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The Best Mosquito Repellents for Dogs

Your dog cannot stay indoors forever, so, as you already know, taking him for a walk regularly in the outdoor, gives him a chance to exercise and helps to prevent behavioral problems as well. Now, with the ever-present heartworm and West Nile virus, all thanks to our friends whom nobody likes, aka mosquitoes, you should be in the market for something that protects your dog from the nuisance of mosquitoes and their cohorts (fleas, ticks, gnats, and the likes). The sad news about this is that not many insect repellents for dogs out there that claim to be safe for pets aren’t actually safe for them at all. In fact, most of them are not just unsafe, they are also ineffective. And just before you consider using your own repellent on your dog, you might want to follow this guide and see if that’s a smart decision. Here are the best repellents we recommend for using on dogs.

Your dog cannot stay indoors forever, so, as you already know, taking him for a walk regularly in the outdoor, gives him a chance to exercise and helps to prevent behavioral problems as well. Now, with the ever-present heartworm and West Nile virus, all thanks to our friends whom nobody likes, aka mosquitoes, you should be in the market for something that protects your dog from the nuisance of mosquitoes and their cohorts (fleas, ticks, gnats, and the likes). The sad news about this is that not many insect repellents for dogs out there that claim to be safe for pets aren’t actually safe for them at all. In fact, most of them are not just unsafe, they are also ineffective. And just before you consider using your own repellent on your dog, you might want to follow this guide and see if that’s a smart decision. Here are the best repellents we recommend for using on dogs.

BEST PROTECTION FOR DOGS

Wondercide Spray

Full protection for your dog. This spay will not only repel mosquitoes, but also kill and repel fleas and ticks.

ALSO TREATS ALLERGIES

Epi-Pet Spray

This spray will repel mosquitoes, flies, ticks and fleas and treat allergies your dog might have from their bites.

GREAT AGAINST MOSQUITOES

Vet's Best Spray

If protecting a dog from mosquito bites is your only concern, get this natural, plant-based repellent spray.

1

Wondercide Spray

BEST PROTECTION FOR DOGS

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Some customers and pets consider the smell of this repellent quite strong

Review

Wondercide is a leading brand and a household name when it comes to pet care. It is fully committed to providing pet care solutions with 100% naturally-derived ingredients to improve the quality of life for pets and their owners. Pets and their caring families can now live, play, learn, and work in safe environments by choosing Wondercide’s products. Its extensive line of products includes shampoo bars, treats, hip and joint supports, and wellness supplements.

If you have pesky insect invasion on your dogs, cats, or in your homes, then you should check out the Wondercide for Pets + Home. It falls into the category of the best mosquito repellent for dogs because it is formulated to keep mosquitoes, ticks, mange, and fleas away from your favorite animals.

Made with high-quality and 100% naturally-derived ingredients, it is certified safe for use around pets, children and nursing mothers. It leaves no stains on surfaces in your home but leaves a brilliant luster on your pet’s coat and does its job after each use. This is why it is highly recommended by veterinary experts.

Here’s a not-so-fun fact about pesky fleas that we think you should know: only a tiny 5% of fleas that trouble your pets are adult fleas. The other 95% are fleas in their egg, larva, or pupa stages and are a bit difficult to tackle.

This is where this Wondercide insect repellent comes in.

It is powerful enough to not only deal with adult fleas but to kill them at these stages. So, you can actually deal with an infestation in one single day by using this repellent.

Each variant is pH-balanced for a nice smelling coat and a healthy skin for your pets while it eliminates scratching and itching and soothes hot spots and dry skins.

The recommended way to use it is by rubbing the pet’s coat in the opposite direction. Be sure to rub its legs, armpits, belly, and tail by making spritzes on your hand. You may choose to do this 2 to 3 times every week or whenever you think the pet needs another application or how frequent the pests invade your environment.

