Safe Mosquito Repellent

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Hello, all.  So, I have fleas and ticks under control for now, but mosquitos are another story.  I was wondering if anyone knows a good dog-safe repellent that actually works?  I have heard tale of peppermint oil, but I can't see that actually working, not to mention driving the poor dogs mad with the smell of it (I like it, but you have to admit, it's a strong smell, and dogs' sense of smell is so much stronger than our own...)  And I thought of the clip-on Off thing for me while walking them...Would that work, do you think?  Or putting it on their collars?  The poor dears can't go outside for ten minutes without being pestered by pests.  Thanks!

[Stella]

I read that you should't use products with DEET in on dogs, so that excludes pretty much anything that actually works!!  We have moquitoes and black flies everywhere right now.  I tried a citrus based spray for dogs that did absolutely nothing.  My most recent experiment is bug spray that was made for horses, it got it at a local agricultural store and checked that it was safe for dogs - I'll let you know if it works!!  My poor Hartley keeps getting bitten around his eyes, he comes in with his eyelids all swollen.  But, they need the exercise so we have to go out!!  One of my clients was into all the holistic stuff and she tried making several potions - citronella, oregano, rosemary, tea tree and other natural bug repellents, she said that nothing she tried really worked!!  I guess we could always design bug jackets for the dogs!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Maybe you could try spraying Avon Skin So Soft on their coats...I have never tried it but the legend is mosquitoes don't like the sent and stay away.

 

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Cedarcide Best (cedarcide.com) All natural, even repels ticks, flies, fleas, ants and can be used on people, too. That and DM is all I use anymore.

[Kyoko]

Which was do you use? The "Best Yet" spary that is good on people and pets?

I am interested in using this product because Butter gets reaction from Frontline....( Bald spots leading to Hot spot) How ofter do you spray on the dogs?

 

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Yes that's what I use. Every few days I spray their legs and feet and they have fabric collars I spray it on also. I have not used Frontline in a couple years now. I had a couple reactions and stopped it altogether. But I do test for Lyme's yearly anyway and treat rather that vaccinate.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

What is DM?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Sorry DE - Food Grade Diatomacious Earth (earthworkshealth.com)

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Huh...food grade??  Does that mean you put it in their food?

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

yup

[Kyoko]

I read their website.... but I am confused... What is that anyway? It said something about Fossil shell flour...?

 

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

That's what it is. High in calcium and the microscopic crystals kills worms, ticks, fleas. Read up on it. I have spoken to a couple breeders who are using it in/on young puppies, with no adverse reactions. I started using it last year as I have rescue dogs coming from Southern Kill shelters and even though I have them wormed and quarantined before they are transported, I have had a few worm scares at my house and do not want to keep giving my own dogs the drugs to kill worms, over and over. Now, they get a 1/2 tsp for small dogs and 1 tsp to my "biggins" with their homecooked dinner, every night and have not had any more worm problems.

http://www.earthworkshealth.com/pets-animals.php

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth.html

http://www.k911.biz/Petsafety/WormsandParasites.htm

 

Google - FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth for more information. I get mine from Earth Works. Recommended by a breeder friend.

 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow, thanks so much Lynne!