Make a DIY Flea Collar with Essential Oils for Your Dog

Flea collars can be expensive, and the chemicals are gross. So why not make your own DIY flea collar using essential oils?

Tired of the unpleasant surprises that come with commercial flea remedies and the mystery ingredients in your pet’s food? Look no further than a DIY solution that not only keeps those pesky fleas at bay but also adds a touch of style to your furry friend’s wardrobe. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of essential oil flea collars—easy to make, easy on the wallet, and a creative way to protect your pets naturally. From traditional collars to upcycled dress shirt creations and cute knitted options, we’ve got the patterns to suit your and your pet’s taste. And the best part? You don’t need to be a crafting expert to get started.

But what makes these collars so effective? We delve into the magic of essential oils, particularly the dynamic duo of rose geranium and lavender. Discover how these oils not only repel fleas but also interrupt their hatching cycle, providing a natural and pleasant solution for both you and your pet. And fear not, cat owners, we’ve got you covered with a separate tutorial for our feline friends, taking into consideration their sensitive skin and keen sense of smell.

So, say goodbye to the chemical-laden options and hello to a more natural and stylish way to keep your pets flea-free. Plus, we’ve thrown in a bonus flea spray recipe for your furniture and pet beds—because everyone deserves a little extra love, even your upholstery. Let’s embark on this DIY journey to a happier, healthier, and more stylish pet care routine.

What kind of collar can you use?

Making your own flea collar can be an economical and creative option for pet owners looking for a more natural way to keep their furry friends safe from pesky pests. Depending on the fabric type and the essential oils used, flea collars have the potential to be a stylish accessory as well as a safe form of pest prevention.

For the DIYers, various tutorials are available online for making your own essential oil flea collar. You can create a traditional collar by adding a few drops of essential oils to an existing pet collar or make a sophisticated bandana from some scrap fabric and pinking sheers. The best part is you don’t need a lot of skill or expensive materials to get started.

I like to use bandanas so our pups can match the seasons and be washed with the regular household laundry as needed. Here are some collar patterns I’ve used and had success with, in case you want to get a bit fancier:

• Adjustable Fabric Dog Collar with Buckle
• Upcycled Dress Shirt Dog Collar
• A “Retro” Crocheted Dog Collar
• Cute Knitted Dog Collar

No matter which style collar you choose to use, cotton is the best material to select. It holds essential oils better than synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Just keep in mind if you are using yarn, cotton yarn lacks the stretch of acrylic, so adjust the length of the finished product accordingly.

The Flea-Repelling Essential Oils

Many oils repel insects, but when it comes to fleas, two have worked the best for me – rose geranium and lavender. By blending these two together, you can create a pleasant scent that is also an effective flea repellent.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Ah, the sweet scent of rose geranium. It’s no wonder why this fragrant flower has been an integral part of herbal remedies and even incorporated into cosmetics for centuries. Yet, beyond its known benefits for humans, rose geranium has an added bonus that can prove to be invaluable for pet owners: it can keep the dreaded fleas away.

This is because the tiny pests rely on their powerful sense of smell to detect hosts. If a host smells anything that’s out of the ordinary, the fleas will usually stay away. Rose geranium has a strong scent that throws off its receptors, making the host unrecognizable.

Studies have shown that applying a few drops of rose geranium may reduce flea populations by up to 85%. You can purchase Rose Geranium Oil here.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is an all-purpose oil frequently used on our homestead, and it also fits the bill when it comes to our flea collars. Research done by the University of Ohio showed that lavender essential oil not only repels fleas, but it interrupts their hatching cycle. Further research has indicated that lavender repels as effectively as DEET when used at a 10-20% dilution.

You can purchase Lavender Essential Oil here, and I recommend buying it in bulk because you’ll find hundreds of uses for it.

How to Make Your Essential Oil DIY Flea Collar

Are you ready to see how easy this is? In one hand, hold your collar. In the other, apply 3-5 drops of each oil. That’s it! You can put all the drops in one spot or space them out around the collar. I prefer the latter. 

Refresh the collar with your essential oil blend whenever the smell dissipates. I usually switch out my dogs’ natural flea collars weekly during the summer because they get grubby playing outside with the kids. I rotate between two for each dog, so on Sundays, I take the old bandana off, toss it in the wash and put the second one (fresh with oils) on them.

A Note on Cats

This DIY flea collar is not suitable for cats. Cats have highly sensitive skin and senses of smell. For a DIY cat flea collar, check out this tutorial from Is That Your Cat. She uses lavender oil as well as cedarwood, thyme, and citronella. She also utilizes alcohol and carrier oil to prevent sensitivities.

Does it work on ticks as well?

Yes, it does! Both of the essential oils in this collar work wonders as tick repellents as well. Regardless of your flea and tick remedy, furry friends should always be checked regularly for ticks. The fact of the matter is that no flea and tick product is 100% effective. This is especially true if you’ve been journeying into the woods.

You may also want to try out this homemade dog shampoo. Also, consider making your dog’s food from scratch. It’s not as hard as you may think! I bet your dog will love these Apple Oatmeal Dog Treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Bid farewell to commercial flea remedies and embrace the natural charm of DIY essential oil flea collars. These collars are a breeze to make, adding a touch of flair to your pet’s wardrobe, and they provide a chemical-free solution to keep those pesky fleas at bay. With the power of rose geranium and lavender essential oils, your furry friends can now strut confidently through each season with a stylish and effective defense against unwelcome pests. So, let your creativity shine, pamper your pets naturally, and revel in the joy of a flea-free home.

What’s your favorite DIY pet accessory, or do you have any additional tips for a natural approach to pet care? Share your thoughts and experiences with essential oil flea collars or any creative alternatives in the comments below!

Bonus: Flea Spray for Furniture

Do your furniture and pet beds need a little love, too? This simple essential oil flea spray recipe is perfect for furniture, pet beds, and even fabric items that need a bit of extra love (not meant to be sprayed on Fido).