Does Pine-Sol Kill Fleas on Dogs?

I love finding new home remedies, especially when it is for my dogs.

And because I dread the idea of dealing with fleas, I am always happy to learn about home remedies that help prevent or combat flea infestations.

Most recently, I was posed with the question: Does Pine-Sol kill fleas on dogs?

My initial question whenever considering home remedies is: “Is it safe for my dogs?“

Does Pine-Sol Kill Fleas?

Based on the ingredients in Pine-Sol, I would say that it is likely Pine-Sol would kill fleas.

However, it is essential to point out that I have not had the opportunity to try it, nor has there been any official studies conducted using Pine-Sol against fleas.

Though there is a lack of research regarding Pine-Sol, the product’s chemical makeup appears that it would be an effective agent against fleas and all of their different life stages.

Additional research uncovered that using Pine-Sol can help prevent fleas and other insects as the smell of it acts as an effective repellent.

So, yes, Pine-Sol is effective at killing fleas if they come in direct contact while the product is still wet, and it should still act as a repellent for as long as the smell remains.

However, read on to see why you shouldn’t use it to kill fleas on your dog.

How Does Pine-Sol Kill Fleas?

It is difficult to say which of the various toxic chemicals are responsible for killing fleas.

Some of the chemicals cause corrosion, upper respiratory distress, and adverse effects on the nervous system.

Most likely, it is a combination of these toxic chemicals that is responsible for eliminating fleas.

Is Pine-Sol Safe for Dogs?

No, Pine-Sol is dangerous to dogs.

It can be harmful if your dog skin comes in direct contact with it, inhales it, and ingests it.

Research uncovered that there are several caustic chemicals^[1] in Pine-Sol such as:

• PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether – Aids harmful chemicals to easier penetrate, including penetrating the skin^[2]
• Sodium Secondary C13-18 Alkyl Sulfonate – Causes skin irritation^[3]
• Sodium Sulfate – May cause irritation to skin, mouth, eyes, and lungs^[4]
• Methoxyacetic Acid – Can be harmful to the respiratory system and may cause eye and skin irritation.
• Formic Acid – Extremely toxic; formic acid is a strong corrosive acid and will irritate eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. If it comes in contact with unprotected skin, it can cause burns. The vapor is also a corrosive agent and inhalation may cause nausea, vomiting, bronchial issues, and painful breathing

Is Pine-Sol Safe for Puppies?

Pine-Sol is even more dangerous to puppies due to their small size and developing systems.

If a puppy ingests or inhales Pine-Sol, you will want to contact your vet immediately.

Is Pine-Sol Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, Pine-Sol is highly toxic to dogs.

Though the bottle says it is safe to allow pets on the treated surface once dried, it is difficult to fully remove the Pine-Sol residue from floors and other surfaces.

The residue can still cause an adverse reaction if rehydrated, such as when a dog licks their paws^[5].

How to Use Pine-Sol for Fleas

If you want to use Pine-Sol for fleas, you should use it as you would for cleaning.

Also, do not use in areas your dog sleeps or eats.

It is ideal for baseboards and under furniture where your dog can not access, but where fleas like to hide.

Alternative Options

I am not sold that using Pine-Sol for fleas on your dog is the best option. Though it may kill fleas, I do not think it is a safe option.

Instead of Pine-Sol, there are safer, more natural options available.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is safe and goes to work quickly to eliminate fleas on your dog.

Combining coconut oil with your pup’s preferred shampoo, at a 50%+ ratio, will kill fleas under 24 hours.

To read more about using coconut oil for killing fleas, take a look at our article: How to Use Coconut Oil on Dogs for Fleas.

Essential Oils

Also, essential oils work well to kill and repel fleas, with the bonus of making your dog and home smell great.

Some of the more well-known essential oils used to eliminate fleas on your dog include lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, and rosemary.

To learn more about using essential oils check out: Essential Oils for Fleas: Kill & Repel Fleas on Your Dog.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is another safe alternative to kill fleas on dogs. Epsom salt will dry out a flea’s exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Epsom salt is also effective at killing all life cycles of the flea.

In addition to killing fleas, epsom salt has other benefits too, like:

• Topical antibiotic 
• Helps soothe irritated skin
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Boost your dog’s natural immune system

Conclusion

Unfortunately, Pine-Sol is not the best choice for killing fleas on your dog.

Though Pine-Sol will kill fleas, it is not a safe option and can cause significant health issues when used on or around your dog.

Not all home remedies work as well as advertised, which is why it is vital always to take the time to research before using home remedies on your dog.

Though Pine-Sol turned out not to be an optimal choice, thankfully, several other safe home remedies are available.

FAQs

Resources

1. http://www.smartlabel.org/products?company=thecloroxcompany&brand=Pine-Sol
2. https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-peg-compounds-contaminants/
3. https://www.anpel.com.cn/UpFile/Stock/201506/MSDS-4.420389EN.pdf
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sulfates
5. https://newtonvet.com/2019/01/02/pet-friendly-cleaning-products/