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Does Coconut Oil Kill Fleas? Safety & Effectiveness Revealed

Kathryn Copeland

By Kathryn Copeland

coconut and its oil

Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lauren Demos

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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No one wants a flea-infested pet, but the treatment can be expensive, and putting chemicals on your pet might seem scary. Many pet owners turn to natural remedies in the hopes that they can do the job instead.

But using coconut oil on pets hasn’t been fully determined to be safe or effective. It doesn’t seem to be harmful in small amounts, but when it comes to things like flea control, it doesn’t seem to be that effective either. Any kind of oil, including coconut oil, can technically kill fleas, but it’s not really considered flea treatment.

If you’re hoping to use coconut oil to prevent fleas on your cat, keep reading. We cover the benefits and risks and what science has to say.

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Is Coconut Oil Safe for Pets?

No scientific studies have researched the effects of coconut oil and its possible benefits for pets. So, if you don’t know for certain that coconut oil will help your pet or if it’s even safe, you should think twice before using it.

While coconut oil isn’t harmful in small amounts, the ASPCA, for example, doesn’t recommend giving it to pets because both the milk and flesh of coconuts might cause diarrhea. It also warns against giving coconut water to your pet because it’s high in potassium 1.

A few sources that have done studies on humans have found that coconut oil is high in saturated fat, particularly compared to other, non-tropical vegetable oils 2.

Speak to your vet before giving coconut oil to a cat or dog, but you should always start with small amounts only. They will most likely tolerate it just fine, but keep in mind that if your pet has any health conditions, coconut oil could potentially exacerbate them.

Pancreatitis in cats and dogs can be caused or exacerbated by a diet high in fat, for example, and obesity can also be a result.

Ultimately, you should only give coconut oil to your pet if your vet recommends it, and that goes for both external and internal applications. It’s a natural oil, but it doesn’t have the same benefits for all animals.

Coconut fruit and coconut oil isolated on wood table background
Image Credit: NIKCOA, Shutterstock

Does Coconut Oil Kill Fleas?

Many blogs and websites state that coconut oil is effective at killing fleas, but there doesn’t seem to be much evidence backing these claims.

It’s believed that the lauric acid in the coconut oil will cover the fleas and quickly kill them. The truth is that if you put any kind of oil or detergent on fleas, they will suffocate and die. But it won’t necessarily kill all fleas on a pet.

Fleas 3 are difficult to eradicate, and putting coconut oil on your cat or dog might kill some of them, but you will definitely won’t get them all 4. There are larvae and flea eggs scattered as well  in your home, particularly where your pet sleeps. If you put coconut oil on your pet and notice that the fleas are gone, they will be back in a matter of a few days or weeks.

So, unless you plan on spreading coconut oil all over your home, you’ll want to look elsewhere for flea treatment. You should take your pet to see the vet, as they will advise you on the best methods to remove them from the house and prescribe flea treatment appropriate to your dog or cat.

It’s vital that you go through your vet for this, as some pets might not respond well to other treatments. Cats in particular can react badly to the wrong flea treatment, and it can even be fatal. If you really want to get rid of fleas, follow your vet’s instructions.

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How Does Coconut Oil Benefit People & Possibly Pets?

Coconut oil does have a few benefits, though it won’t be effective for all pets:

  • One of the best things about coconut oil is that it’s great for hair. It’s the best oil for fur because it penetrates the shaft and can keep the coat soft and healthy.
  • It’s known to treat skin conditions such as dry skin and eczema.
  • Internally, coconut oil can help the immune system.
  • It reduces inflammation, such as with arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • It’s thought that it can help heal wounds.
  • It might help with bad breath.
  • It supports cognitive function.

Coconut oil isn’t any kind of miracle cure, but it’s possible that it could help your pet in a few ways. If you’re interested in trying it out, talk with your veterinarian.

smiling dog looking at the bottle of oil
Image Credit: Te9I, Shutterstock

What Are the Risks of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, and too much can either exacerbate or potentially create health conditions like pancreatitis and obesity. One teaspoon of coconut oil can be about 120 calories.

Too much coconut oil can also lead to stomach upset, which may include diarrhea. There’s also the possibility of an allergic reaction, which can present as an upset stomach and itchiness.

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What’s the Best Way to Give Coconut Oil to Your Pet?

If you want to use coconut oil for other reasons beyond fleas, here are a few tips.

Cats

Cats can be given small amounts of coconut oil with their food or on their skin if they have skin issues. You need to start with tiny amounts, however.

If your cat is about average size, only give them 1/8 of a teaspoon a few times a week. You can give it directly as is to your cat, as many cats seem to like it that way, but if they are not interested, you can try mixing it in with their regular food.

Remember to speak to your vet before giving coconut oil to your cat. If they have an adverse reaction, usually diarrhea, discontinue immediately.

pipette with oil in hand over animal feed
Image Credit: Dzmitry Sarmont, Shutterstock

Dogs

Like with cats, start with tiny amounts. You can give a small dog about ¼ teaspoon and a large dog 1 tablespoon. Mix it with their usual food once a day.

How much and how often you give coconut oil to your dog depends on their size and what you’re using it for. It also depends on what your veterinarian tells you.

If you plan on putting it on your dog’s skin, emulsify a small amount on your hands by rubbing them together, gently massaging your dog’s coat, and running your fingers through it to distribute the oil.

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What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas?

Your vet will know the best treatment for your pet and offer advice on the best ways to remove them not only from your pet but also your home.

Attempting to treat your pet at home can cause unexpected side effects, so always go with your vet’s recommendations. Flea treatment for your dog will require different products than for cats.

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Final Thoughts

There are many confusing messages out there, but unless you hear from evidence-based authority that you should avoid coconut oil altogether or that it’s completely safe for use, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Don’t give coconut oil to your pet unless it’s in tiny amounts and your veterinarian says that it’s okay.

If your vet has given you the go-ahead, opt for unrefined or virgin coconut oil. Remember, just because it is considered “natural” doesn’t mean the treatment won’t harm your cat or dog. Many natural items are toxic to pets.

Finally, while coconut oil might kill a few fleas on your pet, it won’t get rid of them entirely, since you need to use a treatment that lasts longer than a day.

Fleas have a long life cycle and are challenging to eradicate, so stick with vet-recommended flea treatments. You should eventually end up with a flea-free home and pet.


Featured Image Credit: moho01, Pixabay

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