#DIY All-Natural Flea Repellents for Dogs

As the weather gets warmer and we’re spending more and more time outdoors, the likelihood of your dog picking up a flea or two is significantly increased.

But if you’re like me, you’d rather stay away from all the harsh chemicals that are found in commercial flea prevention and shampoos. I mean, who needs all that toxic stuff when all-natural home remedies are easy to make and work just as well?

Today I’m sharing a couple of all-natural flea repellents for dogs. The first one is a simple flea prevention recipe, and the second one is a flea-be-gone shampoo that is safe, gentle, and effective.

First, let’s talk flea prevention. Apparently fleas hate the taste of vinegar (who knew!), so I mix up a simple vinegar-based concoction that is great for keeping fleas off my dogs. 

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All-Natural Vinegar Flea Spray

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water (distilled is best, but tap water is fine, too) 
• 1 teaspoon castille soap
• 10 drops essential oils (I use lavender and peppermint)

Mix all the ingredients well and use a funnel to pour them into a spray bottle. Shake well before using, and spray on your dog before she goes outside, rubbing it into her fur. Let dry, and then enjoy the outdoors with your mutt.

Now, let’s be honest. Even with flea prevention, it’s always possible that our pets will pick up a flea or two while they’re playing outside. That’s why I love this simple DIY all-natural flea-be-gone shampoo. It’s so easy to make (it literally takes 5 minutes!), and it’s a great way to get rid of those pesky little bugs.

All-Natural Flea-Be-Gone Shampoo

• 1 cup water (distilled is best, but tap water is fine, too)
• 2/3 cup castille soap
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 20-30 drops essential oil (I use lavender and peppermint)

Mix all the ingredients well and use a funnel to pour them into a squirt bottle (I recycled an old Mrs. Meyer’s soap bottle). Shake well before using, and be careful to keep out of your dog’s eyes. Also, be sure to rinse your dog well after bathing.

In case you’re wondering, I chose lavender and peppermint for very specific reasons. Peppermint is reported to work well as an insect repellent, making it perfect for both of these recipes.

And the lavender? Well, it smells great and it has a bit of a calming effect. I don’t know about your dogs, but mine don’t care much for baths, so anything that helps calm them is a win in my book.

Both of these recipes are quick and easy to make, and they contain simple, wholesome ingredients that work well to fight fleas during the warm months of the year. If you prefer a healthier, green approach to treating fleas, this is definitely the way to go.

And did I mention that it costs mere pennies to make? Saving a little bit of money while maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just a bonus.

Interested in learning more about other ways to use essential oils with your dog? Check out this blog post!

What do you use for all-natural flea repellent?

I’d love for you to leave a comment below, or stop by our Facebook page to join in the conversation!