This natural tick repellent for dogs will keep your furry friends sane and itch-free this year. This essential oil blend is a mess-free spray that will keep your dog happy and healthy.
Got ticks? Those little blood-suckers can be a real pain for dogs and us as their humans. Luckily, there’s a very simple all-natural tick repellent for dogs that’s effective at keeping those pests away.
Erika Bragdon is a Certified Essential Oil Coach from the Essential Oil Institute.
The Dangers of Ticks
Bailey is our long-haired black cocker spaniel and as you can imagine, it’s not easy to spot ticks on him until they’re already embedded and large. (Yuck!) We also have another sweet dog named Skippy.
And because we live in the woods of New Hampshire, we are in prime tick and Lyme country; ticks are ABUNDANT around here.
Ticks are not only a nuisance, but they can carry disease pathogens that are harmful to both humans AND pets. A few include:
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Colorado Tick Fever
- So many more – see a list from the CDC here
These diseases can be serious and life-altering. Needless to say, you don’t want ticks brought into your home whether it’s on your pet or you. That’s why I ALWAYS use a natural flea and tick repellent for dogs when we go hike.
Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs
I try to avoid using chemical flea and tick repellents because of the potentially toxic ingredients. They’re not something I’m comfortable putting on my dogs, especially when my children love to snuggle with our animals.
Fortunately, there are some all-natural options that work very well without the chemicals.
I’ve been using this natural tick repellent for dogs for several years now and it really works.
Please read my Essential Oil Common Sense Safety page before using this essential oil recipe. I am not a medical professional or a veterinarian and the information presented here is merely for educational purposes and not intended to replace medical advice. It is your responsibility to do your own research, consult with your doctor, or in this case – your vet – and make safe decisions for yourself and your family.
Rose Geranium Oil for Ticks
I use a quick and easy essential oil tick spray for my dogs. It includes 4 simple ingredients and it works really well for us.
The key ingredient is Geranium essential oil. It’s also called Rose Geranium essential oil.
Did you know you can use rose geranium to repel ticks from people, including kids, too? Read more about that here.
Geranium oil (specifically the species, Pelargonium graveolens) has been shown in studies to be just as effective at keeping ticks away as DEET.
The Latin or scientific name is important here – that’s the Pelargonium graveolens part. Some essential oils are labeled Rose Geranium while others are just plain Geranium. That’s where the Latin name is key.
I have used both of these brands with great results.
I have not used other brands and I can’t attest to their effectiveness. I’ve heard that some people have had mixed results with the NOW brand.
For more cost comparisons with popular essential oil brands:
Grab this free price per drop comparison sheet here (comparing 60+ popular oils across 5 different brands.)
2020 Update and Recommendation:
The last two years have been horrendous for ticks. They are worse than ever and this year, they are predicted to be even worse (I didn’t think that was possible) due to a milder winter. Fun times! (Nope!)
I came up with a different method of using essential oils as a natural tick repellent for my dogs. A homemade tick SPRAY using geranium and cedarwood essential oils. (Scroll down for the easy recipe.)
I used to drop 1-2 drops of geranium essential oil directly onto my dog’s back between his shoulder blades (like the chemical repellents recommend) and it worked pretty well. My vet had okayed that too.
But as I’ve learned more about essential oils and earned my certification as an essential oil coach (independent of any essential oil company), I’ve taken a different approach for 2 reasons:
- I’m no longer comfortable putting essential oils – even a mild gentle oil like geranium – directly onto my dog’s skin. This is because essential oils are very potent and I believe there are safer, just as effective ways to use the oils
- I had to apply the oil onto his back almost every day for this to be effective. Again I am no longer comfortable doing that.
Instead, I use and recommend making this simple DIY tick spray for dogs with just 4 ingredients.
DIY Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs:
This spray is gentle yet effective thanks to a custom blend of ingredients. Keep your pet (and your family) tick-free with a few spritzes a day!
Important Safety Notes:
#1 Do NOT use this tick spray for cats. Cats are VERY sensitive to essential oils and it is NOT safe for cats.
It is okay to spray this on your dog if you have cats, just don’t spray it ON or right near your cat.
