Cedar Oil as a Flea Repellent for Dogs

"Food around the corner ... " That's what a flea sees when it spies some delicious canine flesh romping around. Poor Buster may then need your help to keep the pesky insects at bay so he doesn't end up baying at the moon from the misery of all the meals he's going to serve up.

  1. What Is Cedar Oil?

    • Cedar oil is an essential oil from the cedar tree and is used as an active component of pesticide products including flea repellents; it is used in collars or in sprays to repel the insects. The oil has been classified with a Generally Recognized As Safe rating by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its repellent properties are non-toxic and the Environmental Protection Agency knows of no negative side effects when used properly.

    Essential Oils

    • Cedar oil is an essential oil which means it is produced to repel insects away from its own species. Cedar oil has been shown to be a mild repellent, getting rid of the bugs but leaving a healthy coat and no side effects behind. It works by emitting a substance that interferes with pheromones from the flea, ultimately playing havoc with the bug's mental capacity. Other essential oils used as flea repellents include lavender, citronella, peppermint, lemongrass and eucalyptus, says TheWholeDog.org.

    Repellent Recipes

    • Cedar oil, as well as other essential oils, may be added to other components to produce repelling products. GreyhoundGang.org recommends adding four to six drops to a 32 ounce natural shampoo to create a hair wash with repellent properties. Also adding two or three drops into 16 ounces of unchlorinated water makes a spray that is mild and smells good as well.

    Prevention And Health

    • Fleas are drawn to unhealthy or young animals whose immune system has been compromised or not developed. The best way to boost the immune system is through a diet of fresh foods that are specific to the breed. Chemical-based repellents have been shown in some cases to cause respiratory distress and skin problems, says TheWholeDog.org. Internal damage could also result from the use of these repellents.