How to Make Coconut Oil Spray for Dogs

Let’s be honest: sometimes our dogs can get a little stinky.

Even if we bathe them regularly, they can still manage to contract that distinct wet dog smell now and again, especially in the summertime when the weather is warm and they tend to sweat a little more.

When this happens, flies will get easily attracted to the dog.

But even if your dog is spick and span, flies may still hover around your dog for other reasons like say, during dinnertime.

Luckily, there is a quick hack that can keep those flies away: using coconut oil spray.

Not only does coconut oil make their coat shiny and soft, but it also helps to keep the pesky flies at bay.

So, where do you get coconut oil spray?

Well, you just need a couple of ingredients and you can easily make it at home.

We’ll get into that in a bit but first, let’s see if it can actually help with flies.

Will Coconut Oil Keep Flies Off Dogs? 

Coconut oil is a natural fly repellant, so it can be a great way to keep flies away from your dog.

It is not only safe for applying on the skin but can also be eaten by dogs which makes it a safe choice.

 It works both by repelling the flies away from the dog as well as by killing the flies and any other parasites.

When you apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin, its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help to ward off flies and other insects.

Also, if the oil comes into contact with the fly, it might make them uncomfortable and deter them from landing on your dog.

That said, it’s important to know why flies were attracted to the dog in the first place so you can nip the problem in the bud.

Some of the preventive measures you can take to keep flies away from the dog include regularly cleaning up any waste or food debris in your yard, keeping your dog’s bedding clean, and providing your dog with plenty of water to drink.

Think of coconut oil spray as a short-term measure while you start working on getting the fly situation under control.

Related:

Does Vaseline Keep Flies Off Dogs?

How to Get Rid Of Botflies in Dogs

How to Make Coconut Oil Spray for Dogs

To make your homemade coconut oil spray, start by gathering the necessary ingredients.

The ingredients you need for making the coconut oil spray are:

• 1 cup of coconut oil

• 1/2 cup of water

• 5 drops of your preferred essential oil (optional)

• A fine mist spray bottle or a small spray bottle with a pump mechanism

To make the coconut oil spray, simply mix the coconut oil, water, and any desired essential oils in a small bowl or cup.

Once done, transfer the mixture into a saucepan and heat over low heat for a couple of minutes.

You may want to stir the mixture as it heats until you achieve a smooth consistency.

 Do not heat it for too long though, as it can start to lose its effectiveness.

You can then remove the saucepan from the heat and let it settle down until it cools down.

Once it cools down, transfer the oil into a spray bottle and it will be ready for use.

One advantage of using homemade coconut oil spray is its longevity.

As long as you handle and store it well, the spray can easily last for up to 2 years without going bad.

This makes it a cost-effective and convenient option for keeping your dog protected from flies and other insects.

Another major benefit is its natural ingredients, which make it a safe choice that won’t cause any irritation or discomfort to your dog.

So, if you are looking for an easy, effective way to keep flies off of your dog, consider making your own coconut oil spray at home.

How to Use Coconut Oil on Dogs

To use the spray, simply apply a light mist to your dog’s fur from head to tail.

It can be used as often as needed to help keep flies away from your pup.

However, the AKC advises pet parents to use it once a week by spraying the coat and allowing it at least 5 minutes to settle before wiping it off.

If wiping off does not work, you may have to wash your doggy with water and shampoo.

Another useful tip for using coconut oil on dogs is applying it to the dog’s collar, bedding, and other surfaces where flies may be landing.

Additionally, you can mix a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice into the spray to make it even more effective at repelling flies.

Closing Thoughts

Making coconut oil spray at home is an easy and inexpensive way to keep flies off of your dog.

Not only is it natural, safe, and gentle on your dog’s skin, but it also has long-lasting effects that can help deter flies and other insects from bothering your pup.

So, if you are looking for an easy solution to this common problem, consider giving homemade coconut oil a try!

You may also want to check: How to Make Menthol Spray for Dogs