#2 Please check with your own vet (preferably a holistic vet as they would understand natural methods, including essential oils more thoroughly) and do your own research before using this or any essential oils on your pet. And always use common sense. Remember essential oils are very potent!
DIY Tick Spray Ingredients
You will need:
- 4 oz (or larger) spray bottle (this is the one I used in the photos)
- apple cider vinegar*
- water (distilled, filtered, or spring water is best)
- geranium essential oil
- cedarwood essential oil
*Did you know that apple cider vinegar by itself can help repel ticks?
Note: I decided not to use any coconut oil or other emulsifiers with this recipe as I didn’t want to deal with any oily messes on my dogs’ fur. You will need to shake this tick spray well before each use to mix up the essential oils.
Step by Step Directions for the Natural Tick Repellent for Dogs
Here’s how you can make an effective tick repellent for dogs. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it comes together—and how well it works. You can also scroll down below and watch the video too!
Step #1 Add apple cider vinegar
Fill the spray bottle approximately 1/3 of the way with apple cider vinegar. You don’t have to measure or be exact.
Step #2 Add the essential oils
Add 10 drops geranium essential oil…
…then 5 drops cedarwood essential oil. If you have a larger spray bottle, increase the number of drops accordingly. So if you have an 8 oz bottle, use 20 drops geranium and 10 drops cedarwood, etc.
Step #3 Add water
Fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving enough room for the cap.
Step #4 Cap and shake well
Shake well before each use.
Bug Repelling Essential ↓
Optional, get this free printable label and attach using clear packing tape:
DIY Tick Spray for Dogs Video Tutorial
How to Use this Tick Spray for Dogs:
This tick spray has worked very well for our dogs. It works best when you apply it every 3-4 days.
We can usually go 3-4 days between sprays before we start noticing ticks on our dogs.
If your dog is only occasionally exposed to ticks – maybe you go hiking on the weekends, then you can spray this on him/her beforehand.
I spray my dogs’ paws, legs, under their bellies, and backs.
Do not spray around your dog’s eyes, ears, or nose. Avoid his/her face.
I hope this simple all-natural tick repellent helps your dog as much as it has helped us!
Remember to use the rose geranium oil frequently for the best all-natural tick protection.
Want to find out how to make a DIY Natural Essential Oil Tick Repellent for kids and adults too? I’ll show you how to make it as both a spray and roller bottle! Click here.
Pin any of the images to save the repellent recipe for later!
Susan Warner says
Would it be safe to say this can be used on children and adults? Have you tried this or know of anyone who has used it? Thank you in advance for your help.
Tanya S says
I actually use 15 drops of rose geranium with water, a drop of liquid castle soap, and a couple tbsp of either vodka, witch hazel or apple cider vinegar in a 1 oz bottle. I spray my kids (ages 3, 6, and 12) front heir knees down every time we go to our farm. Though I didn’t know if Rose Geranium is kids safe…I feel better using this on my kiddos than some big spray with DEET or other added, harmful chemicals.
Jojo says
Can you make this and soak their collar in it?
Erika says
I don’t know, that’s a good idea. I will check into it and report back. Thanks for the idea!
Erika says
Hi Susan, yes, you can use rose geranium essential oil for kids and adults. I wrote more about it in this post here: https://livingwellmom.com/2017/05/essential-oil-tick-repellent/
Erika says
Tanya, thanks for sharing. Smart mama! 🙂
sharon booze says
can use it for cats or is there something else
Erika says
Hi Sharon, yes and no. I asked my holistic vet about this and she told me it was safe to put one drop of rose geranium oil on MY hand and then to rub it over my cat’s back. I have done that, but haven’t found it to be as effective as dropping it directly on my dog’s back. Cats can be very sensitive to essential oils so we have to more cautious with them. I’m still trying to find a good natural way to repel ticks and fleas for my cats and I’ll let you know when I do!
Valeria says
Hello my fur baby’s skin is very sensitive so i have to be very careful on putting any thing that might irritate it. Is there any substitute on geranium oil? I am allergic to geraniums. I am asthmatic. Thank you
Erika says
I would check with your dog’s vet. obviously if you are allergic, it’s not a good idea to use it around you or your dog. Hope you can find something!
