5 Natural Flea Repellent Recipes For Dogs

There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with fleas on our fur family members. Fleas cause discomfort, and can even spread disease and sickness. If you’re seeking a more holistic approach, we have 5 natural flea repellent recipes for dogs, for you to make! 

Natural Flea Repellent Remedies

While commercial flea treatments can be effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your pet as well as the environment. 

That is why many pet owners are turning to natural flea repellents as a safer, and more holistic alternative.

In this article, we’ll explore five easy–to-make natural flea repellent recipes that are safe for dogs, and can be made with common household ingredients. 

Why You Should Make Your Own Natural Flea Repellent

There are many reasons why someone might choose to make their own natural flea repellents for their pets. 

One of the main benefits is that it allows you to control the ingredients that go into the product, so you can avoid any harsh chemicals or toxins that may be found in commercial flea treatments. 

Additionally, making your own flea repellent can be a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially if you purchase the ingredients in bulk. 

Natural flea repellent can often be just as effective as commercial treatments, while providing a more gentle  and holistic approach to pest control. 

Lastly, being able to DIY the things you need, brings you one step closer to self-sufficiency and sustainability. 

Commercial Flea Medicine Can Be Toxic To Dogs

It’s completely up to you whether you opt for flea medication from a local pet store or your veterinarian, and I certainly won’t judge you for your decision. 

I myself used commercial flea treatment on my pets for many years. But after my dog’s health declined and he passed away, I stopped using it. 

I believe that the flea medication I purchased from my vet was a significant contributing factor to his illness. 

Reports of side effects from flea medicine have been on the rise. Including symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions like seizures and even death. 

Upon examining the ingredients in the flea medication and their intended effects, it seems plausible that their use could have a detrimental impact on our beloved dogs. 

Ultimately, the choice to use flea medication, or make your own natural repellent is a personal one. You know what’s best for you and your animals. 

Lifecycle of A Flea

In order to successfully beat the battle with fleas and be victorious, you need to understand their lifecycle. 

The lifecycle of a flea is a four stage process consisting of:

1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult

Flea eggs are laid on the host animal, your dog, but soon fall off and into the environment, where they hatch into larvae. 

The larvae feed on organic matter and adult flea feces, and after a few weeks, they enter the pupa stage. 

The pupae can remain dormant for several months until environmental conditions are suitable. Such as the presence of a host animal, warmth, and humidity. 

Finally, the adult flea emerges and seeks a blood meal from a host animal to begin the cycle anew. 

Adult fleas can survive up to several months without feeding, but they require blood to reproduce. 

The entire lifecycle can take as little as two weeks , but it can also take several months depending on the environmental conditions. 

This is why you have new fleas emerge after you think you’ve eradicated them. 

Persistence and re-application of flea treatments are a must, as well as observation. This will be the key to your success.

What Is The Best Natural Flea Repellent For Dogs?

These are simple one ingredient natural flea repellents that are insanely easy to make.

You can use any of the below suggestions, or try one of our recipes below. I suggest using a combination of methods in order to keep a stronghold on the flea population.

Apple Cider Vinegar For A Natural Flea Repellent

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural flea repellent for dogs. It has acidic properties that repel fleas and other insects. 

To use apple cider vinegar as a flea repellent, dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio and use it as a spray on your dog’s fur. 

Alternatively, you can add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl to repel fleas from the inside out.

Essential Oils For Flea Repellents

See below about toxic oils for dogs. 

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and cedarwood, have flea-repelling properties. 

To use essential oils as a flea repellent, mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as a spray on your dog’s fur. 

Alternatively, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your dog’s shampoo or dilute it with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it directly to your dog’s fur.

Use Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Fleas

Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. 

It is safe for pets and humans but deadly to fleas. 

To use diatomaceous earth as a flea repellent, sprinkle it on your dog’s fur and bedding. The powder will dehydrate fleas, killing them.

Wear a mask when using DE or any fine powder to avoid lung irritation. 

Rosemary Repels Fleas

Rosemary is a herb with flea-repelling properties. 

To use rosemary as a flea repellent, boil fresh rosemary in water, let it cool, and use the water as a spray on your dog’s fur.

 Alternatively, you can add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to water and use it as a spray. See recipe below. 