Please note that the recommended volume for cats is the 4-ounce bottle. You should also avoid using the peppermint variant on pregnant pets who may lick it or there’ll be a reduction in milk production.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: Cedar oil, lemongrass oil
  • Target insects: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
  • Where can be used: Indoors only
  • Kid safe: Yes
  • Pet safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/scent: Yes
  • Other features: Available in 4 different volumes and fragrances

 

2

Epi-Pet Spray

ALSO TREATS ALLERGIES

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • If your pet is a licker, then beware of using this product on him because this spray contains tree oil and pets are known to react to it

Review

Epi-Pet is a trusted pet brand in the United States and the reasons are not far-fetched. Its owner and founder, Dr. Fleck, has successfully clocked over 40 years in the field of veterinary medicine, carving a niche for himself as a small veterinary animal practitioner with a specialty in skin care. Ensuring that all raw materials used its products are sourced and processed in the United States, Epi-Pet products reach their target audience fully backed with an assurance of quality.

Here’s another fabulous insect repellent for dogs, the Epi-Pet Lavender Skin Enrichment Spray for Pets. This spray is what you get when you combine the strengths of Superman and Captain America together. There’s practically nothing it can’t do.

But first, it is an insect repellent. When sprayed on your pet, it will easily help to ward off unwanted guests such as fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Yeah, we know how pretty difficult it is to find a repellent that works on ticks, but here’s one that does. And you know what? It does much more than repel ticks and the rest.

For many pets, dealing with bugs gives them a very hard time. What with the constant itching and scratching, and whatnots. All that eventually takes its toll on the poor thing. Good thing you’re getting this spray. It helps prevent itching in your pet, whether as a result of interaction with bugs or not.

Understandably, the itching and scratching can bring with them sore spots, redness and hot spots, you know with all the friction generated from scratch. The Epi-Pet Lavender Skin Enrichment Spray for Pets takes care of that just fine and helps to give your pet some relief.

If your pet has been shedding excessively, leaving his fur “not fluffy” and unflattering, then this is the guy you want. It will help to keep your pet’s fur from shedding and because this is also an excellent skin and coat conditioner, your furkins are going to have shiny, bouncy and beautiful coats in no time wi the h constant use of this spray.

Allergic pets are also going to benefit from this wonderful bug spray as well. It’s like magic in a bottle!

To put the icing on the cake, the lavender smell of this spray is heavenly. You will love it, your pet will love it and the world will be happier for it (no one likes a stinky pet).

Specifications:

  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, flies
  • Where can be used: Both indoors and outdoors
  • Kid safe: Yes
  • Pet safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/scent: Yes
  • Other features: Repels mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. Also works as a topical treatment for mild skin problems. Works as a conditioner for skin and coat
3

Vet's Best Spray

GREAT AGAINST MOSQUITOES

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Though refreshing, the scent is considered too strong by some
  • Despite effectively protecting them, some pets don’t like being sprayed with it

Review

A brand recommended by veterinarians, Vet Best is all about producing the best pet products using natural, safe ingredients. It is a part of the Retail Products Group (RPG) family of brands and has over 30 years of experience. Its products are made of plant-based ingredients which offer comfort and protection for your beloved pets. Vet’s Best products are for those who are selective and want nothing but the best for the furry members of their family. This dedication, towards manufacturing great products, is seen active in one of the best mosquito repellents for dogs there is; Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellant For Dogs and Cats.

Produced with plant-based ingredients, instead of the common harmful chemical ingredients, Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellant For Dogs and Cats is perfect as a natural bug repellent for dogs. It has been tested and proven to be an effective repellent against mosquitoes and a few other bugs. Need to learn more great things about this repellent? We’ll be happy to show you.

How about having a pet bug repellent which not only keeps away the bugs from your pets but from you also, or a bug repellent which gives off an invigorating citrus scent which makes the world appear a happier place? Well, Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellant For Dogs and Cats is these and more.

It is highly effective as a repellant and smells so good, you will also use it for yourself; don’t worry it is safe and effective for the family too. The absence of DEET also makes it an effectively healthier option for you, if you are particular about the health of your dog… and cat.

Coming in a handy 8-inch container, Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellant For Dogs and Cats is the best mosquito repellent for people like you, who are in love with their pets and don’t mind going for the best.