Karen Kelleher says
Please Do! I made this for my dog, tonight, I’ll repost my findings later. I have two cats who need tick repellent. Let me know…if you can.
Neri says
Hi Erica, I just need to say that your dog Bailey looks like my baby girl Haley. When I saw pic I taught thats my dog. She is 12 years old born on St.Patricks day. Maybe they are brother and sister :)…We too using all natural essentials oils to prevent tick and fleas and it works. My favorite tea tree oil. Thanks for info too.
Erika says
Aww that’s great! give your Haley a pat from us!
Jen says
What do you use to prevent fleas on dogs?
Erika Tay says
Hi.. may i know how do you use tea trea oil for tick repellant? I dont have geranium oil but i have tea tree oil available right now. My 10 yr old cocker spaniel is infested .. i hand pick those ticks out every day only to repeat the process the next day.. pls help.. Thanks..
Kate says
My understanding is that Tea Tree Oil can be toxic to dogs
Cheryl says
Please, please, please do NOT use tea tree oil on your dog. I almost killed my dog using it! It is extremely toxic for dogs. It almost shut down my cocker’s nervous system. Luckily, we got him to the animal hospital in time.
Erika says
Yes, I agree. Do NOT use tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca essential oil) on your dog. I’ve researched this and agree that it is NOT safe. It’s not worth it, folks!
Andrea Pratt says
Does this work on fleas too? My dogs are 60 lbs plus how many drops of this oil would it take to repeal fleas and ticks? Also how ong does it take for this to work? Thanks
Erika says
I’d probably use 2-4 drops on your dogs – 1 or 2 at the base of their tails and 1 or 2 drops between their shoulder blades. Unfortunately rose geranium doesn’t seem to work for fleas. I’ve heard lemongrass may work for this, but haven’t tried it yet as I’m researching more thoroughly. Always be careful – don’t risk using oils that are not safe on your pet.
Robert Mendolia says
ok so i was all happy about the article until I read this on the Eden’s Garden website *We do not recommend using essential oils on pets, unless under the care of a veterinarian or aromatherapist.
Need I be concerned???
rob
Erika says
Hi Rob, it’s always a good idea to check with your own vet before trying something new like this with your dog. I wrote this post because it works well for us and our vet approved it.
Deanne Rader says
I’ve been using this formulation for over a year now and he will pick up a flea outside, but on a super white poodle with lots of long hair, you see it immediately. Two drops on him I don’t think that would work. I mix the following and then put in a spray bottle to spray on him and rub it into his hair.
Flea & Tick Repellant
6 oz. witch hazel, 8 drops geranium, 4 drops cedar, 5 drops rose or lavender for scent and fill the rest with water. I use a smaller spray bottle – approx. 1 and 1/2 cups.
It works great and we live on a property with lots of trees and bushes. Before using this, we had about 3-4 ticks that I had to remove from him. Yuck!
Michelle says
How large of a spray bottle did you use? How many oz.? Thanks.
Kay Jenkins says
Help! After reading your post, which was excellent, (and all of the comments) I ordered a bottle from Now Foods because it was such a good price. Yesterday I put 4 drops on each of my 60-pound dogs. Afterwards, my kitchen reeked of the smell (I’m not scent sensitive) to the point I had to open the windows and door and this morning, almost 24 hours later, the smell is still almost sickingly strong. Is this normal? Thanks so much.
Erika says
Hi Kay, hmm.. I haven’t used Now Foods essential oils but I would guess it’s the brand. Rose geranium is one of the stronger-smelling essential oils, but I’ve never experienced it where it reeks as you’re describing. I’d try a different brand if I were you. Try Eden’s Garden – they’re inexpensive
Jen Samuel says
I used tea tree oil on my dog and he developed hives. I learned that it is not safe for dogs!
Erika says
It’s their disclaimer because some people use oils unsafely and oils, including geranium, are VERY potent and do have the potential to cause issues. I have researched using geranium oil AND asked our vet (as I mentioned in the post) and she okayed it. It’s always smart to do your own research and make an informed decision before trying something new, particularly when it pertains to your health, your family’s, &/or that of your beloved pets.
