If you have a dog, chances are that you have had to deal with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are a common nuisance for many people and animals, but did you also know they can be dangerous for your dog?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitoes carry diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and more. The best way to protect your pet from mosquitos is to ensure you’re using a quality mosquito repellent for dogs.
But finding the best mosquito repellent for dogs can be tricky, especially with so many options on the market. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Join us today as we talk about the best mosquito repellent for dogs and learn a bit about other tips and tricks you can use to protect your dog from mosquitoes as well.
Let’s begin!
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Mosquitos and Dogs – What You Should Know
Dogs can be just as susceptible to mosquito bites as people.
The dog days of summer can be a nightmare for your canine companion. Mosquitoes are a major cause of the discomfort, itching, and even infection in dogs. Most dogs will have some reaction to mosquito bites; however, some breeds seem to be more sensitive than others.
Just like people, dogs are susceptible to suffering from itchy and annoying mosquito bites. For this reason, it is important for owners to know the signs of mosquito bites in dogs so that they can treat them appropriately.
When looking for signs of mosquito bites in dogs, keep an eye out for your dog scratching or licking at themselves excessively. This is the most common sign that your dog has been bitten by a mosquito. Other symptoms could include:
- Redness or swelling around the bite area
- Increased heart rate and body temperature (in more severe cases)
- Vomiting (in rare cases or in cases of allergic reaction)
- Coughing (in rare cases or in cases of allergic reaction)
Some mosquito bites in dogs can actually lead not only to discomfort but also to several illnesses. Like people, dogs are susceptible to a wide variety of mosquito-borne diseases that owners should be aware of.
Some common diseases mosquitoes can spread to dogs include:
- West Nile Virus
- Heartworm
- Tularemia
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus
- And Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Because dogs can be so susceptible to the danger of mosquito bites, it makes sense why owners would want to invest in a quality form of mosquito repellent for dogs. Of course, we should also note that repellents should be used in conjunction with other pest control regimes and habits for best results.
We should also note here that the environment also plays a role in how susceptible your dog will be to mosquito bites and in turn mosquito-borne illnesses.
So, which environments are mosquitoes most likely to bite your dog in?
Mosquitos prefer areas with standing water, but they’ll also bite dogs in areas where there is no water present. If you live in an area where mosquitos are prevalent, it’s best to keep your dog indoors at all times during dawn and dusk. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
Of course, mosquitoes can bite at any time throughout the day, and they can bite when you’re hiking, camping, swimming, at the beach, or in any other environment outdoors during spring and summer.
There are steps you can take to reduce mosquito activity around your property, and we will talk about that further down. But for now, let’s learn more about mosquito repellent for dogs.
What You Should Know Before Using A Mosquito Repellent For Dogs
Remember that all dogs are different and your dog could have a unique reaction to mosquito repellent.
Mosquitoes are one of the most common nuisance insects found on Earth. Worse, they are also considered one of the most deadly pests. This means they are not only annoying to both people and pets but dangerous as well. Dogs can get bitten by mosquitoes while they’re outside just like people can, so it’s important to protect them from these nasty insects. This can be done by using a mosquito repellent for dogs.
While mosquito repellent for dogs can be effective, it’s important to take your time when choosing the right product for your dog.
Let’s go over some dos and don’ts of choosing the best mosquito repellent for dogs.
First, make sure that you do not use a mosquito repellent on dogs unless you know it is meant for canine use. There are some products designed specifically for use on dogs, while others will not work as well on canine skin and may even harm your dog. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog will respond well to certain ingredients in mosquito repellent for dogs, talk to your veterinarian first. You should also test a small amount of mosquito repellent for dogs on your dog’s skin or coat before applying it all over your dog’s body.
Many types of mosquito repellent for dogs can be used not only on dogs but also in dog runs, on dog beds, and more. The best mosquito repellents for dogs are made from essential oils, which are naturally derived from plants. These oils contain powerful ingredients that repel mosquitos and other insects, such as ticks and fleas.
Some of the safest ingredients for a mosquito repellent for dogs will be natural ingredients, like essential oils or other ingredients that are safe for dogs specifically.
However, you might also find mosquito repellent for dogs that contain small amounts of insecticides and pesticides.
