Can Coconut Oil Kill Fleas?
By Arden Moore
Ousting fleas off your dog or cat is no easy task. These itty-bitty hardy survivalists seek blood meals by hopping on and biting pets in every state every single day. You may find yourself looking for a natural way to counter this flea assault that is free of chemicals and possible nasty side effects.
This begs the question: Can you apply coconut oil on your pet’s coat or serve it up in a treat or in a meal to fend off fleas on your pet?
The quick answer: maybe. Veterinarians and scientists are divided on the effectiveness of coconut oil as a natural flea remedy for pets. What they do agree on is that coconut oil is safe when given properly to pets and that comprehensive studies on coconut oil’s benefits and effectiveness are needed.
So, let’s unleash what we do know about coconut oil to help you decide if coconut oil is a valid option for your cherished pet.
What is coconut oil and why consider it for fleas?
Coconut oil packs a lot of benefits. For starters, coconut oil contains the four key “antis.” It is:
- antimicrobial
- antibacterial
- antifungal and
- contains antioxidants.
It is also loaded with healthy fatty acids led by lauric acid as well as vitamins E and K plus minerals, including iron.
Missing from this list: nasty chemicals that may cause nasty side effects.
Advocates of coconut oil’s use on pets proclaim it is safe when used in proper amounts and versatile. It can also be used to heal minor wounds, keep coats flake-free, offer some relief from allergies, boost digestion health and the immune system.
Experts recommend you shop for high-quality coconut oil, which is USDA-certified organic made of virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil. One side benefit is that it sports a nice aroma. Avoid deodorized coconut oil on your pets because of the added chemicals.
Image by DanaTentis from Pixabay
Be sure to talk with your veterinarian before you consider using coconut oil as a flea fighter for your pet.
How to use coconut oil for flea control
Applying coconut oil on a pet’s coat to naturally kill or repel fleas is growing in popularity. A layer of coconut oil can suffocate fleas. The lauric acid scent can also deter fleas from picking on your pet. And the bonus? Coconut oil can bolster the skin quality by reducing itching and irritation from flea bites.
Keep in mind that fleas are stubborn with a keen desire to stay alive. So, select an outdoor safe space to apply the coconut oil to your pet’s coat. Fleas may be small, but they can leap one foot in the air, and they move fast. Don’t give fleas the chance to hop off your pet and scurry to the pet bed, your sofa or in your rugs and wait for another opportunity to bite and suck blood from your pet.
Starting at the face, rub the coconut oil into your pet’s coat, legs, chest and tail. You can also add two or three tablespoons of coconut oil with warm water in a spray bottle and spritz the coat. Cover your pet’s torso with a clean T-shirt to prevent him from nibbling at his coat.
Leave the coconut oil on for six to eight hours and then thoroughly rinse using warm water and pet-safe shampoo. Towel dry. Finish with a tasty treat reward to encourage your pet to accept this coconut oil bath ritual.
Flea comb method
You can also use a flea comb dipped in coconut oil to pluck out fleas on your pet’s coat as a quick, daily flea-removal regiment.
Is coconut oil safe for pets?
Know thy dog and cat. And consult your veterinarian about the best way to use coconut oil.
Let your veterinarian recommend how much coconut oil to apply to your pet. Factors, including your pet’s age, health condition and weight need to be considered. More is not better.
General precautions
Monitor your cat so she does not lick off the coconut oil immediately after you apply it to the coat. Pets who quickly ingest the coconut oil may suffer from stomach aches, diarrhea or vomiting.
Not all cats or dogs tolerate coconut oil, especially those on low-fat diets, a history of pancreatitis or other medical issues.
Comparing coconut oil to other natural flea treatments
Let’s see how coconut oil compares to other popular natural options to fight fleas.
- Apple cider vinegar: After checking with your vet, you can try applying it on your pet’s coat using a spray bottle with water or a damp washcloth.
- Diatomaceous earth: This powdery substance dehydrates fleas and destroys their exoskeletons. It is best to sprinkle it in the pet’s bedding, your furniture and along the baseboard and not on you or your pet.
- Essential oils: Not all are safe for use on dogs and cats. Again, work with your veterinarian on the ratio of essential oils of water in a spray bottle.
Conventional alternatives to coconut oils for flea control
You have many options to fight fleas. Frontline Plus and Advantage II are proven topical treatments. There are also oral medications, such as NexGard and Bravecto. Or your pet can sport a flea collar from companies such as Seresto. Follow the directions for best results
Environmental controls
Flea removal also involves washing your pet’s bedding and toys, vacuuming, and other measures to ensure the fleas that drop off your pet don’t survive to bite again.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is rising in popularity as a natural option to treat fleas in your pet. Fortunately, you have a lot of options to keep your pet flea-free. The best option is the one that you give your pet consistently and that your pet tolerates. Get into the habit of using flea preventives year-round, no matter where you live. And, always, check with your veterinarian first.
Author Bio:
Arden Moore is a Dallas-based award-winning pet writer, podcast host and master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor. She has written more than two dozen dog and cat books, hosts the Oh Behave Show (the longest-running weekly pet podcast) and the Four Legged Life Show. She teams up with her Pet Safety Dog, Kona, and Pet Safety Cat, Casey, to teach veterinarian-approved pet first aid classes to pet professionals and pet parents all over the world in person and interactive via ZOOM.