Specifications:

  • Active Ingredients: Lemongrass oil – 4%, Citronella extract (Geraniol oil) – 2%, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – 0.36%.
  • Target Insects: Mosquitoes
  • Kid Safe: Yes
  • Pet Safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/Scent: Yes
  • Other Features: Works also on sweat bees

Other products to consider

4

Bug Sooter Spray

FOR PETS AND OWNERS

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • While this repellent works great on a wide range of bugs, reports have it that it can be so-so on mosquitoes but then again, the product only claims to work on “some” mosquitoes, so, fair warning

Review

For a little over a dozen years, the family-owned business, Simply Soothing has been creating unique products that have served customers well. Being a family business, the team over at this band is very familiar with the day-to-day nuances of staying afloat in today’s economy and, therefore, makes it a point to ensure that all its products (which are handmade, by the way) are very moderately priced without compromising on quality. The warm and friendly ambiance in which business is conducted shines through the beautiful family pictures on its website, giving them a gold star in customer relation. Simply Soothing is simply doing what small businesses do best, reaching their customers at their actual point of need and serving them the best prices.

Dog parents now have every reason to heave a sigh of relief and even celebrate with the Bug Soother 8 Ounce Bug Repellent. Don’t we all just hate the way these bugs cling to our skin and that of our pups like it’s their birthright? Such effrontery! Thankfully, this natural mosquito repellent for dogs solves all of that. It will be good riddance to bad rubbish once and for all.

Like we earlier mentioned, this is an all-natural bug repellent and that’s already advantageous on so many counts. At least, you’re sure of what is getting on your skin and that of your dog, and you can be sure they won’t have some adverse effects.

This bug repellent is really fantastic and potent in its working as it easily repels, not just mosquitoes, but a wide range of bugs which include gnats, no-see-ums, and sand fleas.

Yeah, we too have heard of the notoriety of most bug repellents; they have a terrifically disgusting smell. But that would be the least of your worries here, this repellent smells as great as it works. And it doesn’t just smell great, it feels great. You’d love the feel of this thing on your skin.

Remember we said it’s one hundred percent natural, so it doesn’t contain any chemical that’s difficult to pronounce, including DEET. Now, we know most people react to DEET and it’s even argued that the chemical is toxic. Well, whichever holds, you can rest easy because this spray does not contain it. And it won’t stain your clothes too!

Who wouldn’t want an all-natural mosquito repellent for dogs that are effective and very importantly, smells great? Get yours now!

Specifications:

  • Target insects: Gnats, Sand fleas, No-see-ums, Some mosquitoes
  • Where can be used: Both indoors and outdoors
  • Kid safe: Yes
  • Pet safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/scent: Yes
  • Other features: All natural ingredients, No DEET, great smell
5

Amrita Pet Spray

GOOD NATURAL REPELLENT

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • This product wears off pretty fast, so constant reapplication is advise

Review

Armita Aromatherapy is one brand that believes completely in the concept of holistic healing. In fact, this concept is strongly held onto here that it forms the core of its brand philosophy. From ingredient and essential oils sourcing to product formulation, the concept of holistic healing is employed from start to finish. To ensure that it delivers on the safest and healthiest products, the team at Armita Aromatherapy ensures that all ingredients and essential oils are tested for holistic vibrational quality and scent before blending them into a product for consumption.

Armita makes it a point not just to address health issues individually, but in relation to the total health and well-being of the consumer. It is also a point to ensure that only compatible ingredients are blended together. Such an eye for detail deserves your patronage, don’t you think? And yet with this commendable attention given to the little things, this brand still offers some of the best prices industry-wide.

The Armita Aromatherapy Bugs BeGone Insect Repellent comes with loads of benefits that make it an instant hit even with first-time users. It’s completely natural and, therefore, eliminates any potential risk of you harming yourself or your pet by using it.

The six essential oils from which this insect repellent is made have an appealing aroma which although are attractive to us, are sickening to the bugs. But who cares? That was the plan in the first place.

A major plus to this spray is that it’s repellent to a certain notorious group of mosquitoes known to carry mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus. As well as to deer ticks which can carry Lyme disease. The range of effectiveness of this spray is broad, eliminating the notorious, as well as their seemingly benign counterparts, such as ants, fleas, chiggers, ticks and the rest.

