Best Non-Toxic Mosquito Repellents for Dogs and Puppies

Mosquitoes are harmful to dogs just like they are for people, although dogs are susceptible to other health issues beyond what humans are. The biggest risk to dogs is the risk of heartworms and West Nile Virus. These types of diseases can cause serious and life-threatening injuries to dogs. There are several great products on the market and also many home remedies you can use to eliminate mosquitoes from harming your pets.

Best Mosquito Repellent for Dogs

The best products to use as mosquito repellents for dogs are those that are natural and non-toxic to your pet. There are a lot of spray options out there that you can use every couple hours to help eliminate the risk of mosquito bites on your dog. The best repellents are those that are natural and work within minutes to prevent the bites from mosquitoes. Even other items such as specifically-made tee-shirts that contain natural repellents work very well on dogs of all sizes.

Nantucket Spider Mosquito Repellent

Nantucket Spider Mosquito Repellent is a great spray option to help prevent the bites on your dog. This is just like a spray people would use, except it’s formulated specifically for dogs. It’s a natural repellent that contains various essential oils. Geranium, rosemary, thyme oil, peppermint oil, and cedar wood are used in Nantucket Spider Mosquito Repellent. Dogs dislike citrus oil so that is not used in this product and neither are other strong or irritating scents that dogs dislike.

The peppermint oil and cedar wood are natural mosquito repellents that don’t irritate your dog. With this product you don’t have to worry about your dog getting bit by mosquitoes, ticks, deer flies, greenhead flies, fleas, or other flying insects that could infect your dog. If you live in an area where standing water is nearby, this is the perfect option to use. This product is all-natural and safe enough to use every 1.5 hours if needed.

The best part is that this spray is not greasy or sticky either and it will not cause skin irritation on your dog. The spray comes with a lightweight trigger, so you don’t have to worry about wasting product or it getting into the eyes or nose of your pet. What we loved about this repellent is that it’s a very earthy smell and does not overwhelm humans or dogs.

Insect Shield Premium Tee

Insect Shield Premium Tee is also a great product to use if you want to prevent mosquito bites on your dog. This is a veterinarian-approved tee that comes in sizes ranging from X-Small to XX-Large to fit your dog regardless of size. This tee will protect against mosquitoes, but also offers even more protection from other insects like ticks and common biting insects.

The fabric is lightweight and comfortable so your dog will not be itching or trying to remove the shirt once you put it on. This shirt is odorless and it also can be washed as needed if it gets dirty. The shirt will stay on as long as you measure your dog first to purchase the right size. Even if you have an active dog, this tee will not fall off or become undone by normal movements.

If you don’t want to use sprays or collars on your dog, then this Insect Shield Premium Tee is the best option out there. With this tee-shirt you also don’t have to worry about your dog licking any chemical products or oils, which is always a bonus. Even if your dog likes to chew or rip sweaters, this tee-shirt can withstand the gnawing and stay in perfect condition.

Do Mosquitoes Affect Dogs?

Heartworm disease and West Nile Virus are the two most common health issues in dogs that are caused by mosquito bites. Just like with people, mosquitoes can carry diseases and infect the dog, which could turn into a life-threatening situation. More specifically, heartworms can impact the internal organs of your dog and cause the organs to begin failing.

Heart failure and lung disease are common in dogs with heartworms. Often times once the damage has been done the dog will die from the heartworm disease, and it can be a painful process. Mosquitoes are the most common insect that causes heartworm disease in dogs so preventing mosquito bites are essential in prevention of heartworms.

How to Protect Your Dog from Getting Mosquito Bites

You should follow certain tips to help prevent your dog from getting mosquito bites and the tips are pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Removing standing water from around your home and knowing what hours to avoid walking your dog are essential.

1. Don’t Apply Human-Use Insect Repellent on Dogs

It’s very important that you never use human insect repellents on dogs because they are highly toxic. Most human products contain DEET, and this could cause skin irritation, vomiting, and seizures in dogs. You also should avoid allowing your pet lick any human repellent you have on your skin, since ingesting the chemicals could be deadly to your dog.

2. Avoid Walking Your Dog During Peak Mosquito Hours

Peak mosquito hours are dusk and dawn so you should avoid walking your dog during these periods in order to help prevent mosquito bites. If you must walk your dog during these hours, try to avoid standing water or areas where a body of water is located.

3. Fix All Broken Window Screens in the House

Mosquitoes can easily fit into small open spaces found in broken window screens, so it’s best to make sure the screens don’t have gaps or holes in them to keep the mosquitoes out.

4. Eliminate Standing Water Around the House

You need to eliminate standing water such as from the kitchen and bathroom in order to prevent mosquitoes since they live and breed using water. Just like people, mosquitoes need the water in order to survive, so cut off the water supply will help eliminate the mosquitoes quickly.