Dog Mosquito Repellents : The 7 Best Natural Alternatives

Dogs, like us humans, can also suffer from mosquito bites. This is where natural dog mosquito repellents come in handy.

However, some dog bug repellents can have harmful side effects on pups. That's why most pet owners tend to use natural repellents as a safe bug spray for dogs.

As the warm weather comes, dogs are getting ready for their beach days and other outdoor activities. Although, mosquitos come with this season too.

Below is a list of natural dog bug repellents to ensure your pup is safe and sound. But first, do we need these insect repellents for dogs?

Importance of Dog Mosquito Repellents

Repellents are substances that can fight off insects like mosquitos away from humans and dogs. However, not 100% of insects will get pushed out.

It will repel only 70-80% of the mosquitos, flies, ticks, and other insects. It is sometimes recommended to use multiple active ingredients to create overlapping repellents.

With proper use, dog bug repellents can be very effective.

Best Natural and Safe Mosquito Repellent for Dogs

Furthermore, mosquito bites are much more dangerous for dogs. Their bites can cause allergic reactions or even heartworm disease.

1. Essential Oils

Firstly, essential oils can help your pup relax, but many essential oils can be natural dog mosquito repellents.

Not only will it protect your dogs from mosquitos or other bugs, but essential oils can also keep your dog smelling fresh.

However, some essential oils can be powerful for dogs. It's necessary to dilute these oils before using them. Also, consider adding a few drops of essential oils to the citrus water mixture.

Moreover, it is still best advised to consult with your vet before using these essential oils for your pets. And there's still plenty of valuable things that essential oils can do for our dogs.

Here is a guide on choosing the right specific essential oil for insects around your house.

Oils for Mosquitos

• Citronella
• Eucalyptus
• Geranium
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Peppermint

Oils for Fleas

• Cedarwood
• Eucalyptus
• Lavender
• Cedarwood
• Lemongrass

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Secondly, the scent of vinegar alone is strong enough to fight off mosquitos.

However, making apple cider vinegar is much better than just vinegar. Spraying them with ACV on their neck, torso, tail, underbelly, and coat can repel not only mosquitos but also fleas.

Apple cider vinegar has plenty of benefits for dogs. This method can be a natural conditioner for their skin and hair. You can also use it to clean pet stains and odors.

 

3. Citrus Peels

Secondly, Citrus is another natural dog mosquito repellent for insects like mosquitos and fleas. Instead of throwing away peels from citrus fruits, you can now use them to protect your pups.

Collect leftover peels from lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Cover it with water, then boil it. Please wait for it to cool off, then remove the peels. This will now be your mosquito repellent.

Another quick option for a natural mosquito repellent is making a lemon juice spray. All you need to do is squeeze six fresh lemons, add a quart of water, boil it, then let it soak for an hour.

4. Catnip

Moreover, if you own a cat, this could be hitting two birds with one stone. New studies have shown that Nepetalactone, the main component of catnip, can now repel mosquitos.

Furthermore, catnip oils not only can repel mosquitos but can also fight off house flies and cockroaches.

5. Natural Pest Spray for Backyard

Another thing you can do is spray your backyard or garden with natural pest sprays. However, always make sure to buy natural sprays because pesticide sprays can harm your dogs.

Not only will it be safer, but it can also be more effective. These natural bug sprays contain plant-based ingredients that are proven to be pet-friendly.

One example of a natural mosquito spray is the Wondercide – Flea and Tick Spray Concentrate. Apply this on your lawn, patio, or garden twice within 2-10 days.

You can use this up to 10,000 square feet. The price starts at $39.99.

Moreover, if you're short on budget, you can always try to make your homemade bug sprays.

 

6. Homemade Bug Spray

When summertime comes, best to be prepared for any insects that can harm your dog.

Other insect repellents for dogs can be filled with lots of different chemicals, and if you don't trust them, here's a quick guide on making homemade bug spray for dogs.

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray with Essential Oils

Firstly, you'd have to pick the best and safe essential oils for your dogs. Consulting with your vet in this matter is a great option.

However, always remember to dilute essential oils before using them. Giving it straightforwardly can get dogs skin irritations.

Recipe

Combine all of this in a spray bottle:

1. 2 oz. of carrier oil OR witch hazel
2. 15 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil (e.g., Artizen)
3. 6 drops peppermint essential oil (e.g., Healing Solutions)
4. 6 drops of cedarwood essential oil (e.g., Artizen)
5. Shake before use
6. Apply to your up every 2-3 days

How to Make Homemade Bug Spray with Herbs

Furthermore, you can also make bug sprays with common herbs that can repel insects from dogs.

Planting these herbs in your garden can also help fight off these unwanted pests. Homemade bug spray with herbs is natural and safe for dogs and humans.

Recipe

• 32 oz. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. dried sage
• 2 tbsp. dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp. dried lavender
• 2 tbsp. dried thyme

1. Put all ingredients in a glass jar and leave it for 3 weeks
2. Shake the jar at least once per day
3. Strain out the herbs
4. Pour a 1:1 ratio of the homemade spray and water into an empty, clean spray bottle.
5. Shake before use
6. Keep in the refrigerator when not in use
7. Spray every 2-3 days

 

7. Plants vs. Insects

Furthermore, another excellent natural mosquito repellent is growing plants can be a great hobby and protector at the same time.

Plant-based dog mosquito repellents have been used for so long it's been used for traditional and personal protection measures against mosquitos.

