Tea Tree Oil for Fleas: Safety and Effectiveness

Tea tree oil for fleas is one of many natural remedies often posed as alternatives to traditional medications, but it's not necessarily safe and effective. Fleas are bothersome, bite you and your pets, and carry diseases, so it's good to prevent and kill them when you find them. Here's what pet parents need to know before using tea tree oil for fleas in pets, including safety and proper use.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Also referred to as Melaleuca, tea tree oil is from the Australian tea tree plant, Melaleuca alternifolia. It is an essential oil with a minty smell that has historically been used in diluted amounts to treat various skin issues in people. For pets, it's sometimes used to manage skin conditions and kill parasites such as fleas.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe for Pets?

Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, so it should never be administered orally to a pet or person. If a pet licks tea tree oil that has been spilled or sprayed elsewhere, it could be very harmful. Additionally, if tea tree oil is applied to a pet's skin in large quantities or undiluted, it may cause muscle tremors, weakness, drooling, a low body temperature, and problems walking. The Pet Poison Helpline has reported that as few as seven drops of undiluted tea tree oil on a pet's skin has caused serious issues, so undiluted oil can be dangerous.

On the other hand, tea tree oil in diluted amounts can be found in some pet products and has been used without issues, but these concentrations should not exceed one percent. Stronger solutions should never be used. With products that have low concentrations, the label instructions should be followed closely and pets should be monitored after application.

Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas?

There is no published scientific evidence that tea tree oil specifically kills fleas. The oil has been shown to be effective in killing other types of arthropods, including some species of ticks and lice, but often with higher concentrations that what is considered safe. Limonene is a natural component of tea tree oil that is toxic to fleas, so it's often assumed that tea tree oil will also be effective.

How Does Tea Tree Oil Work?

When used for pest control, tea tree oil can penetrate an insect's exoskeleton and cause suffocation. Terpenes are specific components of tea tree oil that may be beneficial. Different types of terpenes are found in various plants and are also responsible for the way a plant smells. This means terpenes are responsible for essential oils having strong scents. They work in the endocannabinoid system within the body, which helps regulate many bodily functions. Ongoing research may help veterinarians better understand exactly how this system works in animals.

Terpenes in tea tree oil may be effective as an alternative remedy against fleas and other external parasites. One terpene found in tea tree oil is called terpinen-4-ol and it is known to have antibacterial and antifungal effects in people through the activation of white blood cells. 1,8-cineole is another type of terpene found in tea tree oil that has shown to be relatively effective in killing various types of parasites, and limonene has been found to specifically kill some (but not all) Ctenocephalides felis, the species of flea most commonly found on pets.

How To Safely Use Tea Tree Oil on Pets

Before using tea tree oil on your pet you should discuss it with your veterinarian to ensure it is recommended and safe. If your vet decides tea tree oil is appropriate, follow your vet's advice and these basic guidelines:

• Never get tea tree oil in or near your pet's mouth.
• When applying topically, only use a 1 percent or less dilution.
• If your pet self-grooms, do not apply the diluted oil in places where it can be licked off before it can dry. Because are more sensitive to tea tree oil and groom themselves so heavily, the risk for tea tree oil toxicity in cats is much higher than it is for dogs.
• Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any signs of illness while using tea tree oil.