Well basically what the title is, I just read something that suggested tree oil around the house to help repel spiders and at the end of the page it gave warning that tea tree oil is highly poisonious for dogs. I thought i had read something about using it for fleas on here so figured i shoukd just ask to be sure since im new to the oils scene. My sister just picked up some tea tree shampoo that I had wanted to try on the pups since i cant get the oils right now but this made me second guess using it at all even for myself. It is not a dog shampoo but from sally beauty we have used it before and the scent is very strong so we figure it would be an ok alternative for the oils for now.

Someone else also told me tea tree oil was poisonous when I suggested someone to use it against fleas, so I am also curious.

Any essential oil above 1% in high quantities is toxic if ingested. I use Tea Tree Oil in my dogs shampoo to repel fleas/ticks without any issue at all.

If you put 100% therapeutic grade Tea Tree Oil on thin skin (ear) on a sensitive dog, yes they can have a reaction. In order to avoid that issue, I just use Cedar or Lavender now, both 100% Therapeutic grade.

They are, however, 100% toxic to cats.

Using it around your house should be fine, but don't put it in spray bottles.

Ok that makes sense the shampoo should be fine to use then, i'll avoid their ears just to be safe and wash there with something else. The cat usually avoid them because jasper wants to carry him around and bella smashes her paws into him and bites at him a bit to hard so i think im fine there. And spray bottles are a no go here with a devious toddler around, i have tried to stop using them or they are up high and clearly marked because the little guy always figures out how to get them. Thanks! I've got to find a good website on the use of oils for both dogs and humans, one thing says this another says that and it leaves you confused when you just want to learn a bit more beforepotentially causing a problem.

This is an article I wrote for the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Detroit - it was in our June newsletter



It’s that time of year again when fleas run rampant and we have to constantly check our dogs for these little parasites. As you probably know, there are many products available to treat your dog should they become infested; however, the safety of most of these products hasn’t been thoroughly tested by unbiased sources. I suggest choosing a more holistic route, but if you must use topical flea products such as Frontline, K9 Advantix and Revolution please use them as little as possible. For frontline and K9 Advantix this means you can use them as little as every three months, because they were proven to effectively kill fleas for that long.




Garlic – This is a controversial food for animals, as many believe it to be toxic; however, in small doses it is completely safe and the leading Holistic Veterinarians suggest feeding a small amount every other day to ward off fleas due to the bitter taste it gives the blood. DO NOT USE IN CATS – Garlic can not be processed correctly by their kidneys.

Dose: 1/16th Tbsp. per 50lbs, every other day.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (must have the “mother” in it) – Apple Cider Vinegar is a miracle liquid; this one liquid has the power to disinfect, treat and cure skin ailments, prevent bacterial and viral infections and can even ward of fleas and other pests. The best way to feed ACV is by adding it to your pet’s water bowl. Start by adding a small amount at first, because it can be very bitter.

Dose: 1 Tsp. per 50lbs, every other day.


Essential oils are NOT for feeding. They must be 100% Therapeutic Grade (Simpler’s, Young Living) and can be purchased at many health food stores. For these to work you simply place a drop of the oil on the collar (not the skin as that could be irritating) twice a week during the summer months. You may also make a spray for you and the dogs by adding 1/2 Cup of ACV to a spray bottle with 1 Cup of Water. Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and spray on yourself or dogs before going outside (It works for mosquitoes, too!). DO NOT USE ON CATS – There bodies cannot handle oils. You may apply on dogs in a cat household, but do not apply on cats or on hard surfaces that cats would apply their feet to or lick.

Lavender, Cedarwood and Tea Tree Oils – All three oils can be use individually or together to repel fleas. I prefer lavender to the other two, as it smells nice to me. 1 Drop on the collar is plenty to ward off fleas.

Rose Geranium Oil – This miracle oil actually repels TICKS. I place 1 drop of this with 1 drop of Lavender for protection.