The most important thing to remember is that you should look for a mosquito repellent for dogs that are specifically made for canine use. Do not use a mosquito repellent that does not say on the label that it can be used on dogs, dog runs, or dog bedding.
When it comes to choosing the best mosquito repellent for dogs, it’s also important to avoid certain ingredients that you already know are toxic to dogs. Some common ingredients found in mosquito repellents that you should stay away from when it comes to using in dogs include:
Garlic – Garlic is toxic for dogs and can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset, among other things. It’s also not safe for pregnant or nursing dogs and can be harmful if ingested by cats.
DEET – DEET is short for N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide and was first synthesized by the U.S. Army in 1946 as a chemical weapon for use in warfare. It is now used in consumer products as an insect repellent, but it can be toxic to your dog if ingested or applied directly to his skin. When applying DEET-based products to your dog’s coat, tape down his ears and apply only sparingly to avoid skin contact and ingestion.
Citronella – This ingredient is responsible for giving citronella candles their distinctive smell. It is also a natural mosquito repellent. However, it’s not recommended for use on dogs because it can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions.
Geranium – This plant extract has been shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes and other insects but is too toxic for use on pets. Geranium oil is often used in natural insect repellents because of its strong fragrance and can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
What About Natural Ingredients For Mosquito Repellent for Dogs?
When choosing a mosquito repellent for your dog, make sure it uses natural ingredients that won’t harm your pet or cause any side effects. While some essential oils may be toxic to humans, they don’t usually cause any serious problems in pets. However, if you have any concerns about using essential oils around your dog, consult with your veterinarian before applying any product to their skin or fur.
Best Mosquito Repellent For Dogs, According To Experts
The best mosquito repellent for dogs often uses natural ingredients.
Just because one form of mosquito repellent for dogs works for one dog does not mean it will work for your dog. Just like people, dogs have unique sensitivities, allergies, and reactions to specific types of repellents, sprays, and ingredients.
When choosing the best mosquito repellent dogs, there are several things to keep in mind:
Your Dog’s Breed – Some breeds are more sensitive than others when it comes to certain ingredients found in mosquito repellents. If you have an allergy-prone dog or if you know that your dog has had reactions to certain ingredients in the past, it would be better to choose an all-natural product that contains no harsh chemicals.
Your Dog’s Size – If your dog has very short fur or if he has thin skin, then it may be best to choose a product that doesn’t contain too much alcohol or petroleum byproducts because these ingredients can irritate their skin even more than mosquitoes do!
Your Dog’s Temperament – If your dog is easily frightened by loud noises or sprays, then you might choose a mosquito repellent for dogs that has a different type of application process. Some ultrasonic mosquito repellents for dogs can be effective, but they can also be irritating for dogs with very sensitive hearing, so keep this in mind.
Your Dog’s Sensitivities – If your dog is sensitive to scents or has allergies, then you should choose a formula that doesn’t contain any fragrances or essential oils (which many natural mosquito repellents for dogs do).
Where You Live – If you live in an area with lots of mosquitoes and other pests, it makes sense to use something stronger than a simple citronella spray or sound repellent to protect your dog and family. But if you don’t live in a highly populated area, then you can probably get by with something more gentle.
With all that in mind, let’s go over some of our favorite mosquito repellents for dogs below.
K9 Advantixx Flea and Tick Prevention
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K9 Advantixx Flea and Tick Prevention is a dog-safe product designed to repel fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes for up to 30 days. This means that not only will you be protecting your dog, but you’ll also be protecting yourself and your family from the harmful diseases that these pests can carry.
The product contains permethrin and imidacloprid as its active ingredients. Both of these compounds are neurotoxins that affect the nervous system of mosquitoes on contact. The permethrin damages the mosquito’s nervous system so it cannot fly away after biting your dog, while imidacloprid acts as an insect growth regulator (IGR), preventing new larvae from developing into adults.
Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent For Dogs and Cats
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The Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent For Dogs and Cats uses natural ingredients to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas without the use of harsh chemicals. It also has a pleasant scent that will leave your dog smelling fresh.
Apply the repellent 30 minutes prior to outdoor activities like walks or hikes. This allows it time to dry, which helps prevent skin irritation. Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent For Dogs and Cats is made from a blend of essential oils that have been proven to repel mosquitoes. The product comes in a spray bottle which makes it easy to apply directly onto your pet’s fur.
Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray
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Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray is a safe and effective way to help protect your whole family from mosquitos. Wondercide is made with all-natural ingredients, including peppermint oil, so it’s safe for use around your dog and family.
This product is an all-around yard spray that protects from a wide variety of pests for a long period of time. There is no spray and wait time with this yard spray, and your children and pets can continue playing outside immediately after the spray has been applied.
When applied correctly, WOndercide Outdoor Pest Control Spray can protect for a long period of time against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, roaches, spiders, and more.
Farnam Repel-X Insect Repellent For Dogs
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Another mosquito repellent for dogs we recommend to protect your dog against mosquitos is by using Farnam Repel-X Insect Repellent For Dogs. This product contains natural ingredients that will help keep those pesky mosquitoes away from your dog without harming them in any way.
The product works by using a scentless formula that repels mosquitos from coming near your dog by emitting an odorless vapor barrier around them that insects simply cannot stand. This formula is made from all-natural ingredients, which means there aren’t any chemicals or harsh substances that could harm your dog when used as directed on the bottle label!
Wondercide Mosquito Spray For Dogs
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Wondercide Mosquito Spray For Dogs is another Wondercide product we trust because, again, it contains only natural ingredients that repel mosquitos, flies, fleas, and ticks. The ingredients in Wondercide are completely safe for dogs and people, and you can actually spray this specific product directly on your dog’s skin and coat.
The product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and it can be used for up to 90 days after purchase. The bottle has enough solutions for two applications on a large dog or four applications on a small dog.
Bug Soother Spray Mosquito Repellent For Children and Pets
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Bug Soother Spray Mosquito Repellent For Children and Pets is another natural mosquito repellent for dogs that was developed to protect your family and pets from mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. The product is made with essential oils that are safe for children and pets, but it also works well for adults.
You can use this product on your dog to help keep mosquitos at bay during the summer months. When sprayed on your dog’s coat, the product will repel mosquitos so they don’t come near him or her while they are enjoying their walk outdoors during the daytime hours when they are most active.
Other Types of Mosquito Repellent For Dogs That Are Not Sprays
Some types of mosquito repellent for dogs come in the form of bandanas or shirts.
Mosquito repellents for dogs can be a good way to keep them safe from bites, but there are many options out there. Some are better than others, so let’s look at some of the best mosquito repellents for dogs that don’t include the use of sprays or chemical ingredients.
Ultrasonic sound repellents – These devices emit high-frequency sounds that repel mosquitoes by disrupting their ability to locate hosts. These devices can help keep mosquitoes away from your home, yard or patio without having to spray potentially harmful chemicals all over yourself or your dog!
Light repellents – Light mosquito repellents for dogs use yellow light bulbs that deter insects away as opposed to attracting them nearby. These types of repellents are great for keeping not only mosquitoes at bay, but also many other pests like moths, flies, and June bugs.
Bug zappers – Bug zappers work using an electrical current to kill bugs on contact. There are pros and cons to using bug zappers. For example, bug zappers will not be 100% effective in keeping your dog from getting bitten. They are also noisy and can be dangerous if not used as directed.
Scent mosquito repellents – These are scented sprays, citronella candles, etc., which release an odor that mosquitoes find distasteful and thus keep them away from you and your family members!
If you’re not sure which mosquito repellent for dogs would be best based on our above list, we have included a few we suggest you consider below.
Insect Shield Mosquito Repellent Bandana For Dogs
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Insect Shield Mosquito Repellent Bandana For Dogs is designed to keep mosquitos away from your dog. The bandana is made with Insect Shield technology that repels mosquitoes by releasing permethrin into the air around your pet. This product is made from 100% cotton, so it’s comfortable for your dog to wear all day long.
The bandana comes in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. As we mentioned, the product uses permethrin which is an insecticide that repels mosquitos but does not harm humans or pets in any way. It’s safe for both indoor and outdoor use (but not around cats).
Insect Shield Mosquito Repellent Shirt For Dogs
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The Insect Shield Mosquito Repellent Shirt For Dogs is another easy way to keep your dog protected from mosquitoes without the use of chemical sprays that go directly on your dog’s skin.
This shirt uses insect repellent technology to help repel mosquitoes by releasing a scent they find offensive. The shirt also repels ticks and fleas and helps keep your pet comfortable with natural moisture-wicking properties. This shirt is made of 100% polyester and machine washable.
