! You will be so happy that you did 🙂 I absolutely LOVE it!
Wow Lz I had no idea lavender oil was a flea repellent. I will definitely add some to my dog’s bed! Thanks so much for sharing this tip at Dream. Create. Inspire. Link. Take care, Tara
No problem, Tara! I absolutely love using lavender for a hundred different remedies, but this is by far my favorite 🙂
I am going to have to give this a try! I always hate to give my pets those icky chemical flea meds. Thanks for sharing!
I couldn’t agree more Sarena! This is so much better for our little furry friends 🙂
Thank you for sharing these great tips at the Home Matters Party! So glad I came across your amazing blog!
Thanks for stopping by Allie, and can’t wait to check out your party again next week 🙂
Have you tried using it as a spray for the carpet? Just curious? How would you go about mixing?
Hi Samantha, and that is a great question! It can’t hurt to try, but I couldn’t tell you for sure if it would work.
I have tried this….it’s not working like you said…..what am I doing wring? Still want to try this.
Hi Faye! That’s a great question. I’m using this method again on my three dogs (a Sheltie, Beagle, and Boxer/Lab mix), and it’s going good! You will definitely need to do it on a weekly basis (my go-to amount) with just a few drops on each dog (with olive oil or something similar). Maybe try a good flea shampoo, and after 24 hours then use the lavender as a deterrent? Have you sprayed your yard for fleas? When my husband and I first moved into our current home we needed to spray that first year just to get the flea population under control. Hopefully this helps, and best of luck!
Wow , this year fleas are monsters for my two dogs. I actually in panic and frustration started surfing the site and foumd your post. It’s 1 am and my dogs need relief asap. I can’t sleep they are scratching so bad. I immediately got out my oils. Lavender is one I keep up in Stock. I immediately used it and my dogs have not scratched one time as I write this. I also have a lavender room spray. I put a few squirts on my bedding and in the air. They still have not scratched. It’s amazing. Thank you. They are now asleep and I am going there too. Thanks for saving the night.
You are most welcome, and I completely understand. I’ve been in your shoes one too many times! So happy to help 🙂
Is this safe to use on cats?
From my own research (as well as what I’ve heard from others) I believe it is. However, I highly recommend reading up on it just in case. Best of luck 🙂
I’m reading your article and my dog was scratching like crazy in bed, I put some of my lavander oil and rubbed it all over my dogs fur, like magic he stoped scratching. The lavander oil also relaxed him because he is already asleep.
Thank you so much!!
Isn’t it wonderful?! So happy it worked beautifully 🙂
I am about to try this I really hope it works
Hi Ivette! I’d definitely try a few dosages, but it’s always been a lifesaver for me. Best of luck 🙂