Diatomaceous Earth- FOOD GRADE ONLY: This is a white powder consisting of microscopic skeletons. The skeletons slice the exoskeleton of the fleas and dehydrate them until they die; this goes for other insects as well. To kills fleas apply this in cracks, near doorways and in corners of the house. It can also be applied to bedding and the dog’s coat (Not the Head!!). I suggest wearing a mask because like any powder it can give off dust. Once the dust settles (it won’t take long) feel free to take your mask off. Some people don’t bother applying DE indoors and instead apply it outside the doors, in grass and on the dogs while outside. That is personal preference. This is also safe on cats. You must use Food Grade DE, NOT filter grade because it is poisonous.

Comfortis: Comfortis is the only prescribed flea medication I am comfortable using. Comfortis is a chewable pill with the ingredient Spinosad, which kills fleas for up to 30 days. This pill is a miracle worker and kills fleas within 30 minutes after feeding. To give correctly, Comfortis must be fed with a meal. If fed without a meal, the dog may vomit. I have never had a problem giving Comfortis and often dose my dog before a show.

Note: This document is based on my experience and the experience of close friends. We have had great success, but we are careful and attentive. I do not suggest anyone provide holistic medicine if they are not willing to do research and take necessary precautions. Just because it is from nature, doesn’t make it safe. If you have any questions please email me at mheath@my.madonna.edu

mbarnard0429 wrote:

The best way to feed ACV is by adding it to your pet’s water bowl. Start by adding a small amount at first, because it can be very bitter.
Dose: 1 Tsp. per 50lbs, every other day.

Sorry.. I have another question. I literally just got my ACV in yesterday. I plan on feeding them coconut oil every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and giving them ACV every Tuesday and Thursday on their food. They don't drink much water so I was afraid that would be ineffective. But I was told it was 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds, so would it be incorrect to give 3 teaspoons to a 46 pound dog twice a week?

very nice article! Is the ACV ok for cats? My cats drink right out of the dog's bowl so I have to know lol

what about this I found on Amazon?
http://www.amazon.com/Synergy-Essential-Blend-Undiluted-Therapeutic/dp/B006OR6CDC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1374513034&sr=8-4&keywords=100%25+therapeutic+grade+lavender

Megan, I literally just throw 2 TSP in their full water bowl every day and have never had an issue.

Lynn, my cats drink out of the water bowl and are just fine. Oils are dangerous to them only because they cannot process them. You could use that mixture if you want, but I don't like citronella or eucalyptus and have found it most effective to work with the individual oils.

Mobezilla wrote:

Sorry.. I have another question. I literally just got my ACV in yesterday. I plan on feeding them coconut oil every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and giving them ACV every Tuesday and Thursday on their food. They don't drink much water so I was afraid that would be ineffective. But I was told it was 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds, so would it be incorrect to give 3 teaspoons to a 46 pound dog twice a week?

3 teaspoons is the equivalent of 1 tablespoon which is perfectly fine for that size dog.  Back when I used to measure my ACV, I gave each of my chi girls (one was 6 lbs, the other was 7 lbs) 1 tsp of ACV every other day and I gave my 50 lb sibe 1 tbsp (which equals 3 tsp).  I've been using ACV for years now and honestly I don't even measure it out anymore since I am so used to giving it.

mbarnard0429 wrote:

Megan, I literally just throw 2 TSP in their full water bowl every day and have never had an issue.

Huskyluv wrote:

3 teaspoons is the equivalent of 1 tablespoon which is perfectly fine for that size dog.  Back when I used to measure my ACV, I gave each of my chi girls (one was 6 lbs, the other was 7 lbs) 1 tsp of ACV every other day and I gave my 50 lb sibe 1 tbsp (which equals 3 tsp).  I've been using ACV for years now and honestly I don't even measure it out anymore since I am so used to giving it.

Awesome, thanks both of you! Because of the fact that Yuki and Cloud hardly drink and Link drinks a ton, I thought it'd be more efficient to do it through food. I think I'll go ahead and do 1 teaspoon for Cloud, 2 teaspoons for Yuki, and a tablespoon for Link twice a week. Thanks again!