This particular spray comes in three unique versions, each tailor-made to suit the targeted user. There’s one for the adults that’s even safe for expectant mothers; there’s another for kids that won’t harm your baby’s delicate skin, and there’s something for your pets as well that comes with a slight scent so your pet isn’t put off by it.

It might also interest you to know that the Armita Aromatherapy Bugs BeGone Insect Repellent does not contain DEET, which means no risk of toxicity and no stains on your clothes either.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: Water, Polysorbate, Aloe Vera, and essential oils of Citronella, Rosemary, Sweet Lavandin (Grosso), Eucalyptus Citriodora, Peppermint and Catnip
  • Target insects: Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, Deer Ticks carrying Lyme Disease
  • Where can be used: Both indoors and outdoors
  • Kid safe: Yes
  • Pet safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/scent: Yes
  • Other features: Repels insects as well as mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus and Deer Ticks carrying Lyme Disease. Contains only natural ingredients. Comes with three unique versions for three unique categories of users
6

VetriScience Pet Spray

NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO DEET

What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Some pets find the smell quite offensive and might run away when you hold it out to spray them

Review

For 45 solid years and counting, VetriScience Laboratories, a subsidiary of FoodScience Corporation has blazed the trail in the pet care industry. Its pioneer products include nutritional supplements manufactured for companion animals. It continues to set new standards of safety and quality in the industry to ensure your favorite animals enjoy a good life being with you. VetriScience remains committed to providing vets with clinically proven products as well as traditional therapies to help them solve problems they encounter in their field.

One innovation from VetriScience that we recommend for every pet owner is its Vetri-Repel Flea and Tick Repellent which comes in an 8-ounce bottle and is formulated to protect pets from mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.

It is made from naturally-sourced oils like cinnamon oil, castor oil, and lemongrass oil, and has no chemical additives. Spraying or rubbing this repellent on your pets leaves no sticky residue on it and has no toxic effect on your pet if it decides to lick its skin after application.

This Vetri-Repel is very effective in that it creates an invisible shield on your pet that makes it less susceptible to being a host for pesky insects. This shield also prevents bites and bite-causing illnesses by killing the insects when they come in contact with the animal’s coat.

It is quite easy to apply and gives the pet a sweet smell. Although, in some cases, some animals may find it rather offensive and may take to their heels on seeing it. You should probably expect this with your cats because they are naturally sensitive – the sophisticated breed of the animal kingdom, if we may add.
That said, it is 100% safe for dogs, horses, and cats of all size and ages.

It travels around the pet’s body well enough and gets too sensitive areas like the armpits, ears, nose, and eyes where mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and flies are very likely to attack.

The recommended use for effectiveness is a daily application on the pet’s coat before you head out for a walk or play in the park.

If you’ve had it up to chin-level with those pesky insects, then you should place an order for this bug repellent for dogs right away.

Specifications:

  • Active ingredients: Lemongrass oil, Cinnamon oil, Sesame Oil and Castor Oil
  • Target insects: Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks
  • Where can be used: Both indoors and outdoors
  • Kid safe: Yes
  • Pet safe: Yes
  • Residue: No
  • Odor/scent: Yes
  • Other features: Safe for beddings, collars, leashes, and toys

Why you should get a mosquito repellent for your dog

Mosquitoes alone are carriers of the following: West Nile virus, Heartworm, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus, and Tularemia which affect animal health generally. Of these viruses and diseases though, there are only a few you should be worried about when it comes to your dog. They are West Nile and Heartworms.

Heartworms

This is a well-known dog epidemic, and as a dog parent, you should be very familiar with it. Normally, it occurs when your dog is bitten by an infected mosquito which transmits the parasitic larva called Dirofilariasis. Dirofilariasis is a type of roundworm which takes roughly six months before it matures into an adult worm. During the course of these 6 months, the worm must have traveled to the heart and started impacting major blood vessels in your dog’s circulatory system.

Now, this is the thing about heartworm, if you discover it on time, it’s quite easy to treat. But if you don’t, it can easily turn fatal fast.

