askHELTIE HELTIEdog® Which herbs are effective against fleas?

Which herbs are effective against fleas?

Many anti-flea products sold in shops are actually chemical pesticides. Many people prefer not to use these substances because their dog might lick them, because they end up in water when the dog swims, or because children may come into contact with them. The products are also harmful to the environment.

Fleas & ticks

27 November '25 • 2 min reading time

Did you know that many ingredients still used in flea collars and spot-ons are banned in agriculture? For example, poultry farmers are no longer allowed to use fipronil to disinfect their barns, yet this pesticide is still found in some spot-ons for dogs and cats. A strange situation! Luckily, there are many alternatives — mechanical flea collars and the use of plants and herbs to repel fleas.

Which plants work against fleas?

Certain essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and citronella can help repel fleas. Coconut, lemongrass, lemon balm and fenugreek are also flea-repelling.

How do I use natural flea remedies?

There are various ways to use plants, herbs and essential oils against fleas. Always start gently, as some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to strong herbs like lavender. It’s smart to make your dog more resilient from both the inside and outside.

Flea prevention from within

Good nutrition helps create a healthy coat. If your dog receives appropriate food with all essential vitamins and minerals, you’ve already completed step one. For a healthy, itch-free skin and coat, consider supplements such as:

  • Liquid silicon for strong hair and elastic skin
  • Salmon oil for omega-3 fatty acids
  • Biotin and zinc for strong skin and fast wound healing

Herbal supplements against fleas

Herbs that have been shown to be effective when used as dietary supplements to make dogs less attractive to fleas include:

  • Rosemary
  • Lemon balm
  • Fenugreek
  • Lemongrass

Often, a blend of different herbs is most effective. Use herbal supplements for several consecutive months for best results.

Sprays and shampoos

To fight fleas from the outside, you can use a spray or natural flea collar. Mix water with a few drops of essential oils (eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, thyme or citronella) and put it into a spray bottle. Spray your dog — but not on the head, as essential oils can irritate mucous membranes. You can also wash your dog with regular dog shampoo mixed with a cup of water and lemon juice. A mixture of half vinegar and half water can also help against fleas and works well on pillows, carpets and sofas.

Natural flea collar

For a natural flea collar, sprinkle a bandana or cloth with a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, rosemary or citronella). Tie it around your dog’s neck. Replace it regularly, as the effect diminishes over time.

Oil for the coat

If you prefer rubbing instead of spraying, you can also use oil products. For example, coconut oil for skin and hair — available at most drugstores. It nourishes the skin and also works against fleas. Products containing neem oil may also help.

Sources

Lans, C., Turner, N. & Khan, T. Medicinal plant treatments for fleas and ear problems of cats and dogs in British Columbia, Canada. Parasitol Res 103, 889–898 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-008-1073-6

Fabien Moog, Gaetan Vetea Plichart, Jean-Louis Blua, Marie-Christine Cadiergues. Evaluation of a plant-based food supplement to control flea populations in dogs: A prospective double-blind randomized study. International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, Volume 12, 2020, Pages 35-38, ISSN 2211-3207, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.02.001

Also interesting

Skin

Fleas & ticks

Medication can cause side effects. This also applies to the chemical products we often use to combat fleas in dogs. While these flea control products are often effective against fleas and sometimes also lice and ticks, various negative effects can occur in dogs due to these chemical agents.

Negative Side Effects of Chemical Flea Control in Dogs

Medication can cause side effects. This also applies to the chemical products we often use to combat fleas in dogs. While these flea control products are often effective against fleas and sometimes also lice and ticks, various negative effects can occur in dogs due to these chemical agents.. A spot-on treatment or a flea collar works based on chemicals. Some of these are known for their toxic effects, such as fipronil. Side effects that can occur with chemical flea control include: Vomiting and nausea Diarrhea Excessive salivation (after licking the product) Itching, bald spots, skin ulcers, and color changes in the coat Lethargy Nervousness Neurological symptoms such as ataxia (loss of muscle control) or trembling, and in severe cases, even seizures. It appears that smaller dogs ar...

Fleas & ticks

Fleas are small parasitic insects that live on the bodies of animals such as dogs. They feed on blood and multiply quickly. Fleas are dark brown to black in color. They have no wings but can jump very well.

What are fleas and why do they make dogs itch?

Fleas are small parasitic insects that live on the bodies of animals such as dogs. They feed on blood and multiply quickly. Fleas are dark brown to black in color. They have no wings but can jump very well.. When your dog has fleas, it’s not necessarily due to poor hygiene – it can happen to anyone. For your dog, fleas are extremely irritating. They cause itching, red skin, and sometimes allergic reactions. Fleas can also transmit diseases. Fleas: an “explosive” problem Fleas feed on your dog’s blood. They reproduce very fast and can quickly become a serious infestation. Adult female fleas can lay hundreds of eggs, usually in the animal’s fur. The eggs fall off and develop in carpets, on sofas, or i...

Fleas & ticks

Fleas: a headache for every dog owner. Fleas are annoying parasites that can multiply very quickly. They can jump far and spread throughout the house, nesting in sofas, carpets, or cracks and corners. It is therefore very important to keep your dog flea-free. But how do you do this best?

How to keep a dog flea-free

Fleas: a headache for every dog owner. Fleas are annoying parasites that can multiply very quickly. They can jump far and spread throughout the house, nesting in sofas, carpets, or cracks and corners. It is therefore very important to keep your dog flea-free. But how do you do this best?. The main way to keep fleas away is to make sure they cannot or do not want to settle on your dog. Preventive measures! This also includes regular checks of your dog to see if he has fleas. If you act in time, you can prevent fleas from spreading further. Flea control products There are many different flea control products on the market: spot-ons, pipettes, drops, or flea collars. These are applied on or around the dog’s neck. They work for several weeks to months. The disadvantage is that these...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .