Does Coconut Oil Kill Fleas?

Last Updated on February 15, 2023

Fleas. This one problem that all dogs will have. There are various products that you can purchase to help the flea treatment process. While some of the products are useful, we have to be mindful that not all of them come naturally. Then, are there any items that are naturally occurring, and can also be an effective way to kill fleas? Yes, there is! A close contact of mine mentioned to me that Coconut oil is actually good in removing fleas from dogs. Of course, the skeptical person in me wonders aloud, does coconut oil kill fleas? Is coconut oil toxic to dogs? Let us find out!

Understanding Fleas

Before we dive into the topic of coconut oil as a flea treatment, it’s important to understand what fleas are and how they can affect your pet’s health. Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including dogs and cats. They can cause a range of problems, from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions and even anemia in some cases.

Fleas are notorious for their ability to reproduce quickly, making it essential to address an infestation as soon as possible. When left untreated, a flea infestation can lead to a severe flea problem in the home and the risk of transmitting diseases to pets and humans.

Does Coconut Oil Kill Fleas?

Before we decide if coconut oil kills fleas, we need to reiterate a very important point. There are some dogs that are simply not suited to use commercial flea killers. Meaning to say, you will need to check if your dog is allergic to the tick repellent, flea collar or other products that you can buy in the market. This is because some dogs might have immune system problems, or they might have multiple allergies. Indeed, not all products have a one-sized fit all system. For example, there are very specific products for older dogs and the puppy. Otherwise, there are dogs that simply suffer from a reaction when the repellents are being sprayed onto them. In that case, this is when the home grown remedies come into place. One example of such a natural flea killer is coconut oil. How exactly is coconut oil good for dogs? Does coconut oil repel fleas? Or does coconut oil kill fleas?

What Is Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is essentially oil that is extracted from coconuts itself. It can be extracted from the kernel or the meat of mature coconuts. The reason why coconut oil is good as a natural flea killer or natural flea repellent is that it contain lauric acid. Lauric acid is well known to be a good natural flea repellent. Lauric acid is non-toxic, and it is said that it is good at keeping your dog’s coat shiny too. Applying coconut oil to your dog’s skin does protect it from various ailments too.

The reason why coconut oil is good for a dog’s skin is that coconut oil has fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. It is also a good moisturizer, hence it can keep your dog’s skin hydrated. As for protecting the skin itself, the antioxidants in coconut oil helps to heal the dog’s skin.

How Do You Use The Coconut Oil For Fleas On Dogs

While it is proven that coconut oil for fleas on dogs is actually good for them, we will need to know how do we administer this to the dog. There are various use cases here, and each of them has their own method of application.

Coconut Oil As A Repellent As A Preventive Measure

If you intend to use the coconut oil for fleas on dogs without fleas as a preventive measure, you will need to ensure that the coconut oil penetrates beneath the dog’s coat. There are two ways at which you can apply the coconut oil on the dog. First, after bathing the dog, apply the coconut oil on the dog’s skin. The correct way of application is to put a little of the coconut oil on your hands and rub them together. You should stop rubbing when the coconut oil achieves a liquid-like consistency. Once this is done, massage it on your dog’s coat. Do note that since the coconut oil is a good natural repellent against flea, we recommend you to use the above method on your dog up to twice a week.

Another way of applying coconut oil for dogs is to mix the oil itself with water. Put the solution into a spray bottle, and you can use it daily. Just spray a little of the solution on the dog’s coat once a day, and your dog will be naturally protected against fleas.

Coconut Oil As A Repellent To Remove Fleas

If your intention is to use the coconut oil on a dog as a repellent to remove fleas, then the use case might be different. The method is actually the same. Massage the oil thoroughly onto your dog’s coat, and use a flea comb to run it through the coat itself. Because of the presence of oil, the fleas will not be able to get a good grip on your dog’s skin or coat. Hence, when you comb through your dog, some of the fleas might jump out too. So in this sense, we recommend you to conduct this process somewhere else rather than in your own home.

Where Can I Get The Coconut Oil For Dogs?

There are various places that you can purchase coconut oil for dogs. We will recommend you to purchase them from Amazon. This Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is highly recommended by many dog owners.

Other Natural Flea Treatments

While coconut oil may be an effective flea treatment for some pets, it’s essential to consider other natural flea treatments that may be more suitable for your pet’s individual needs. Here are some other options to consider:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A diluted solution of apple cider vinegar can be used as a flea repellent and can help soothe irritated skin.
• Diatomaceous Earth: This fine powder made from fossilized algae can be sprinkled on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding to kill fleas.
• Essential Oils: Some essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and citronella, can be used as a natural flea repellent. However, it’s important to dilute essential oils properly and avoid using them on cats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coconut oil may be an effective natural flea treatment for some pets, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. However, it’s essential to choose a high-quality, unrefined coconut oil and to use it in conjunction with other natural flea treatments, such as apple cider vinegar, diatomaceous earth, or essential oils.

While coconut oil is a safe and natural option for pet owners, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian before using any new flea treatment. By working with a veterinarian, pet owners can develop an effective flea treatment plan that addresses their pet’s individual needs and ensures their pet’s health and well-being.

So, does coconut oil kill fleas? While coconut oil may not be a complete solution to a flea infestation, it can be a helpful addition to your flea treatment plan. Give it a try and see if it works for your dog!