Mosquitos sure do know how to ruin a great dog walk or picnic. When it’s nice outside our pets, love to join us on our adventures, so let’s make sure a few pesky bugs don’t keep them from enjoying the summer too! Human insect repellants contain Deet, which, unfortunately, is not safe for our pets. Luckily, there are some safe options for our pets.
The first option is an exclusive veterinary product called Advantix. You might have already heard of this product, as it is not only effective against mosquitos but fleas and ticks as well. It kills adult ticks and against fleas is kills eggs, larvae and adult fleas. It is a topical application that is applied monthly, which means you don’t have to think about mosquito protection every time you take your dog out. Unfortunately, is it toxic to cats and not recommended in households with dogs and cats who interact. Not sure if this product is right for your dog? Make sure to ask your veterinarian next time you are in for an appointment or to purchase dog food.
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative, you can always make your mosquito repellant. Make this spray ahead of time as it takes a couple of days to steep. You will need:
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 1-2 lemons cut into a couple of chunks
- 5-10 fresh sprigs of rosemary (dried won’t do the trick)
Combine all three ingredients in a container and let steep for two days. After it is finished steeping strain out all the lemon chunks and rosemary and pour into a spray bottle. The dollar store should have some small spray bottles. Whenever you and your pup are going out on an adventure, spray your pup and let the pleasant smells of lemon and rosemary repel away those pesky bugs!
If fresh lemons and herbs aren’t something that you have just lying around the house, you can always purchase pet store products with scents that repel mosquitos. My dog isn’t overly found of being sprayed, but she prefers it to bug bites. We use a grooming product called Canadian Marigold pet spray, which is a leave on coat conditioner. It not only keeps her looking soft and fluffy, but the mosquitos do not like the smell of the marigolds! It also has rosemary in it similar to that of the homemade spray. We purchased this product at our locally owned pet store.
These are just a few ways to help you and your pup enjoy what is left of the summer weather, bug-free. If you have an adventure cat, who likes to walk on a leash or hang out in the backyard with you on your hammock, try one of these sprays to keep them mosquito free too! Just remember whatever product you do choose to use ensure it is safe for your pet.
Written by Nicki Payne, RAHT
