Fleas and ticks on dogs can cause skin irritation and transmit diseases, making your dog miserable. Some of the signs that your dog has fleas and ticks include frequent scratching; red, irritated skin; and rashes. Dog heartworm flea and tick medication is a key fundamental to treat such infestations. However, if you are looking for a more natural, supplementary treatment for fleas and ticks, several essential oils can do the trick:

1. Lemongrass oil

Extracted directly from the lemongrass herb, lemongrass oil is used to deter fleas and ticks on dogs. It contains citronella oil and geraniol oil, which are great anti-flea and tick repellants. Its antibacterial properties can also be vital for wound healing and infection prevention. For best results, try rubbing diluted lemongrass oil on your dog.

2. Cedarwood oil

This oil, obtained from cedar trees, is great for repelling ticks and fleas from dogs due to the citronella and camphor oils it contains. Cedarwood oil is also effective in treating fungal infections in dogs. Other beneficial effects of cedarwood essential oil include pain relief and memory improvement. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Rosemary oil

Rosemary essential oil is obtained from rosemary leaves. Frequently used in biopesticides, its high levels of citronella and camphene oils effectively keep fleas and ticks away from dogs when used topically. It also has the ability to prevent skin infections, especially fungal infections, which is why it is often used as an antiseptic on dogs.

4. Lavender oil

This amazing oil’s antibacterial properties can be used on dogs to kill fleas and ticks. Lavender oil also helps reduce pain and swelling in wounds. The oil can also be used on dogs to prevent infections. However, it is important to seek veterinary advice before using this oil on dogs to avoid allergic reactions.

5. Neem oil

This oil is extracted from neem seeds and has insecticidal and repellent properties for fleas and ticks. If your dog is bitten by a flea, neem oil can be used to repel the insect. Neem oil can also be vital for a dog’s health, as it contains potent properties that can kill worms, prevent infections, and promote the growth of healthy, shiny coats. The oil can be rubbed on dogs’ skin or sprayed directly on the ticks or fleas.

Fleas and tick infestation is never pleasant, but it can be particularly hard on your dog (and hard for you to see your pooch in pain). Luckily, medications, such as Frontline plus flea and tick for dogs, and supplemental essential oil treatments can banish those nasty pests in no time. Be sure to always dilute the oil, as the strength of undiluted oil can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, and always be sure that the oil you want to use is safe and non-toxic for your pet.