DIY Tick & Flea Repellent, Dog & Cat safe
DIY Tick & Flea Repellent. A quick homemade, All Natural Tick and Flea Repellent for Dogs and Cats. A safe alternative to store bought medicine, with a long list of unreadable ingredients.
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for your pets, besides the constant itching and scratching. They can lead to serious health issues. These include Lyme disease, flea allergy dermatitis and in some cases can cause the transfer of tapeworms. I don’t know about you but that makes me a little nauseous.
While conventional treatments can be effective, many pet parents are turning to natural alternatives that are gentle, non-toxic and effective without the risk of harsh chemicals. I mean, do you really want the chewable tablet you are feeding your dog to poison the ticks and fleas from the inside out? I certainly don’t.
Here we go with a back-story,
At one point a few years ago, I had 3 dogs and 4 cats. Living in Benoni, South Africa. A tick hotspot, thanks to the climate, vegetation and suitable hosts. I lived on a farm, surrounded with other farms with lots of livestock. I would find ticks and fleas on my pets constantly. They were living in the soil. I couldn’t get away from them, so I went on a hunt to find a natural alternative.
I found a little dropper mixture from my local vet. When reading the ingredients I was blown away. Could this be so easy? Could I have all these products in my Essential Oil Kit? I didn’t haha but I was only one oil short. Neem oil. This little baby is a key ingredient to this concoction. Neem oil is not sought after for its smell, which is perfect for the little creepy crawley’s catching a ride on the fur of our pets.
This natural DIY Tick & Flea Repellent is a blend of sweet almond oil, neem oil, geranium oil and lavender oil. These plant-based oils not only help deter pests but also nourish your pet’s skin and coat. And yes, when used properly and in the correct dilution, these ingredients are safe for both dogs and cats.
Why Go Natural for a Tick & Flea Repellent?
Natural remedies have been used for centuries to ward off insects and many essential oils are known for their potent repellent properties. Unlike synthetic treatments, natural options can be easier on your pet’s system, especially if your furry friend has sensitivities or allergies. Plus, they smell amazing!
Let’s break down the star ingredients in this natural DIY Tick & Flea repellent.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Sweet Almond Oil (Base Oil) ~ Sweet almond oil is a gentle carrier oil that’s perfect for pets. It’s rich in Vitamin E, highly moisturizing, and helps the essential oils blend evenly and absorb safely into the skin.
- Benefits:
- Soothes dry, irritated skin
- Safe and non-greasy
- Helps distribute essential oils evenly without overwhelming your pet’s senses
- Neem Oil ~ Neem oil is a powerful natural insect repellent that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has a strong scent (a bit nutty and garlicky), which bugs hate, but pets can tolerate in small, diluted amounts.
- Benefits:
- Repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and mites
- Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral
- Promotes healthy skin and can help with hot spots or skin infections
- Completely safe for both dogs and cats when diluted properly
- Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) ~ Geranium oil is well-known for its pleasant floral aroma, but it also acts as a natural flea and tick deterrent. It’s especially effective against ticks.
- Benefits:
- Strong repellent properties
- Natural deodorizer
- Safe for dogs and cats in low concentrations
- Helps improve skin tone and reduce inflammation
- Lavender Oil~ Lavender oil is perhaps the most versatile of essential oils. It’s calming, soothing, and also repels fleas and ticks.
- Benefits:
- Natural insect repellent
- Reduces anxiety and stress in pets
- Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps prevent itching and promotes healing of minor skin irritations
Is This DIY Tick & Flea Repellent Blend Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Yes! Each of these oils is safe for dogs and cats when used properly and in low concentrations. The key is proper dilution. Essential oils are potent, so they must always be mixed with a carrier oil before application.
It’s also important to avoid applying oils near sensitive areas like your pet’s nose, eyes, mouth or genitals. This recipe uses a topical application to the back of the neck, an area that’s difficult for pets to lick.
DIY Tick & Flea Repellent Natural Recipe
Here’s how to make your own repellent at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil (base/carrier)
- 4 drops neem oil
- 2 drops geranium oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
Instructions:
- Combine all oils in a small, dark glass dropper bottle. Amber bottles are ideal to protect the oils from light and maintain their potency.
- Shake gently before each use.
- Apply 1 to 2 drops to the back of your pet’s neck ( watch them to make sure they cannot reach the spot to lick it off) once a week.
- For larger dogs, you can apply an additional 1–2 drops
- Always monitor your pet for any reactions the first time you use a new product. If redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use.
- Keep a close eye on your pets, you want to watch them to make sure they don’t have allergies to any of the oils. At the same time they might be squirmy from any ticks and fleas going through ‘eviction-notice’ Just make sure to keep an eye on them.
Tips for Safe Use
- Apply as high up on the neck as possible, especially for cats. One of my cats was like an owl and could reach his shoulder blades so for him, I put the oil at the back of his head.
- Patch Test First: Apply a small amount to a tiny area and wait 24 hours to make sure your pet doesn’t react.
- Avoid Overuse: Essential oils are highly concentrated. A little goes a long way!
- Store Properly: Keep your oil blend in a cool, dark place out of reach of pets and children.
DIY Tick & Flea Repellent – Tried and Tested
I have used this recipe for many years. This simple, homemade tick and flea repellent offers an easy and gentle way to protect your furry companions without harsh chemicals. With just four ingredients—sweet almond oil, neem oil, geranium oil, and lavender oil—you can create a soothing, effective shield that keeps bugs away and promotes healthy skin.
Whether you’re going on a hike or just enjoying your backyard, your dog or cat deserves to be pest-free and comfortable. Try this recipe and see how nature can help keep your pets happy, healthy and itch-free!
Got a question about essential oils for pets or want to share your own natural remedy? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from fellow pet lovers!
Thank you for visiting my page! I hope you loved this recipe as much as I do!
As I am just starting this blog, I would be very appreciative if you look through my other recipes and share any ideas of what else you would like to see. My Focus is on Healthy Recipes, DIY Essential Oil Infused Self-Care and Natural Based Cleaning Products.
