Insect Repellents for Dogs

If your dog is tormented by flies, mosquitoes or other biting bugs, you can use an insect repellent to fend off the bugs. There are commercial preparations available that contain a variety of effective but toxic chemicals. Use caution when applying these formulations around the face--they can cause eye injury. Read the labels carefully; some products may be extremely toxic to cats and may require that your dog stay out of contact with the family felines after spraying. Consider these less toxic alternatives when bug-proofing your buddy.

  1. Pennyroyal

    • Easy to grow in most parts of the U.S., pennyroyal can be rubbed on the fur to deter bugs. Do not ingest pennyroyal as it is toxic when taken internally.

    Neem

    • Neem oil is insecticidal and it also affects the growth and feeding habits of insects. It can be used as a wash to eliminate lice and fleas, too.

    Citronella

    • Citronella oil is an effective bug repellent. Do not use citronella lamp oil---purchase essential oil of citronella at a health food store.

    Clove Oil

    • In human studies, clove oil thoroughly repelled mosquitoes for two to four hours. Clove oil is pleasant smelling and readily available.

    Cedar Oil

    • Cedar oil can be used in oil form as an insect repellent. An aromatic, cedar wood chips act in the same way, repelling fleas in dog bedding.

    Eucalyptus

    • Several commercial brands of insect repellent contain eucalyptus. The Centers for Disease Control recommend products containing a synthesized version of lemon eucalyptus to repel West Nile-carrying mosquitoes.