There are now plenty of practical easy to grow plants that can help protect our dogs.

Citronella

One of the most natural components in making mosquito repellents is citronella. The strong scent of citronella hides other attractants to mosquitos.

Citronella grows to 5-6 feet and can be planted in warmer climates. It is advised to plant these plants behind small decorative flowers.

However, citronella can also be toxic to dogs. It can also irritate the pup's skin. Always remember to consult with your vet on these situations.

Be careful on citronella plants and candles as dogs tend to eat or chew anything that smells.

Marigolds

Grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds have a strong scent that can be offensive to mosquitos and humans.

Marigolds are best to be put in full sunlight. Moreover, marigold starter plants are inexpensive. Buying from garden centers is more time-efficient rather than planting the seed.

Ageratum

It releases a particular scent that is offensive to mosquitos. Furthermore, ageratum, also known as Flossflowers, releases a compound called coumarin, used in mosquito repellents.

Ageratum can grow up to 18″ and is best to be put in full or partial sunlight.

Lavender

Fortunately, as much as we love the scent of lavender, it can throw off mosquitos and other pests that are lingering in our home.

You can grow lavenders in any climate, but it's much preferred in warmer temperatures.

Rosemary

Moreover, rosemary is another excellent natural mosquito repellent. This herb is famous for its woody smell that can repel mosquitos, flies, and moths.

Below is a list of other plants that can naturally repel mosquitos and other pests.

1. Horsemint
2. Basil
3. Scented Geraniums
4. Mint
5. Catnip

7. Bug Repellent Shirt

Furthermore, there are now insect shielding shirts for your pups. This can help repel mosquitos and make your dog look stylish at the same time.

An example of this is Insect Shield Insect Repellant Premium T-Shirt. This 100% nylon shirt can protect your dog from not only mosquitos but also fleas and ticks.

If your dog's not a fan of t-shirts, similar to Insect Shield T-Shirt, they also have Insect Shield Repellant Dog Bandanas.

Bonus Tip: Keep Standing Water Clean

Furthermore, standing water is home to mosquitos. From ponds, puddles, and containers, these are where these pests linger.

Mosquitos lay 100 up to 200 eggs in these places. Make it a habit of checking once a week for possible standing water in your home. Empty or cover any likely items that can hold water.

Here are other places or items to clean to have an alternative as a dog mosquito repellent.

• Vases
• Pools
• BirdBaths
• Buckets
• Trash Cans
• Discarded Tires
• Pet water bowls

No to DEET Products for Dogs

Above all, never use dog bug repellents with DEET. Deet is N, N-dialkyamide insecticide is concentrated to various products.

DEET is a penetration-enhancing product mixed with other products to help absorb the substance into the skin. The more DEET in the product means more risks.

Using this can cause neurological problems, disorientation, tremors, and seizures. If it is applied in the eyes, your dog can lack energy, conjunctivitis, scleritis, blepharospasm, epiphora, and more.

Moreover, if inhaled, your pup can have inflammation and dyspnea. Treatment can begin with steroids, bronchodilators, and oxygen.

Symptoms of DEET toxicity

• Red eyes
• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Itching or Face Irritation
• Drooling
• Inflamed skin

It is best advised to consult with your vet when these symptoms occur after being sprayed with DEET. Decontamination and other medications are only a few of the other treatments of this toxicity.

Other Safe Bug Spray for Dogs

If you're not short on budget and looking for alternatives for natural dog mosquito repellents, here are sprays that can help you fight off these pests.

• K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Small Dogs
• Wondercide – Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Spray for Dogs, Cats, and Home
• Bug Soother Spray 8 oz – Natural Mosquito, Gnat, and Insect Deterrent & Repellent
• Nantucket Spider Natural Bug Repellent for Dogs
• Vet's Best Flea & Tick Spray

Do dogs itch from mosquito bites?

Dogs can get mosquito bites from your walks or any other outdoor activities. Like us, our furry friends tend to scratch or itch these mosquito bites.

Moreover, protecting your pup from mosquito bites can lessen the chance of heartworm in dogs. Mosquito bites are known to spread bacterial and parasite infections.

Symptoms of a Mosquito Bite

• Scratching or itching
• Rubbing against a rough surface
• Red welts

Possible Mosquito-Borne Illness or Infection

• Heartworm (a most common concern)
• Coughing
• Respiratory Issues
• West Nile virus
• Weight loss

Can mosquitoes bite dogs with thick fur?

The quick answer is yes. Dogs with thick fur can still get bit by mosquitos. Even with their thick coat, there are still areas around their bodies that are still vulnerable to insects.

Mosquitos tend to attack in areas with no fur, like the dog's nose, ears, groin area, and paws.

Best Natural Mosquito Repellent for Dogs Summary

Our furry friends suffer from mosquito bites as well. You, as the owner, have the responsibility to be on the lookout for these pests.

When the warm season kicks in, mosquitos are back in action. You prepare best to fight them off because dogs can also have infections or illnesses from their bites.

Mosquito bites can cause heartworms and respiratory issues, and just like humans, it's very itchy. Natural dog bug repellents will ensure our pups' safe and fun home.

What better way to start is to buy natural dog mosquito repellents. The benefits of making homemade bug sprays for dogs or planting mosquito repellent plants are not just helpful but also cheaper.

Moreover, it is more reassuring to make a safe bug spray for your dogs rather than buying jets that have mixed reviews and can cause harm to your pups.

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