Fleas

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When using essential oils around cats, keep in mind that their sense of smell is incredibly sensitive. Watch for signs that may indicate that you’ve used too much and provide the cat with a "safe" place to escape to.

Signs of “too much” include: squinting eyes, confusion, extreme sleepiness, disorientation, vomiting, acting drunk or unusually violent.

Lavender is the safest and most excellent “all around” and versatile essential oil to use with pets.

To catch fleas in the home: Fill a large plate or shallow bowl with soapy water and position a bright lamp over the plate/bowl at night. The fleas are attracted to the light and jump towards it. They land in the soapy water and cannot get out.

In a nutshell, there are four main things I consider when using oils with a dog:
1. Is the oil generally safe for children? If yes, then it's probably safe for my dog. Instead of Tea Tree, personally I'd use Manuka or Niaouli.
2. Dilute with a carrier and use essential oils at 1-2% when applying on a dog.
3. Avoid using on puppies younger than 8 weeks for a medium-large breed and 10 weeks for a small/toy breed.
4. If you diffuse essential oils, allow the dog a way of escape if he/she wishes to get away from the aroma.

The Top 20 Essential Oils for Dogs (from Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell):
Carrot Seed
Cedarwood Atlas
Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Roman
Clary Sage
Eucalyptus radiata
Geranium
Ginger
Helichrysum
Lavender
Mandarin, green
Marjoram, sweet
Myrrh
Niaouli
Orange, sweet/wild
Peppermint
Ravensara
Rose
Thyme chemotypes
Valerian

Avoid Using on Dog
Of the oils we carry, here is a list of those to avoid using by Kristin Leigh Bell
Anise
Birch
Camphor
Cassia
Clove Bud
Hyssop (var decumbens is fine to use)
Oregano
Mountain Savory
Thyme, Red
Yarrow

Dogs
Valerie Worwood suggests a simple flea prevention strategy which may also repel ticks and mosquitoes, and as a bonus, it will keep your dog's coat in good condition. If your dog's coat is suitable for this, wrap a wire brush with several layers of cheesecloth or a similar loosely woven fabric so that the wire bristles protrude about 1-inch, more or less, depending on the length of your dog’s coat. In a bowl of warm water, combine 4 drops of Cedarwood and Pine oil (or you could use any of the following: Citronella, Geranium Rose, Palmarosa, Tea Tree, Clove, Eucalyptus). Dip the brush into this mixture, then brush the coat. This treatment conditions the coat and picks up parasites and their eggs. Thoroughly rinse the brush every few minutes, soak it in the essential oil mixture and continue brushing.

Cats 
For cats, Lavender or Neroil Hydrolat are highly recommended (Veterinary Aromatherapy, Nelly Grosjean). Hydrolats contain essential oils in suspension (unlike merely adding drops of oil to water where they float). Even oils not recommended for internal use because of potential toxicity (see above) can be safely used as a hydrolat internally and externally with cats, including pregnant, nursing and infants. The standard dose for an animal of 110 pounds is 3-4 tablespoons hydrosol per quart of water. Adjust the proportions to suit the weight. Grosjean says, “It should be remembered that frequent doses repeated during the course of the day will be more effective than one strong dose once a day.”

According to Grosjean, essential oils for:
Respiratory issues work well through a diffuser – let the diffuser run between one and two hours per day (cycle on and off with a timer)
Sedatives or tonics – internally or applied topically
Digestion – are best taken with food

Testimonies
1. I had a horrible flea problem in my home but did not want to use harsh chemicals, so I massaged one - two drops of [diluted] Lavender essential oil on the back of my dog's ears. I also added several drops with water in a spray bottle and sprayed it over her dog's bedding. (Shake the bottle frequently.) Within hours the fleas were gone.

2. I put a few drops of Purify in a spray bottle with water and spray my dog and his bedding daily. No more fleas!

3. We used No More Fleas! and that is all it takes to avoid fleas. We live in the country with horses and turkeys next to woodlands and grasslands where fleas are prevalent, but we don't have any flea or tick problems whatsoever.