Donna says
Does the geranium oil need to be diluted at all?
Erika says
I don’t dilute on my dog as I’ve found it works much better w/o, but if you’re unsure, you can dilute, especially at the beginning.
Kevin says
Does this stuff take time to build up in the dogs system? Tried the stuff you use and she came back with just as many if not more ticks, about 15. Tripled the drops between the shoulder blades, base of tail and the top of each paw since she had them between her toes. Think pulled 12 or 13 that time. Have had very slightly better result with product cedarcide. Guess we just have stuffer ticks in Nebraska
Erika says
Dang, that’s a lot of ticks! And I thought we had it bad here in New Hampshire!
I wonder if you have different species ticks than we do? We have mostly deer and dog ticks around here. I ask because for mosquitoes, there are hundreds of different species around the country and some hate certain essential oils while others don’t seem to care, so it may be the same with ticks.
Either way, good luck – I hope you find something natural that works for your dog.
Jasmine says
I got this to use for my dog; when I heard that it would work to keep fleas and ticks off my dog. It does work; and it smells nice 🙂
Edith Veirs says
Tea tree oil IS toxic to dogs…check with the VET!
Alaina says
Hi Erika, would you sell some of the dog repellant you make?
Erika says
Hi Alaina, I don’t sell it now, but thanks for asking! It’s super easy to make yourself. 🙂
Diana says
What about for Horses?
Erika says
I’m not familiar with horses, Diana, and can’t help you there.
JWells says
I have used the Pure rose geranium oil for my 20lb cairn terrier. He was diagnosed with Lyme disease when he could not walk, antibiotics took care of this but he is very sensitive and cannot use flea/tick medicines. We put a few drops of rose geranium oil on his collar only. This seems to work fairly well except when we go to our camp in tick country. I then also spray him down with diluted apple cider vinegar mix. So far, so good.
Nina H Pfanstiehl says
1st note, despite what is written here, I would NEVER apply ANY Essential Oil full strength directly to my pet (or person). From everything I’ve read, they should be administered diluted. And with pets, even more diluted than humans. Plant Therapy has a recommended dilution chart for dogs specifically.
I wouldn’t trust NOW oils to be pure, despite some reviews I’ve seen on websites. I got stuck with a lot of fakes before spending a LOT of time researching & finding you get what you pay for pretty much. You DON’T have to spend the big bucks that MLM copmanies charge (like DoTerra & Young Living) that’s just multi level mark ups & advertising hoopla. You can NOT though, get cheap oils & expect them to be real. I wouldn’t trust Plant Guru or Healing Solutions either & definitely notmost of the cheap brands on Amazon, like Laguna, Guya, Sheer Essence, Hana, Ola Prima, etc. you’ll get frangrance oils or sythnthetic or diluted essential oils, not pure, real essential oils despite their claims. If a company doesn’t have easily available GS/MC test reports, list the latin name & country of origin etc (all of these, not just some, but most importantly, test results, batch/lot numbers, etc.) then they’re likely fake.
My research has led to me to find the best priced REAL essential oils you will find out there come from Plant Therapy, Eden’s Garden, Miracle Botanicals, Hopewell Essential Oils & Ananda Apothocary. PT & EG & MB can be bought on Amazon, if you have PRIME you have free returns. Only Plant Therapy & Miracle Botanicals have a no hassles free return policy. AA & HE also charge for shipping & are a bit pricier. EG, AA & HE – you have to pay to return & criteria is much stricter (some have to be unopened, etc.) If you buy direct from PT & MB, PT has points, rewards system & $10. off first order I think & MB has free gift of an EO of the week for orders over $50.
If you’re new to EO’s I’d suggest PT to start, especially as they have a staff of skilled aromatherapists who can answer questions & PT has a line of Pup & Pony EO products they just came out with for dogs & horses, but no flea or tick products at this time.
