How to Make a Natural Flea Collar For Dogs

Make a natural flea collar for your dog.

Fleas can be a real problem for dogs and owners. Commercial flea collars are available, but they contain harsh chemicals. Some dogs are allergic to the chemicals in flea collars; these chemicals can cause skin rashes and hair loss. Instead, make your own flea collar with natural ingredients that won't harm your dog.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cotton scarf or bandana
• Essential oil (rose geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint or cedar)

1. Buy a cotton scarf or bandana, or use a piece of scrap cotton fabric that will fit around your dog's neck comfortably. You should be able to put two fingers in between the bandana and your dog's neck.

2. Lay the fabric flat, and place 10 drops of cedar essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil on the fabric. Distribute the essential oil drops evenly over the fabric surface. Other essential oils that repel fleas (and ticks and mosquitoes) include eucalyptus, citronella, rose, geranium, peppermint, lemongrass.

3. Fold or roll the fabric, and tie it round your dog's neck snugly. If it is too loose, your dog can either get the flea collar off or chew on it. Do not allow your dog to chew on his new flea collar.

Tips & Warnings

• When you can no longer smell the scent of the essential oils, wash the bandana, dry it and reapply the essential oils.

References

• Dog Tricks, Tips and Insights; Farewell to Fleas; Frances Gavin
• The Whole Dog; Essential Oils for Fleas and Ticks; Dr. Jeanette Young