Fleas are nasty transmitters of disease in dogs. Yet flea dips, powders, shampoos, collars and sprays typically use poisonous pesticides that can be internally absorbed by your dog, causing irritation, allergic reaction, organ damage and failure, reproductive damage, skin lesions, neurotoxicity, endocrine problems, cancer and death. However, certain plants can act as flea repellents, helping to keep fleas out of your yard and home, and away from your dog.
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Lavender
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Lavender repels fleas and is nontoxic to dogs. Lavender has been used as a flea control for centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was used on clothing to control and repel fleas, transmitters of the plague. Plant lavender in gardens and place lavender plants around your home. You can also sprinkle the fragrant herb in your dog's bedding and place herb pillows in areas where your dog frequents. A lavender mixture of 15 drops of oil in a small bottle with water can also be applied as a spray to your dog's coat. Lavender is nontoxic to pets.
Eucalyptus
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Eucalyptus is an aromatic flea repellent. Eucalyptus trees produce an aroma that repels fleas. Planting eucalyptus trees in your yard can be an effective outdoor flea repellent. Keeping a eucalyptus plant indoors and placing a eucalyptus herb pillow under your dog's bedding will also help to control fleas, although, if ingested, eucalyptus oil is toxic to both dogs and cats. Do not rub eucalyptus oil or use products containing this oil on your dog or other pets.
Pennyroyal
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Pennyroyal is also known as fleabane. Pennyroyal, recognized as an aromatic insect repellent, is a species of mint that has been used to repel fleas for centuries--hence its nickname: fleabane. Pennyroyal can be planted in gardens and around yards and homes, and also repels ticks and mosquitoes. A pennyroyal garland or herb bag hung as a collar around your dog's neck can be used to repel fleas. However, if ingested, pennyroyal is toxic to dogs and cats. Do not use pennyroyal oil, or products containing this oil, on dogs or other pets.
Other Plants
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There are many other plants that help to repel fleas that can be planted around your yard and placed in the home, including citronella, rosemary, peppermint, camomile and garlic. Take caution because, if ingested, many of these plants are toxic to dogs and also cats.
Consider
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Plant help control fleas but are not a cure-all. Adding plants that act as flea repellents is a good way to help control fleas near your dog and in your home, yard or garden. However, most plants will not cure already infected dogs and may not completely repel fleas. For added control, there are natural flea remedies that are nontoxic to dogs.
Warning
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While typical flea repellents are extremely toxic to dogs, other pets and humans, plants and plant-based products can also be toxic. Read labels for warnings and understand which plants are toxic to dogs, other pets and children who may mistakenly ingest plants or plant-based ingredients. Toxic oils should not be used on pets to treat or prevent fleas. For more information on which plants are toxic to dogs and other pets, visit ASPCA.org
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