I just read an answer to use Tea Tree Oil on Your dog for fleas. So I Googled it. HIGHLYBTOXIC AS I THOUGHT. PLEASE WHEN U GET AN ANSWER?

Tea tree oil is poisonous to cats. I know that there are dog shampoos that are still made with it but I don't buy or use them. After the big hoopla about tea tree oil years ago, it was finally announced that it was NOT so good for everything as some people believed. It has a very slight antibiotic effect. If you needed an antibiotic for your dog's skin, you could get something from a vet or even use something from the store AS LONG AS THE DOG CAN'T LICK IT OFF.

White Vinegar rinses have a good but temporary effect on fleas and vinegar isn't very expensive. You could try that. You can get any of three really terrific products for fleas from any vet. These are: Bravecto, Comfortis and Nexgard. You may not remember it but the flea drops that used to work (but don't anymore) used to be available by prescription only. Later, you could buy them anywhere without a prescription. I'm hoping that the Bravecto, Comfortis and Nexgard will soon be non-prescription because this also lowers the price. If you search the web, you might find 30 day flea dips. You don't have to dip the dog in it. You just mix up a gallon or so (maybe more for a big dog) and, using disposable gloves and a big car wash type sponge, sponge it on the dog until it is dripping wet. Avoid the eyes, ears, mouth and nose. Be sure to follow all instructions on the bottle. Before these easy to use drops and things were invented, most people used flea dip once a month.

When our pets are concerned, the fact that something is natural does not make it safe, nor effective. If diluted greatly tea tree oil (depending on the web site) is safe for dogs, but at that dilution rate it is highly doubtful that it actually will work on fleas. The best flea products are those your vet sells. They work and are safe when used as directed on most dogs. There is always a risk with any type of medication but we balance the risk with against the risk of not using the medication. Fleas and ticks can really do a number on your dog, and ticks spread all sorts of diseases to both your dog, and to YOU. Get a quality preventative from your vet.

If your dog has fleas, the best thing to do would be to get a flea product from your Vet and learn how to properly de-flea your home. This is the safest and most effective way to rid your dog and home of fleas. If you just keep using stuff that isn't approved or recommended by a Vet, it's probable that those products won't work and could actually be harmful too, not to mention that you'll be wasting your money on all those products, and end up having to get the proper treatment from the Vet in the long run anyway.

I use orange oil + rose geranium essential oil drops on my dog's collar when ticks are out (fleas are usually prevelant at this time, too). I put about 5 drops of each on her collar every three days or so.

Along with that, i make a mixture of about 20 drops of orange oil, 20 drops of rose geranium, 1/4 cup of sweet almond oil in a pint spray bottle and add water to fill. I shake before using and spray my dog with this mixture before we go out.

It is said to "mask" the host (dog) scent and the fleas and ticks are not aware of the presence of the dog. Seems to work because my dog has not had a flea or tick in years... and the solution didn't kill her because she's sixteen years old.

Like a lot of other flea treatments TTO needs to be used correctly.

Research shows tea tree oil is safe for dogs and cats and effective only when it is diluted correctly – i.e., diluted in large amounts of water. The recommended ratio is 0.1-1.0 percent strength, to be dispensed topically. Oral application is not safe for your pet.

Many natural remedies for dogs and cats are no safer than using Chemical remedies and most are not as effective anyway.

This is one reason why so many of us say 'see your vet' - and get flamed for it.

The fact is, if people knew what was toxic or safe or effective, or how to research that, or how to use it when they buy it, they wouldnt need to ask here.

Most people who ask questions here dont even know how much their dog weighs. And thats a really basic test of ownership.

If they dont know that then they don't worm their dog.

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/what-you-...

I'd be very careful if using this and much as some tick/flea treatment isn't working as well on dogs as in the past, it would be better to contact your vet and be advised by him before using anything.

Tea Tree Oil is toxic to cats but I know there are dog shampoos with TTO in them so it is not toxic to a dog.

Yup, it's toxic to dogs along with other OTC products that shouldn't be applied and or given without vet recommendation and/or prescription.

Never put any essential oil on a dog.