Is Tea Tree Oil Good for Dogs to Treat Fleas?

If your dog picks up a flea outdoors, you may soon find yourself with an infestation of these parasites in your dog's coat and in its environment. To avoid the use of toxic chemicals and insecticides on your dog, use tea tree oil, a natural oil derived from plant material.

  1. Fleas

    • A dog suffering from a flea infestation will have a concentration of the parasites on its abdomen, the base of its tail and its head, according to the ASPCA. These external parasites cause a variety of health issue for your dog, including flea allergy dermatitis, hair loss, scabs, intense itching and anemia. If your dog ingests a flea, it may also become infected with tapeworms. At the first signs of a flea infestation in your dog, brush your dog's coat with a flea comb to check for fleas and their eggs.

    Tea Tree Oil

    • Manufacturers of tea tree oil obtain it from the leaves and branches of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil has a clear to yellowish hue and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the American Society for Microbiology. Tea tree oil deters fleas on a dog's fur and soothes the inflammation caused by fleabites. You can use tea tree oil alone or in conjunction with other essential oils that also deter fleas such as citronella, lavender, palmarosa or rosemary, according to C. J. Puotinen in her book, "The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care."

    Tea Tree Oil Treatments

    • Dilute the tea tree oil before you apply it to your dog's fur and skin. Make the oil water-soluble by combining 2 tbsp. of tea tree oil with 4 tbsp. vodka, says C. J. Puotinen. Mix this solution with 1 1/2 cups of water and put it into a spray bottle. Spritz your dog's coat with the solution daily to repel fleas. Massage it into the fur with your fingers to reach your dog's skin. Add 1 tbsp. of tea tree oil to 1 1/2 cups of a gentle dog shampoo; use a dime-sized amount to bathe your dog weekly.

    Usage and Warnings

    • When using tea tree oil to rid your dog of fleas, clean the dog's environment of fleas as well. Spray the solution on bedding and carpeting, and then vacuum. Add 20 to 40 drops of tea tree oil to the laundry when washing pet bedding, blankets and towels to eliminate fleas and their eggs. Never use tea tree oil directly on your dog's skin with no dilution or administer it orally, as this can cause toxic side effects. If you also have a cat in your home, you can treat its bedding with tea tree oil, but do not use any essential oils, even diluted, on a cat, since cats cannot tolerate them.