Is Peppermint Oil Safe For Dogs? Does It Repel Fleas?

Peppermint oil is among the most potent essential oils, and the truth is that if not used correctly, it can be harmful to your dog. It is vital to make sure you never use it neat and follow the provided dilution directions for maximum pet safety.

If you do not dilute peppermint oil before using it on your dog, it often leads to skin irritation. What's more, it is not safe for use on pregnant dogs and should never be used on or around pups with epilepsy.

That said, provided you use it properly, peppermint oil should be safe enough for your dog. It is best to use the essential oil on large breeds, as the small ones tend to be more sensitive to its strong scent.

Benefits of Using Peppermint for Dog

• Soothes Skin Irritation: Given that peppermint has some antimicrobial properties, it can help soothe skin irritations. Combining it with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can reduce inflammation and provide relief for various skin issues.
• Allergy Remedy: For dogs who suffer from seasonal allergies, natural remedies are always the best, and here peppermint oil is among the best ones. Peppermint has analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can provide relief from itching, sneezing, and other allergic symptoms.
• Mental Stimulant: If you have a lazy or lethargic dog, peppermint oil can help with mental stimulation by encouraging dogs to be more active and giving them an energy boost.
• Leaves the Pet Smelling Amazing: If your dog always has a nasty scent that you are trying to eliminate, peppermint oil can be handy provided you dilute it well and use it sparingly. The oil has a pleasant smell that lingers long to ensure your pet smells fantastic.

What about Peppermint Oil for Fleas?

One of the main reasons pet parents use peppermint oil on pets is to repel tick and fleas from their dogs instead of conventional medicine. It is a traditional pest repellant that has been in use for both people and animals for thousands of years.

Fleas and other pests like ticks and mosquitos find the strong peppermint smell unbearable. Therefore, you will hardly ever see any landing on your pet provided the scent is there. Also, when combined with other more potent ingredients, peppermint can kill these nasty pests.

Even on its own, peppermint can kill flea larvae, meaning it will be handy at controlling an infestation. Better still, applying peppermint oil on your dog helps soothe the itchy flea bites, leaving the pup feeling more comfortable.

Read More: The Best Flea Collars for Dog

Conclusion

If you prefer a more natural way to deal with fleas, peppermint oil is a great choice. When used properly by first diluting it, this essential oil should be safe for most dogs. What's more, it effectively repels fleas and packs a myriad of other benefits, such as soothing itchy skin and acting as an allergy remedy.

Sources

1. Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs? - American Kennel Club
2. Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Dogs - VCA Animal Hospitals