mosquito repellent for dogs

Thanks Naio! whazoo, I grew up in GA too. Chiggers! I've seen people with a couple hundred mosquito bites...but that doesn't compare to a good dose of chiggers. OH damn!

Far Roamer wrote:
Try searching cedarwood oil, there are a few homemade recipes for pet friendly insect repellent and I think there are a couple of commercial products as well, I have not tried it yet so I cannot vouch for it's safeness or effectiveness.

This works. Also ticks dont like it either. And it smells nice!

I swallow two tablespoons of cider vinegar a day or two before I go out, it works well for all bugs incl chiggers we had in Georgia when I whaz a kid. I just can't see getting my dog to take it, at least not without promising him a Corona to wash it down.

Something was bugging my memory (not a mosquito) so I looked it up. Too much or too little vitamin B-6 causes nerve damage. So it is important to take the right amount.

Older humans often have too little, and I personally have found it helpful to take as a supplement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B6

Edit:

Recommended daily dose for dogs is 1.0 - 2.0 mg/kg

That's about 44-90 mg/lb.

Sources:

http://www.vetbook.org/wiki/dog/index.php/Pyridoxine

https://www.dsm.com/markets/anh/en_US/Compendium/companion_animals/vitamin_B6.html

tonymull wrote:
SI saw a consumer report on the news last night that compared repellents. Basically it found DEET to be the best (already knew that)then permethrin, and a new product from REPEL that is lemon/eucalyptus. All the 'natural' products and skin so soft failed badly (already knew that).

Of course, REPEL is a natural product.

Isn't it funny how, when people have the idea that 'natural cannot work' they stop thinking of the things that DO work as natural? Digitalis is a good example, and penicillin, and vaccines.

tonymull wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
When I was a backpacker, vitamin B taken orally released natural mosquito repelling odor.

Many Alaska natives use this tactic and it works. Vitamin b-6 is the one that works. I tried it for a couple of summers in Alaska and it really cut down on the bites. Not as effective as DEET but you don't have to remember to reapply. Not sure how it would work for dogs. Worth some thought.

Cool to know!

I would definitely check with a veterinarian. Safe dog doses of vitamins are different from human doses, and too much can kill. But they can tell you what dose is good for a doggie.

loggenrock wrote:
I use 2 approaches - 1st - I have a bandanna that I spray with permethrin - one treatment lasts approx 4-6 weeks, including washings - so when he gets it wet it doesn't matter. Note - permethrin is ONLY sprayed on "things", not beings - human or canine. Allow it to dry 4 hours minimum before contact. Bandanna is pre-tied in a loop that goes over his neck like a collar - easy on and off. 2nd - I do use DEET - google "safety of DEET". What do you think they do all that testing on? Often K9's... Something like 3 BILLION applications - it's safe. MUCH lower risk from DEET exposure than getting infected with EEE, West Nile, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, the list goes on. After I apply DEET to me, I wipe my hands on his underbelly (most vulnerable spot for bug bites I've found). Never had an issue with any of my dogs trying to lick it off. ST

Great ideas. Always been a DEET fan for me. That lemon/eucalyptus stuff tested out better than premethrin and almost as good as DEET. I have some on order to try. I go to some of the buggiest places on the continent so I'll know by fall.

I use 2 approaches - 1st - I have a bandanna that I spray with permethrin - one treatment lasts approx 4-6 weeks, including washings - so when he gets it wet it doesn't matter. Note - permethrin is ONLY sprayed on "things", not beings - human or canine. Allow it to dry 4 hours minimum before contact. Bandanna is pre-tied in a loop that goes over his neck like a collar - easy on and off. 2nd - I do use DEET - google "safety of DEET". What do you think they do all that testing on? Often K9's... Something like 3 BILLION applications - it's safe. MUCH lower risk from DEET exposure than getting infected with EEE, West Nile, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme, the list goes on. After I apply DEET to me, I wipe my hands on his underbelly (most vulnerable spot for bug bites I've found). Never had an issue with any of my dogs trying to lick it off. ST

A possible consideration would be Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent called REPEL.
Only thing we use on ourselves, non-DEET containing, smells great, trouble-trying to keep your pooch from licking it once applied (spray on your hands and wipe the under belly of the dog and wash it off when back inside?). Run it by your vet?? They do have some K-9 heart worm there in AK. good luck

Interesting is that the best working repellents are not really repellents. DEET, premethrin, etc work by blocking a mosquito's sensors so they cannot see you (it's like an invisibility cloak Frodo!)whereas various 'natural' ones are things mosquitoes don't like, they depend on being repellent. This I suppose is why they don't work as well. There may be the occasional skeeter with glasses, but we all know that if you want something bad enough you'll hold your nose and go for it ;-)

Try searching cedarwood oil, there are a few homemade recipes for pet friendly insect repellent and I think there are a couple of commercial products as well, I have not tried it yet so I cannot vouch for it's safeness or effectiveness.