Recipe 4: Dog-Safe Spray
Most essential oils used in tick repellents are not safe for dogs. Tea tree is the most commonly cited danger, but clove, pennyroyal, and several others are also on the list. The three oils here are generally considered safe for dogs.
Ask your vet before putting anything new on your dog. Keep it away from their face. Do not use any essential oil spray on cats, not this one, not others. Cats lack the liver enzyme needed to metabolize many essential oil compounds, and what's safe for a dog can be toxic to a cat.
Makes 4 oz. Use on dog's coat. Avoid eyes, nose, mouth.
Ingredients
- 4 oz distilled water
- 50 drops Polysorbate 20 or Solubol
- 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
How to make it
- Add emulsifier and oils to a glass bottle.
- Fill with distilled water.
- Shake before each use.
- Spray lightly on coat and work in, avoiding the face.
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A Better Long-Term Option for Dogs
This spray is fine for light, occasional use, but if your dog is in tick habitat regularly, a vet-recommended product like a permethrin topical or a Seresto collar will do more. See the pet prevention page for a full comparison of what actually works for dogs.