What Kind Of Coconut Oil Kills Dog Fleas?

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Key Takeaways

  • Virgin, unrefined coconut oil is safe to use with dogs, and it will help kill and repel fleas better to protect the fur and skin of a dog.
  • We recommend using either Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Ojio Ultra Pure Organic Coconut Oil, or Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to deal with a dog flea problem.
  • Using coconut oil on dogs is safe, and other alternatives include tea tree oil, neem oil, and apple cider vinegar.

Many people consider coconuts and coconut oil a superfood. One example of its versatility is the ability to kill and repel dog fleas, but which kind is best?

Only use virgin, unrefined coconut oil to kill dog fleas, protect the skin, repel fleas, and prevent fleas from biting a dog. We consider Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil, Ojio Ultra Pure Organic Coconut Oil, and Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil the three best options.

When looking for an effective way to get rid of dog fleas, the primary objective is to do so without getting the dog sick or hurt.  Coconut oil has a very low toxicity level, meaning it's not likely to harm a pet. We explain more about the benefits and which kind works best to kill and repel fleas.

In this article

What Kind Of Coconut Oil Kills Dog Fleas?

Coconut oil does not directly kill fleas, but it can be used to protect dogs and repel fleas. It’s completely safe to use for dogs. But not all coconut oils are equal, so we recommend only using virgin, unrefined coconut oil.

It’s not recommended to only use coconut oil for a dog struggling with fleas. It should be used to soothe the skin and as a prevention method because of lauric acid, the primary chemical responsible for the benefits of coconut oil.

When a dog has fleas, use prescription medication like Comfortis or Trifexis too. This will help kill the fleas faster, and the coconut oil will protect the dog from further flea bites.

Below are the three best coconut oil options to help with a dog’s flea problem.

1. Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil

The Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil is our top choice to use to help deal with dog fleas. It’s organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed, which works well to eliminate fleas without irritating a dog’s skin.

This coconut oil has been tested by an independent lab for allergenicity, and it does not contain any harmful chemicals that could harm the environment or animals. It has a high smoke point of 350°F too.

This product is also USDA-Certified Organic & Non-GMO. Anybody can feel safe applying this coconut oil to their dog’s skin and fur without concerns about allergies or bad reactions.

This is therapeutic-grade coconut oil and has many other use cases in the home too.

2. Ojio Ultra Pure Organic Coconut Oil

Another safe-to-use product for dog fleas is Ojio Ultra Pure Organic Coconut Oil. It’s cold-pressed, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and 100% organic.

It is made from organic coconuts, which are grown in sustainable plantations. It also contains no preservatives or additives and comes in a glass jar with a pump dispenser.

It also relieves dry skin issues, itching, and hair loss. The oil can be applied directly on the skin or through a pet’s food or water bowl to relieve these issues without any side effects.

3. Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is a natural, organic coconut oil that kills fleas and ticks. We recommend this is another safe option to use on pets.

It is hypoallergenic, vegan, non-toxic, and made with the highest quality ingredients. It contains no chemicals or pesticides that may harm a pet if ingested or inhaled.

This organic coconut oil works well on dogs too. It is an all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free product used in home and commercial settings for over a decade.

How Do You Use Coconut Oil To Kill Dog Fleas?

It has been observed that coconut oil can kill dog fleas by suffocating them. There are several ways to apply coconut oil to the pet's fur and skin, or they can also eat it to see the benefits.

We prefer to apply it to the skin to avoid any issues with their diet or digestion. This can be done by gently massaging the oil onto the dog’s skin and hair. Be sure to cover all areas and allow 4-8 hours for the oil to sit.

Some dog owners have found success putting a sweater or vest on the dog after doing so. This stops the dog from scratching or licking at the newly applied coconut oil.

This can be done once per day or as needed to help deal with the flea problem. We recommend testing a small amount first to ensure the dog has no allergic reactions to the oil.

Is It Safe For Your Dog To Use Coconut Oil To Kill Fleas?

Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for killing fleas and ticks. It is safe for dogs to use coconut oil to kill fleas, but it may take some time before noticing the results.

However, all dogs are different so understanding their allergies is important. Some dogs may not respond to coconut oil the same as others, but generally, it’s completely safe and non-toxic.

The biggest risk is that it could cause an allergic reaction in the dog if they are sensitive to coconuts or its products.

Coconut oil can also lead to skin irritation and dryness on rare occasions. But this is unlikely, and it best works to keep the fleas away instead.

Other Alternatives To Coconut Oil To Kill Dog Fleas

Coconut oil is not always the best solution to kill dog fleas. However, finding other alternatives that will work for the dog is essential.

Essential oils such as tea tree oil can also accomplish the same task. We recommend checking out tea tree oil, neem oil, or apple cider vinegar as a reliable alternative.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal agent effective against adult fleas and flea bites to better protect a dog’s skin.

However, it’s not advised to use pure tea tree oil for this treatment. Instead, it should be diluted, which is difficult, so buying formulas with only 0.1 to 1 percent of tea tree oil work best.

It can be mixed with other oils, such as lavender or cedarwood, for an improved smell or applied directly onto the pet’s fur in small amounts. While tea tree oil does work, we prefer coconut oil instead.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural alternative to coconut oil that has been used for centuries in India. Its properties make it an excellent repellent for fleas and flea bites.

While we have seen success using this product in the past, vets are only some of the biggest believers and tend to advise using traditional flea repellents instead.

Using neem oil can be applied to water or an existing shampoo to make application to the fur and skin easier. Be sure not to allow any dogs to digest neem oil accidentally.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another alternative natural flea repellent on dogs. It has a distinctive smell and taste that can be used to repel fleas.

It's been proven effective in some studies, but it doesn't kill the fleas and make them leave or stay away.

About THE AUTHOR

Mark Brunson

Mark Brunson

Mark is the founder of Everything Labradors and a husband and father of 3. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his dog Molly, a Labrador/Golden Retriever mix. He’s a big fan of the outdoors and loves to travel to new places.

Read more about Mark Brunson