4. A sweet little Maltese (long, white-haired dog) found me a few years ago. We lived on a farm in southern Texas near the coast, so warmth and humidity made for perfect “flea breeding” ground. This little dog had more fleas on his little body than I had ever seen in my life! His snowy white coat was dingy brown, and his first three baths were horrible. The rinse water ran with fleas’ refuse and blood (from the flea bites). It was truly awful. I didn’t have flea shampoo, so I mixed a drop or two of Peppermint essential oil with Dr. Bonner’s baby mild soap so that I didn’t irritate his skin any further. The fleas died instantly. I bathed him three times with this mixture and then bathed him morning and night for the next six days (for a total of a week) to make sure no new fleas hatched out. I think consistency is very important. Bathing once a week with a mild shampoo and a little essential oil should keep the fleas away!
[HEO's Comment: Peppermint is an aromatically strong scent that may overwhelm your dog. Be sure it is well diluted.]  

5. We use No More Fleas! on dogs and humans: We use this as directed on our dogs and also our ourselves when we head out into the woods or fields around our home. It makes for a good insect deterrent as well as preventing fleas and ticks from bothering us.

6. No More Fleas! is the BEST product we've ever used to prevent fleas and ticks on our dogs. It's amazing! - Sue S.

7. We have five cats, and I alternate using Lavender, Cedarwood, Citronella. I rub a few drops into my hands, and then I rub my hands through the cats’ fur vigorously daily. We have no flea problems at all – not even a single one.

8. We are leery to use straight essential oils with cats, but hydrolats are great. Fleas hate Lavender, so I purchased 4 oz. of the Lavender Hydrolat and put this into a spray bottle. I spray the cat’s bedding several times weekly.

9. I was at a friend’s house and saw fleas crawling all over her Dalmatian. I had some Peppermint essential oil with me and put a few drops in my palms and then stroked his fur. The fleas stopped crawling, but were hopping off of him. I put a few drops into some shampoo so she could bathe him with it, and it virtually took care of the flea problem. He is now flea free.

10. I’ve used both Purify and Lavender during flea “season” and they have worked very well. I put about 20 drops of Lavender in a spray bottle with water (shake frequently). I spray my dog and her bedding daily. Lavender Hydrolat works great too.

11. I have a large, white Great Pyrenees (Misty) and a black Labrador/Healer (Hershey). The Pyrenees lives out with the goats 24/7, rain or shine. She lives in the fields with them, while Hershey is our yard dog and lives outdoors most of the time but is welcome to come inside in extreme weather. I’ve been using No More Fleas on Misty (Pyrenees), but I’d used Front Line on Hershey, so I didn’t think she’d need the No More Fleas. This past weekend I gave them a bath. Hershey was covered in fleas, but Misty didn’t have a single flea on her! I’ve been applying No More Fleas on Misty 2-3 times a week. I put 3-4 drops between her shoulder blades. I separate her long, white hair and try to get it near her skin, but I don’t rub it in. I am so excited about how well this works - no more Front Line on Hershey. No More Fleas is safe, smells better, there’s no toxic odor and I don’t have to worry about it getting on my skin. - Nina R.

12. I have had quite a war going on with fleas for about last 2 months. I ordered the No More Fleas! blend for my Italian Greyhound Chiggy who has occasional seizures, so I'm afraid to use Frontline on him and trigger a seizure (although I am able to use it on my other Chiggy with no history of seizure disorder). I have to say it really does help a lot! I'm almost done with one bottle already (I did not use sparingly!). I am going to order not one more, but at least two more bottles, and I never want to be without this stuff! - Leslie

13. To keep fleas off our indoor cat, I use a couple drops of Lavender in a shaker jar of 20 Mule Team Borax sprinkled on carpeting after each vacuuming. Also on throw rugs or wherever or wherever the kitty hangs out.

