Fleas and ticks are tiny insects that consume the blood of mammals, including humans. Some signs of a flea or tick infestation include scratching, red and irritated skin, inflammation, and even hair loss. Moreover, fleas and ticks aren’t just uncomfortable — they can carry serious diseases. Unfortunately, dogs are one of the most susceptible animals to flea and tick infestation. 

While such infestations can be treated using Frontline plus flea and tick for dogs and dog heartworm flea tick medication, essential oils are a more natural alternative. Here are the best essential oils to prevent flea and tick infestation in dogs:

1. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass is a great essential oil to treat flea and tick infestation because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antimicrobial properties. To use lemongrass oil for flea prevention, add two drops of the oil to your dog’s food or water bowl. You can also apply the oil directly to your dog’s body by rubbing it on their fur.

2. Lavender oil

Lavender is also an antimicrobial, so it will be able to kill any fleas or ticks that are living on your dog’s fur or skin. There are various ways to treat flea and tick infestation with lavender oil, including using it to wash your dog’s bedding, spraying it on the dog’s body, and even adding it to their water bowl. 

3. Rosemary oil

Rosemary essential oil is great for treating flea and tick infestation, because its strong antimicrobial properties will be able to kill any fleas or ticks that are living on your dog. You can use rosemary oil to clean your dog’s bedding or add it to their food or water bowl. You can also rub the oil directly onto your dog’s body. 

4. Neem oil

Neem oil also has antimicrobial properties. It’s extremely effective against fleas and ticks, so it’s great for killing them before they can bite your dog. You can also use this oil to wash your dog’s bedding to prevent any fleas or ticks from living on it.

5. Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood essential oil is perfect for treating any skin infection. It’s also very effective at treating any fleas and ticks living on your dog, as it both repels and kills them. You can treat an infestation by adding cedarwood oil to your dog’s bath and using it to wash their bedding.

Essential oils are extremely beneficial to your dog’s health, and they can provide a great deal of comfort. Flea and tick infestation can be uncomfortable and stressful for your pooch, making the calming properties of many of these essential oils an added benefit. Be sure to always dilute the oil and always research the oil you are planning to use; while some can be effective treatments, others are toxic to dogs.