You can also buy a ‘diffuser’ cage or pendant which has a felt pad or ball you can put the oils on and then hang from dog’s collar & this way you don’t have to worry about it getting into dog’s skin but it’s still there to repel bugs, I’m going to start with that to see if it works. You can get a pendant similar to what sells on PT for $16. for less than $3 on ebay & the ‘cages’ are tiny – for very small dogs (mine are 10 & 18 lbs, the ball is size of small pearl, 6-8mm) 5 pcs for @$2.00 on ebay, less if you bid auctions. Ditto for pendants, just watch size of pendants, they’re steel & pretty heavy,
Ticks are extremely heavy this year in RI & just took about 3 dozen off 18 lb terrier after a walk on sidewalks! Last two trips out in yard brought 2 in each time.
I wonder about Egyptian Geranium? It’s Pe;lrgoneum x asperum, I’m going to go back up & see if that matches the geranium names you mentioned above.
Note my advice is personal, & non expert, I am not a professional.
Nina H Pfanstiehl says
What about Pelargonium x asperum? That’s “Egyptian Geranium’ I have for human skin serum. Pelargonium Graveolens is plain Geranium, not Rose Geranium. I have Aura Cacia’s but the smell literally makes me nauseous, so I don’t want to use it on my dogs. AC’s a good brand, so it’s not fake, I just don’t like the smell, I also dislike Lavender & it makes me nauseous too. Can real rose be used? I do have 2 rose absolutes, Eden’s Gardens & Plant Therapys. EG’s is Rosa Damascena & PT’s is Rosa x Centifolia. Anyone know if they will work? They’re not a favorite either but better than Geranium. I’d rather add a little bit of that, say to a Pelargoinum Graveolens so it doesn’t smell so horrible until I can get some Pelargonium Roseum, which will hopefully smell better than the Graveolens. And thanks for your article, I appreciate all the info you provided. I don’t think I’d try full strength EO’s on my dog as everything I’ve read says it should be well diluted for use on pets, but if your Vet agrees, I hope it’s OK. My vet is not experienced w/EO’s & so is of no help in this. Plant Therapy is the only sight that seems to have professionals in the field that know what they’re doing, so I’m going by their advise for now. As you did mention, start off with less first & then see, especially with very small dogs. Mine are 10 & 18 lbs. Thanks again for this great article. Also, I did a reply to the lady asking about NOW with my experience about different brand EO’s – hope that is helpful to some.
Erika says
Thanks, Nina!
Joy says
Rose Geranium did absolutely nothing for either my dog or for me. After a week of spraying and wiping, it’s back to the drawing board. I’ve pulled off 4-5 ticks per day on both of us.
Erika says
Hi Joy, how frustrating! Which brand of essential oil did you use? Some are not as good. (That does NOT mean you need the expensive brands though!)
kathie says
I thought you weren’t supposed to apply EO’s neat (without a carrier oil) especially to a dog? Please advise. Thank you.
Erika says
Hi Kathie, great question! I tried this with a carrier oil originally and it didn’t help much. My vet said applying rose geranium neat (just a couple drops) every few days was fine for my dog. And we’ve never had any issues. That being said I always recommend that people talk with their own vet if they have any concerns.
PS. I should also add that my dog is a furry cocker spaniel – if you have a fine, short-haired dog, applying the rose geranium with a carrier oil may work better for you than it did for us.
Az300 says
Is there an essential oil scent that I could use on the legs of my kitchen chairs to keep my male Maltese from peeing on them
Ruth says
this site say to use a different type of Rose Geranium:
https://wholefedhomestead.com/natural-tick-lyme-disease-prevention/
Erika says
Hi Ruth, you will find many different opinions when it comes to using essential oils. The version of Rose Geranium I recommend is due to the research backed studies I’ve found and my own experience. You can, of course, use whichever version you prefer.
Julie says
I know geranium is preferable as it works so well, but I don’t have any on hand and the ticks are TERRIBLE here. We’re picking several each day off our lab and toy Aussie. Can I substitute citronella and lemongrass? TIA
Erika says
I’ve heard that both Citronella and Lemongrass are unsafe for pets, so I would not use either for your dogs. Is there any way you can order Geranium oil online? Even Amazon carries it. Look for Eden’s Garden or Plant Therapy for a good inexpensive brand.
