Question:
I am curious to know what other people use to keep mosquitoes and
black flies off their dogs.
I have short-haired dogs that get eaten alive during mosquitoe season
(which is starting now). Fortunately, we do not have to worry about
heartworm here.
In the past I have sprayed human bug spray (DEET) lightly over their coat.
Is there any doggy bug spray out there?
Answer:
-I think there will be several people who will agree that Avon's
Skin-So-Soft (diluted) is one of the better things to use to repel insects
off dogs (and humans). Not only does a good job with the insects, it also
smells good and is NON-TOXIC!
The main downfall is that it doesn't last as long as the toxic repellants.
-We use pure Pennyroyal oil (essence). The only problem is you have to apply
frequently. We normally put a number of drops of the stuff on the spine,
and rub a little on the back of the ears. Don't put it on their noses or
too close to the eyes as it's fairly strong and makes one of our dogs water
from the eyes if too close.
- Up here in mosquito heaven I've found the new 3M product, "UltraThon" works
very well on both people and dogs. I have dobies whose fur really isn't much
protection against the hordes of mosquitoes with about 4 months in which to
do their bloodgathering. I'll spray a few quick shots along their back and
sides, one spray to the nether regions, and then put some on my hands and
rub the tops of their heads and along the tops of their muzzles.
I've been using it several weeks now (our 'skeeters come out long before
the snow is gone) and have seen no bad effects whatsoever. I'm very
careful not to get it in their eyes and find a minimal amount does fine for
a long time (4 or 5 hours, for instance).