14. If essential oils alone don’t get rid of fleas, crush a garlic clove once a day and add to the food.

15. We alternate Lavender and Cleansing daily (one oil one day and the other the next day) on our dog. We have also used Purify. We just put a few drops between the dog’s shoulder blades as flea season starts. Some other oils that I’ve noticed work are: Peppermint, Lemongrass and Spearmint.

16. I have a litter of puppies that I'm selling, and I'm putting together a gift bag for each family that is getting a puppy. I'm including one of your Pet Bar soaps in each bag. I will also include a business card so they know where to buy additional bars if they want to. I ordered the No More Fleas! and made a mixture in a spray bottle. When I take the puppies outside, I mist them with the spray. We haven't had any fleas yet! Yay! - Connie 

17. We use a mixture of equal parts of Lemongrass, Cedarwood Atlas and Purify [No More Fleas!]. About once a week I put 2-3 drops of this blend in my palms and then stroke the spine, especially between my dogs’ shoulder blades, and that is all it takes. We live in the country with horses and turkeys, next to woodlands and grasslands where they are prevalent, and we have no flea or tick problems.

18. I've encountered variables with preventing fleas on our indoor dog depending on the season and location. I made a spray with No More Fleas! diluted with water (aloe vera works as well) at 2% in a 1oz bottle. I shake vigorously then spray his legs and underside before letting him go out where I suspect he’s picking up fleas. This has worked fabulously. I might find an occasional flea, but if I’m diligent, he doesn’t get “infested.” I made the spray in a 1oz bottle so it’s handy (fits in my pocket) and it’s easy to spritz under him (he’s a short dog). The Pet Bar soap is wonderful! - Linda

19. We got your No More Fleas! for our puppy and it is working quite well so far. We do have to put in on her multiple times a week, but I tell her I'm putting her "doggie perfume" on her. I'd much rather use this than Frontline, like we did last time. - Savannah

20. I think fleas consider Orange oil “orange-a-cide.” I found this quote on the Internet: “Orange oil breaks down the wax in their exoskeletons almost right away, and they die fast. I noticed that within five minutes of using it, most of them were dead; within 45 minutes, I had 100% kill rate.”

22. Thank you for No More Fleas blend. It really works! My poor little poodle was constantly being bitten by fleas. I have tried shampoos, monthly topical flea medication and other expensive flea treatments with no success. I saw No More Fleas, and I was skeptical but thought I would give it a try. I gave him a few doses spread out over a few days, washed him and all of his bedding, and much to my delight the fleas were gone and still are. - Angela

23. Our female Shelty has always had a problem with fleas here on our place in the country. She usually stays outdoors, but one night she surprised us with 3 puppies, so indoors they came, fleas and all! We were desperate to get rid of the fleas and get her all cleaned up without using harmful chemicals. We tried the Dairy Meadow Soaps Pet Shampoo Bar and could hardly believe the results! We haven't seen a flea since and her coat is beautiful - very fluffy and shiny! We are totally sold on this product! - Wendy

26. I just wanted to let you know how amazed I am with the Pet Bar soap you're selling. Our little rat terrier, JoJo, was filthy and COVERED with fleas. As soon as I suds her up with the Pet Bar Soap, the fleas quit moving. They never moved again. I've NEVER used a flea soap that actually killed the fleas that quickly, effectively, or thoroughly. I'm sold!! - Faith

27.  Our red heeler dogs have trouble in the summer with flies and bite their ears to the point of bleeding. We have tried all kinds of remedies through the years. Last summer we started spraying No Bites! on the ears, and we had no flies for several hours! We just reapply as needed. Plus, it has such a nice fragrance. NOTHING has been as effective! No Bites! is also our choice for mosquito repellent for our family. It is great! Thank you!! - Diane

28. I made up some No Bites! for our little indoor Maltipoo when we took a trip. I used 2% No Bites! concentrate with Geranium and added aloe vera as the carrier since I didn’t want his poodle-like fur oily. Our dog didn’t get fleas, but I cannot say it’s because of the No Bites! since I’m not certain he was exposed to fleas. I used it proactively when we stopped at rest stops and campgrounds. - Linda