Lemon Is a Natural Flea Repellent

Lemon is another natural flea repellent for dogs. Much like apple cider vinegar, fleas don’t like the smell  of lemons.

To use lemon as a flea repellent, cut a lemon into thin slices and boil it in water.

Let it cool, and then use it as a spray on your dog’s fur.

Alternatively, you can mix lemon juice with water and use it as a spray.

5 Homemade Recipes for Natural Flea Repellent

I am a firm believer that sometimes more is better. Especially when it comes to coffee and herbs.

If apple cider vinegar is good for repelling fleas and herbs are good for repelling fleas, why not combine the two for a more effective natural flea repellent?

Get a jump start on flea season this year by making our 5 homemade natural flea repellent recipes.

#1 Apple Cider Vinegar and Essential Oil Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water.
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar.
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before using.
3. Spray on your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
4. Use as needed to repel fleas.

#2 Rosemary and Cedarwood Spray Flea Repellent

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water.
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar.
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves.
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil.

Instructions:

1. Boil the rosemary leaves in water for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the water and let it cool.
3. Mix the rosemary water, apple cider vinegar, and cedarwood essential oil in a spray bottle.
4. Shake well before using.
5. Spray on your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
6. Use as needed to repel fleas.

#3 Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Ingredients:

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth
• Dried herbs (such as rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus)

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 cup of food-grade diatomaceous earth with 1/2 cup of dried herbs in a large bowl.
2. Mix the ingredients well to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the diatomaceous earth.
3. Sprinkle the mixture lightly over carpets, pet bedding, and other areas where fleas may be present.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for several hours or overnight.
5. Vacuum the treated areas thoroughly to remove any remaining diatomaceous earth and herbs.

Note: Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that can irritate your lungs if inhaled, so it’s important to wear a mask when applying the mixture and to keep pets and children away from the treated areas until it’s been vacuumed up.

#4 Lemon and Eucalyptus Flea Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water.
• 1 cup white vinegar.
• 1 lemon, sliced.
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil.

Instructions:

1. Boil the lemon slices in water for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Strain the lemon water and add the white vinegar and eucalyptus oil.
4. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
5. Shake well before using.
6. Spray on your dog’s fur, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
7. Use as needed to repel fleas.

#5 Lavender and Cedarwood Powder

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup food-grade diatomaceous earth.
• 1/2 cup baking soda.
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil.

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle the mixture on your dog’s fur and bedding.
3. Rub the mixture into your dog’s fur.
4. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
5. Brush your dog’s fur to remove the powder.

Which Essential Oils Are Toxic To Dogs?

It’s important to be aware of the essential oils that are toxic to dogs before using them for any purposes. 

Some essential oils can cause adverse reactions. Such as skin irritation, vomiting, and even seizures or organ failure if ingested in large quantities. 

Essential oils that are particularly toxic to dogs include:

• Tea Tree Oil.
• Pennyroyal Oil.
• Wintergreen Oil.
• Pine Oils.

Other oils listed below can also be harmful if not diluted properly. 

• Cinnamon Oil.
• Clove Oil.
• Oregano Oil.

Use any essential oils in moderation. 

Natural Flea Repellents

Using natural flea repellents is a safe and effective way to protect your furry friend from fleas. 

Apple cider vinegar, essential oils, diatomaceous earth, rosemary, and lemon are all great natural flea repellents for dogs. Additionally, these homemade recipes are easy to make and use. 

However, if your dog has a severe flea infestation, it is recommended to seek the advice of a veterinarian for the best course of action. 

With a little effort and these natural flea repellents, you can keep your dog flea-free and healthy.

Why Doesn’t My Natural Flea Repellent Work?

When it comes to herbs and natural remedies, it’s important to remember that they don’t work in the same way as commercial products.

This is a lesson I remind myself of often.

Many people have claimed that natural approaches don’t work for them and have gone back to their old commercial brand without doing any research on why the natural approach didn’t work.

We have been conditioned by the commercial industry to expect instant satisfaction and results, but in the natural world, results take time.

Getting rid of fleas from your home and pets is a multi-step process that involves considering your pet’s health, your home, your yard, and preventative care.

As much as we would all love a magic all-natural spray that can eradicate fleas with just one application, unfortunately, such a product doesn’t exist when it comes to taking a holistic approach.

Diligence and consistency are your true magic spray when it comes to natural flea prevention.

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