Using mosquito repellent for dogs isn’t the all-in-one preventative measure for heartworm in dogs, you also need to see a vet regularly for a checkup to catch the diseases on time when it strikes, if it strikes; and to also find out if there are other ways to prevent the disease as well.

Illustation of heartworm disease

BlueRingMedia/Shutterstock.com

West Nile Virus

This virus is originally carried in birds, and mosquitoes pick it up by feeding on infected ones. Although, dogs are generally more resistant to this virus than other animals and even humans, there are still some that fall ill when this virus gets to the brain and causes an inflammation.

Symptoms include behavioural changes such as depression or a sudden drop in appetite, postural changes as well (tremors, and constant circling), and convulsions.

An effective way to prevent this virus from infecting your dog is to get an insect repellent for dogs.

What mosquito repellents for dogs should you avoid?

When it comes to bug spray for dogs,

it is best, safest, healthiest, and smartest to stay far away from synthetic products, most of which contain DEET and Picardin.

As a pet owner, you shouldn’t be found wearing it either. Why? Simple. Pets, especially dogs, love to lick their owners, and these two substances have dangerous side effects on your pup.

DEET, for instance, is quite harmful to pets even if it isn’t harmful to humans at a concentration lower than 30%. When ingested, it can cause them to have diarrhea, nausea or even seizures. DEET directly attacks dogs, especially in their central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

What type of mosquito repellents are best for dogs?

We cannot emphasise it enough, go for essential oils. When diluted, they are safe for pets and don’t bring any of those terrible side effects synthetic repellents are known to cause. Many times, their effect even lasts longer than synthetic ones. Go figure!

However, because dogs are very sensitive to smell, you might want to dilute the oils a bit before applying to your dog.

Be very careful with young puppies and dogs that suffer allergies, though. They may be few, but there are natural mosquito repellents for dogs on the market that are mild enough to not cause a reaction in them.

Of the common essential oils, there are six that stand out as best for your pet. Those oils are lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, soybean oil, citronella, fennel oil, and thyme oil.

Things to check before buying

Here is a summary of important things to look out for if you are in the market for the best mosquito repellent for your dog:

  1. Check the active ingredients: While we’ve already touched on this, it bears repeating that you need to pay attention to what’s used in the manufacture of the repellent you opt for. What works great for some dogs might NOT be good for yours. Furthermore, the active ingredients determine how effective or otherwise a repellent would be
  2. Know the targeted insects: While all the repellents listed here target mosquitoes, some target other insects in addition. If, for example, you want to also get rid of ticks and fleas in one application, make sure the repellent you go for is formulated for such
  3. Do you mind having residue? If you don’t then just about any of the listed repellents will work great. However, if you want to ensure that your chosen repellent leaves no residue, pay attention to it. For those who might NOT appreciate why this is so important, a repellent that leaves a residue will stain clothes, rugs, beddings, etc it comes in contact with. And unless you’ll keep your dog outdoors until it wears off completely, you may have a lot of cleaning up to do if you pick a variety that leaves a residue
  4. Can you live with the scent? While most repellents will already factor in how a typical dog will respond to a smell, it’s important that you find out if the repellent you are going for has a scent you can live with. In fact, some products do even better than giving you an odor you can live with, they either come odorless or with a sweet fragrance

What to apply for the itch

When bitten by mosquitoes and their cohorts, pets can become itchy and with continued scratching (which is painful to watch, by the way). Your pet can get skin irritation, as well as infection. So, what to do? Apply essential oils.

Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and peppermint have been known to bring some relief to itching, either by topical application or by administering orally with a diffuser.

In all, just make sure that the essential oil you choose is of high quality and is diluted before application to prevent any form of reaction from your dog.

We’ve included this because there are some mosquito repellents that work great for this situation. So while reading through our individual reviews, keep an eye on products that have this feature if your dog has this problem.

Conclusion

If you didn’t see the need for a bug spray for dogs in your home, hopefully, now you do. Although getting the best one for your pet can be somewhat confusing, especially with all the different brands and their numerous promises of “happily ever after”, we know our guide has been of help. Getting an effective and safe mosquito repellent for your dog shouldn’t be so difficult anymore.

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