Amy says
A little confused. Should I be using the spray above or the Rose Geranium Oil on its own? Or both? Also, how long does the spray last before you need to toss it? Thank you
Christine says
The spray is best, not direct use of rose geranium on the dog.
Pauline says
Thanks I just moved to a very rural tick prone area and I found a tick on my dog, I searched the web & found your recipe for tick repellent. I have a little Shih Tzu and he’s very low to the ground so I use your recipe apple cider vinegar, distilled water, rose geranium & cedarwood recipe. I’ve been using it since May 2020 & haven’t found a tick on him since that first one. I spray him every time we go out, because he’s so low to the ground & sticks his head everywhere, anyway so far it’s working, he doesn’t seem to mind it & I love it I use it too. I spray my feet. & legs too, each time we go outdoors.. Thanks so much !!!!
Erika says
That’s so great to hear, Pauline! Yay for tick-free doggies! 🙂
Luffy says
Is it safe to use on bedding or any other furniture?
Thank you
Tiffany Brook Meyer says
Hi Erika
I have been using rose geranium for ticks successfully for a few years now. After reading your update on the use of oils directly on skin, I had this question.
I am hesitant to use the spray you have formulated, because I don’t want my dog licking it. Is there a way to do a tincture version, so I can continue putting it in between our dog’s shoulder blades and base of tail where she is unlikely to ingest it? How would I do that?
Erika says
Hi Tiffany, I don’t’ think dogs would like the taste very much with the apple cider vinegar but you never know. So you could try just spraying it on those two spots or if you have used the geranium oil successfully straight on the skin, you could go back to that.
Tiffany Brook Meyer says
Thanks Erika
pauline davis says
Hi Erika,
Started using your “Tick Repellent Recipe”…. Apple Cider Vinegar, Distilled Water, Rose Geranium & Cedarwood in May 2020. I live in the North East too, New Brunswick to be exact. Happy to say no tick, none May-October 2020, until yesterday Oct 21, 2020. Luckily I found a live tick on my 12 pound Shih Tzu dog’s hair before it borrowed yesterday. But, this morning I found an ENGORGED TICK on the floor, which probably fell off my dog. I usually make a 8 ounce batch of your tick repellent .
*** Questions *** 1. Should the mixture be refrigerated ? 2. I have Lemongrass & Eucalyptus can I add drops of either of those to essential oils to the mixture or would that be too much & harmful for my dog
Erika says
Hi Pauline, I’m glad to hear it’s worked so well for you! I’ve noticed a few sneaky ticks have snuck through the past couple of weeks here too. We’ve had more rain lately and I suspect that’s the reason why.
I do not keep my spray refrigerated and I don’t know of any reason why you should have to. Room temperature is fine. Eucalyptus oil is not considered safe to use on dogs. Lemon grass has mixed opinions regarding safety and dogs, however, I would not use it as I prefer to be more cautious.
Katelinde says
What is the purpose of the apple cider vinegar?
Erika says
Apple cider vinegar can repel ticks too!
Megan says
I tiried this for the first time today and I still pulled 3 ticks off my dog, which is the average for our walks. I’m wondering if I didn’t spray enough maybe? I also sprayed it pretty well onto a bandana and put that on her neck. So frustrating this year, ticks are worse than any year already. I used rocky mountain for my essential oils
Erika says
The ticks are REALLY bad this year here too. I’ve had to increase the number of drops of essential oils in our bottle. You can try going up a little more and also spraying more thoroughly on her neck, stomach, legs. Good luck!
Kay says
I have been using your formula for mosquito repellent as well. Even my partner is enjoying the benefits of the spray. We find consistent reapplication necessary. And yesterday after sitting/picking in my current patch … I found numerous mosquito bites on my ankles. I rubbed the formula on my ankles and the itching and bumps went away almost immediately. As for the ticks … I don’t believe anything can be 100% fool proof as a preventative – so we must be diligent and grateful for another layer of protection. Great, simple and lovely smelling recipe. Thank you!
Sara says
Is this safe for puppies?
Erika says
I have used it on my puppy before, but it’s always best to check with your vet to be safe.