Insect Repellent for Pets

[Paul (Dozer)]

I was wondering if anyone knows a good product that can be used on dogs to repel mosquitoes. The skeeters are absolutely brutal here this spring. I live near a creek and bush, you literally get swarmed by dozens of the suckers as soon as you go outside. I already have tons of bites, and I'm sure the dog does too. He doesn't even like being outside right now they're so bad.

I've heard DEET is not safe for dogs, and there were a few threads about using the natural repellents. I'm just wondering how effective they are and if they leave a residue on the dog.

If anyone knows a repellent specificly for pets, I'd love to hear the brand.

... Just got bitten again as I was typing

[ak moose]

same problem here paul.Its so bad where i live i had to tie a long line off the dog so they wouldnt carry him off!
I broke down and bought one of them skeeter traps that run on propane. I swear, its allready caught literally hundreds of them and its only been on for 2 days. im going to take a photo and mail to the company, its amazing how good it works.
As far as repellant, i use OFF thats in a lotion form, i rub it on my hands first then on him.That seems to be working for him I asked the vet I go to and have been told that skin so soft is safe and works good, but I cant find any just yet. Good luck with them bugs.

[Ninasmom]

I have used Skin so Soft by Avon. It was recommended by a trainer years ago, back in the day of 5:30 am training schedules. The spray form worked well for the dogs and doesn't contain nasty chemicals. Just don't spray it near their eyes. You can get it at any Avon store or through any Avon sales rep. I'm pretty sure Avon has a website and you can order it from there as well.

[WendiS]

Any danger to the dogs if they chew, bite or lick themselves with the skin so soft? And is it really effective?

[RottiMomCT]

I don't know if the skin so soft would be a danger to the dog if licked off their fur...although it does taste pretty awful ...I've gotten it in my mouth accidentally - YUCKIE!

I use a product called "bug AWAY!"...has citronella, rosemary, lemongrass and a few other oils in it - smells pretty good. I found it at a local pharmacy as well as Christmas Tree Shops. I also have "Badger Balm Bug Off!" which seems to work well. I also had found a recipe for bug repellant on a site which was e-mailed to me...can't get the link to work, but here is the recipe:

Fill a small spray bottle with the following.
- 2 drops each, rosemary and lavender oil *
- 3 drops of citronella oil
- 20 drops or so of rose geranium (plumarosa) oil
- 1/2 ounce or one tablespoonful of alcohol based tincture of bay
- 1/2 ounce or one tablespoonful alcohol based green black-walnut hull tincture
- 8 ounces of distilled water??

*You may, if you prefer, use 3 to 4 drops of one or the other.

This can be sprayed directly on one’s dogs every time they go out, or one’s self for that matter. Spraying it on things like lawn or deck furniture can also be very effective.

This is a variation devised from a recipe included in "The Encyclopedia Of Natural Pet Care," by CJ Puotinen.

Hope this helps!!!!!! We have blackflies and skeeters.....UGH - hate 'em!

[Brooke&Ryan]

We have used the Skin So Soft on Julius on occasion & it doesn't seem to bother him at all. We typically just use it for when we're at agility because it's out in the country & the mosquitos are HORRIBLE! It works really well for him & the skeeters aren't swarming around him as much.

I'll have to look for the Bug Away, Anne!


Brooke

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by Brooke&Ryan

I'll have to look for the Bug Away, Anne!

Hee hee - I just went to Christmas Tree Shops YESTERDAY and forgot to look for it!! Dang it!!! I'm GOIN' BACK today!!!

I may have to pick up several bottles - it is $2 there, and I saw it for about $4 at the local CVS pharmacy...anybody want some?? Oooohhh...maybe RottStock auction item...a bunch of Bug Away repellant!!!!

[Rott'nKids]

Lavender is excellent as a natural bug repellent. The company I work for makes a lavender after-bath oil I use on myself, and occasionally supplement with another product we make, a mist containing lavender which works very well also, and is easier to use on the dogs . Otherwise I just rub the oil between my hands and wipe down their fur. The ingredients in these items are 100% natural, and I don't worry if they lick their fur. I have, as we all have at this company, put ALOT of research into this. There are NO nasty ingredients to worry about. PM me if you want more info.

[RottiMomCT]

Hmmmm..I may have to add lavender to the list of plants I want to add to our new garden area!!!

I have mums, marigolds and rosemaryalready planted...going to try lemongrass as well...

[Judi W]

Somewhere I read that dryer sheets rubbed on dog or person are quite good at repelling insects. Someone might want to try that and report back

[RottiMomCT]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Somewhere I read that dryer sheets rubbed on dog or person are quite good at repelling insects. Someone might want to try that and report back

Any particular brand?? I've got some here - I'll rub the dogs down before I go take 'em for an evening walk. I'll stick with the repellanat for myself and if the dryer sheets don't work for the dogs, they'll get sprayed too

I had a GREAT time at HomeDepot...bought lavender, rosemary and lemon balm...planted up a nice little herb container garden...and it's pretty too (I'll get a pitc later)! I'm going back to get more to do the same with the other two planters we have that need something!

[SonnyRott]

And if the dryer sheets don't work on the dogs, at least you will eliminate their static cling!

[damp]

My experiences are that dogs are not affected the same way by (Danish) mosquitoes as humans are. After training my shorthaired Boxers (just as the humans) looked like bobble wraps (and could be shipped to anywhere and not crackle) I was itching all night but my dog slept soundly.

[Judi W]

Well, someone needs to check it out so I'll know if I should take some with me when we go to Montana where they set bear sized traps for the mosquitos

[RottiMomCT]

Dryer sheets didn't work as well as I thought they would...they DID work to some degree - skeeters landed but then took off...

Heck, probably couldn't HURT to use 'em in a pinch if you run out of bug spray!!