The Insect Shield Mosquito Repellent Shirt For Dogs comes in sizes from small to extra large so that you can find one that fits your dog perfectly.
MOVEPEST Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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MOVEPEST Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is an excellent solution for keeping mosquitos away from your dog without having to use chemicals or sprays. The machine emits ultrasonic sound waves that deter certain pests from coming close to your home. The device is safe for both humans and animals, so there is nothing to worry about when using it around children or pets.
How To Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent For Dogs At Home
Essential oils like peppermint or lavender can help repel mosquitoes from dogs.
If your dog is suffering from mosquito bites, you can make your own homemade mosquito repellent for dogs using household ingredients. The best thing about homemade mosquito repellents is that most of them are free from harmful chemicals and other additives.
So, which household ingredients repel mosquitos from dogs best?
Essential oils of lemongrass, citronella, cedarwood, and rosemary are known to repel mosquitoes from dogs. You can also use citronella candles to repel them.
Other household ingredients you can use to make mosquito repellent for dogs include apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, alcohol, lemon juice, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and even coconut oil.
How To Make A Mosquito Repellent For Dogs Using Essential Oils
To make your own mosquito repellent for dogs using essential oils, simply mix two tablespoons each of lemongrass oil, cedarwood oil, rosemary oil, and citronella oil together in an empty spray bottle or small jar.
Shake the mixture well, then spray or dab it on your dog’s coat before going out for walks or taking him on hikes in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes. As you always should, it is best to test a small amount of this solution on your dog’s skin first and wait about 20 minutes before spraying it all over.
Another option is to spray the solution on a bandana that you can then tie around your dog’s neck to help repel mosquitoes without having to spray the solution directly onto your dog’s coat.
How To Make Your Own Mosquito Repellent Spray For Dogs Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the best ingredients you can use when making your own mosquito repellent for dogs. It is a natural product that has been used for centuries to naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects from humans and animals alike.
To make this spray, you will need:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 10 to 20 drops of essential oil
Instructions:
Place the above ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray onto your dog’s coat after walks or other times when he may be exposed to mosquitoes.
How To Use Companion Planting To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants around your property or in your garden to repel certain types of pests. The following plants have been proven to repel mosquitos:
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Citronella Grass
- Garlic
- Chives
- Onions
- Marigolds
- Peppermint
- And Lavender
Other Tips And Tricks You Can Use To Protect Your Dog From Mosquitos
Protecting your dog from mosquitoes goes beyond just using a mosquito repellent spray.
Mosquitos are the bane of summer. They are annoying and they can carry diseases, which is why it is important to protect your dog from these annoying pests. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to protect your dog from mosquitos.
Remove Excess Water Sources From Around Your Yard
Mosquitos love standing water because this is where they breed and lay their eggs. If there are any puddles or other sources of standing water around your yard, make sure that you drain them or cover them up so that mosquitoes cannot breed in them.
Keep Up With Routine Landscaping
If you have tall grass around your house or yard, it is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure that you keep up with regular landscaping maintenance so that you don’t have long grass around your property that could protect mosquitos.
Remove Excess Debris Around Your Yard
Debris such as leaves and branches will attract mosquitos and make them more likely to stay near the area where they were born. Make sure that there isn’t any excess debris lying around outside of your home so that you don’t attract additional mosquitos into the area.
Use Mosquito Dunks In Backyard Ponds
If you have a pond in your backyard, use mosquito dunks to help kill off any remaining larvae. These will help prevent mosquitoes from hatching in the water where your dog swims or drinks.
Avoid Letting Your Dog Out At Dawn Or Dusk
Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active and looking for their next meal. If you let your dog out during these times, there is a higher chance that he will be bitten by one of these pests.
Last But Not Least, Use A Year Round Form Of Pest Control
Mosquitos can be a menace all year long, but they are most active during the summer months. During this time, it is important to use pest control methods that will protect against mosquitoes 24/7. One of the best ways to do this is by using products that contain permethrin in your yard and around your home. This chemical can be used both indoors and outdoors and will help keep mosquitoes at bay all year long!
We hope this has been a helpful guide on mosquito repellent for dogs and that you have a better idea of which type of repellent would be best for you and your canine companion.
Thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.