Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy to keep fleas off of your dog. Many owners like to add a little to dog shampoo so that the dog receives a natural flea treatment with every bath.
Wondering how much tea tree oil to add to dog shampoo to make it effective yet safe? Pet shampoos never contain more than 1% tea tree oil in the formula because more than that can make the dog very sick.
Never directly apply tea tree oil on your dog’s coat or skin because it can cause burns and poison your dog. We always recommend searching for a professionally mixed flea shampoo because you know it’s safe.
Is Tea Tree oil safe for dogs?
The maximum safe dose of tea tree oil is 1 to 5 g/kg or 2 to 2.6 milliliter/kg but it may be deadly in even smaller doses than that when used alone.
When tea tree oil is used alone, burns and poisoning are sure to occur.
Tea tree oil is frequently available in a variety of strengths, and high doses should never be given to pets.
The lethal concentration of a few drops of pure oil is 7, and applications of 10-20 milliliters have been known to result in poisoning and death in both dogs and cats.
How to Make Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Is It Safe?
Try this recipe to make a safe tea tree oil treatment for your dog. Please use very little tea tree oil for the safety of your dog.
1/8th cup coconut milk, 2/3 cup baking soda, one teaspoon of Vitamin E oil, 5 tea tree oil drops, 0.5 Tbsp olive oil, and 0.25 cup filtered water.
Because of its popularity, some veterinary skincare products include tiny amounts of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is so volatile that it is effective in very tiny amounts.
How to dilute Tea Tree oil with water
When you apply tea tree oil to your dog’s skin, make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil. Be careful about how much tea tree oil you use. The optimum and safest ratio is 0.1 to 1% strength, as previously stated.
Some dogs may still react to this low concentration, so start with a very weak mix to be safe.
How Much Tea Tree Oil To Add To Dog Shampoo?
Tea tree oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it a good natural treatment for fleas and other problems that dogs have.
You may also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your dog’s regular shampoo. Begin with a concentration of 0.5% when making your own tea tree oil solution.
What Happens If Dogs Lick Tea Tree Oil?
A dog eating tea tree oil in large doses or in combined form can be poisoned and burned by it.
While tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is treatable, it can be light to severe and result in acute signs including organ damage. You may have to pay extensive veterinary bills.
If you suspect your dog has ingested tea tree oil, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.
Are Dogs Allergic to Tea Tree Oil?
Pets can be allergic to a number of essential oils including eucalyptus oil, cinnamon, tea tree oil, citrus, sweet birch, and ylang-ylang.
The concentration of these essential oils can make them dangerous for anyone, including pets to inhale in concentration or rub on the fur or skin.
Always use them diluted, and never inhale them directly from a vaporizer. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of pets and children.
Can Dogs Smell Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is a very strong volatile oil that dogs can smell very well. Keep it away from their eyes and nose to avoid burning and irritation.
Can You Use Coconut Oil on Dogs?
Coconut oil is safe to use on dogs and is a frequent ingredient in shampoos and skin treatments. Coconut oil is usually safe for dogs to consume in tiny amounts or apply to their skin or fur.
Virgin coconut oil is preferable because it has most of the benefits that coconut oil provides. Fractionated coconut oil is often used as a carrier oil for applying essential oils.
Can I Use Dove Soap on My Dog?
Never use human shampoo, soap, or dish soap on dog fur. Dogs have different skin pH, so these soaps will irritate and dry their skin and fur.
Only use shampoos formulated for dogs to get the best results for your dog’s skin and coat.
Final Thoughts
If you want to be sure that your puppy is as clean as can be, consider bathing him before bedtime and only using a mild puppy shampoo.
If it enters your dog’s eyes or is accidentally ingested, a shampoo that is advertised as safe for puppies is significantly less likely to cause issues.
