Lemongrass for Pets

Herbs For Pets 3 min read

While many chefs reach for lemongrass in the kitchen, not many people know that it has uses for our pets. With its iconic citrusy aroma, lemongrass may help naturally repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Plus, it serves as a natural deodorizer thanks to its pleasant smell.

However, before you use it, there are a few important things to know about using lemongrass or lemongrass oil for your pet.

History of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is native to several Southeast Asian countries and cultures. Prized for its fragrant quality, lemongrass has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb.

As a medicinal plant, lemongrass has had many uses across many different cultures. This includes uses in anti-anxiety supplements, infection-fighting balms, and natural household cleansers thanks to its anti-bacterial qualities.

Its reddish stem produces green stalks that protect the soft inner core, which is the edible portion of the plant. The leaves of the plant can be dried and used as a tea as well.

The lemongrass plant also naturally contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties. Today, people continue to regularly use lemongrass in herbalism, including as a topical insect repellent for themselves and their pets.

Benefits of Lemongrass for Dogs and Cats

Lemongrass is not suitable for pets to ingest. It may upset their stomachs if they eat large quantities. However, lemongrass oil may be diluted and used as an insect repellent.

That’s because lemongrass has evolved natural defense mechanisms to repel bugs from eating it. Thanks to this adaptation, we can use lemongrass on ourselves and our pets to help deter bites and infestations.

Research has even suggested that lemongrass may be an effective bug repellent free of harsh synthetic chemicals.

When participants coated a lemongrass extract on their arm and stuck it inside a mosquito-filled box, the mosquitoes flew away from the scent! The researchers concluded that lemongrass oil therefore may make a natural ally in the fight against malaria and other insect-related diseases.

Another study found that lemongrass helped to repel ticks, while masking the participants’ scent.

With evidence suggesting that lemongrass may both be protective against ticks and mosquitoes, it may make a great natural alternative to DEET, an insect repellent toxic to pets.

Safety of Lemongrass for Pets

Lemongrass should not be fed to pets as it may upset their stomachs. However, pet owners may use topical sprays with lemongrass and lemongrass oil to help deter pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

Make a careful note not to allow pets to immediately clean themselves after applying diluted topical lemongrass. Pets may lick away the benefits of putting it on in the first place.

The dosage and quality of the herbal ingredient are crucial for safety and efficacy. We advise against using any herb without proper guidance and under the supervision of your pet’s veterinary team. NHV formulas are meticulously researched and made in a GMP-certified facility. We use only the highest quality organic or ethically harvested herbs. Each formulation was expertly developed by a holistic veterinarian and a master herbalist with a combined 50 years of experience in plant-based remedies. Through dedication and research, NHV formulations are safe and effective in extracting the medicinal properties of the herb through a patented process.

How NHV Uses Lemongrass Oil for Pets

We use diluted lemongrass oil in our Coco Furcare topical spray. You can spritz NHV Coco Furcare on your pet and work it into their fur. It works as a hydrating in-between bath spray, keeping your pet smelling fresh and clean.

You will also find lemongrass oil in NHV Target Spray. In this formula, lemongrass oil helps to deter pests that want to take a bite of your pet, potentially leaving them exposed to irritated skin, allergies, and diseases. It also contains other natural insect repellents, such as citronella and tea tree, as well as anti-inflammatories like milk thistle.

With ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes always looking to take a nip of our pets – and potentially spreading serious diseases while doing so – pet parents should take precautions to deter pests whenever they can.

All Clear

USD $28.95

flea & tick support

Target Spray for cats

USD $32.95

flea & tick support

Natural Flea Essentials Kit

USD $74.90

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.