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Insect Repellents Safe for Use on Pets

November 22, 2010

Mosquito Repellent CoilCan you use Skin so Soft on indoor cats?

By linda

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Answers

November 21, 20100 found this helpful

I really have no idea, but I am very curious as to what circumstances you think it would be necessary to do so! Can you explain why you would consider using this product on an indoor cat?

I'm obviously missing something, here, but would like to understand your intent.

 
November 22, 20100 found this helpful

No, it is not safe for pets.

 
January 11, 20150 found this helpful

You actually can use Skin So Soft on cats. It's a great insect repellent for your pet. (as recommended in "Outdoor Life" and "Field and Stream"), but it's best to test on a little spot to make sure it's not allergic to it.

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I'm an Independent Avon Representative. I would suggests talking to your vet first before anything.

 
October 24, 20173 found this helpful

In door casts can pick up fleas from dogs they live with that go outside.

 
Anonymous
May 11, 20180 found this helpful

Cats and Dogs are very different. Be careful.

 
June 20, 20181 found this helpful

My cat is allergic to mosquitoes and gets brutal welts on her head neck and back from the bites

 
Anonymous
July 6, 20180 found this helpful

The cat could come in contact with the product of the person who uses it.

 
July 17, 20180 found this helpful

My cat died front a tick bite
The disease is call bob cat fever
He had frontline on and did not stop ticks from biting
I have 2 other indoor out cats that I do not want to loose!

 
August 25, 20180 found this helpful

I rescued a young pregnant cat. She gave birth to four kittens that have some fleas. They are almost one month old. Can I spray, away from their face some skin so soft on them?

 
April 24, 20191 found this helpful

It is safe for dogs per my vet. Not sure about cats. You would need to ask your vet.

 
Anonymous
May 30, 20190 found this helpful

We have about 10 rescue cats which are inside/outside kitties. I simply can't afford flea treatments for them all. I'm just looking for something safe but affordable,

 
May 31, 20190 found this helpful

It was a simple question! fleas do get on indoor cats..if theres animals living outside then fleas can get in and jump on a inside cat..?

 
July 14, 20190 found this helpful

I have used skin so soft on dogs using a scant ounce to their bath water. It works wonders.

 
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7 More Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

July 18, 2007

I have outside dogs in a grass floored compound. I have a serious fly problem. I've tried sticky fly traps. Are there any natural ways to treat the ground to deter flies, but not hurt dogs?



KC from Springfield, MO

Answers

July 18, 20070 found this helpful

Diatomaceous earth. It's ground up prehistoric diatoms, and it's basically just calcium and other minerals. It can be used topically or internally. Works great as a natural wormer, as it is totally nontoxic.

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It works mechanically against pests, no chemicals or poisons. Make sure you buy the food grade, not the industrial grade (sold by pool supply companies). My best source is a feed store. Good luck!

 
July 18, 20070 found this helpful

Try planting sage around the area, flies hate the smell of the stuff and steer well clear, I grow it in my kitchen for that reason, and if a fly should accidentally come it, it is comical watching it try to get out again as fast as possible!

 
By cindy m (Guest Post)
July 19, 20070 found this helpful

I have a lot of luck with a simple solution- clear plastic bags filled with water hanging a few feet off the ground. I first saw this in the out door resturants in Mexico- they hang bags of clear or colored water around the perimiter of the area to keep the flies out. Something about the reflections in the flies multi-faceted eyes scares them away. I hang one every year by the door to my kitchen that my dogs come in and out all day and I have not had but two flies in my house in the three years.

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Ihave never tried it low to the ground- but all I use is about two cups of water in a used clear plastic bag tied with a twisty, so it is cheap to try. mine is hung at about a foot above my door where the light hits it.

 
By (Guest Post)
July 23, 20070 found this helpful

Just make sure after the dog eats to sweep whatever mess he/she made while eating. Also, we put tacky tapes (those long gold things) around the patio..Then we got our garage fan and plugged it in on the outside to where all those flies are.. we still get a few but not like before..now at least we can eat outside without having flies around us..our fan is a big square one.

Good luck!

Bonnie

 
July 23, 20070 found this helpful

My mom always told me to wash the porch down with Lemon scented Dawn dish soap. Flies don't like the smell.

Misty :)

 

Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 378 Feedbacks
July 23, 20070 found this helpful

Be sure to wear a face mask when working with the diatomaceous earth. It's silica, not calcium, and under the microscope they look like little triangles and other shapes, with sharp edges. But if you feel the powder between your thumb and finger, it's not sharp even with hard pressure. The main thing is, don't get it into your lungs, it can cause silicosis if there's enough, it is never cleared out if it gets far enough down into the lungs.

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So spread it around, wash it down, and you're permanently all set, there won't be dust and it will keep baby flies from hatching. Best thing about it of all: it never rots, it's always there, working to keep baby flies from making it to adulthood! I like the stuff very much everywhere except where I want earthworms, very reliable. God Bless you!

 
By Lynda (Guest Post)
July 24, 20070 found this helpful

I'd move the dog to another area while you then rinse everything with a solution of 1/3 cup bleach, 1 teaspoon Lemon Joy or equivelent, 1 tablespoon Les-toil concentrate, mixed in a gallon jug of HOT water, spraying it on everything in sight and letting it air dry, without rinsing. Then, put newspaper down fresh everytime you feed your dog, washing/wiping his bowls out with SOAP , rinsing well, and keeping the dog as clean as possible. Look around for any food source the flies have laid eggs in, that you could eliminate.

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If necessary, use a bigger dog bowl, rather than take a chance on more flies breeding. There are biting flies that really hurt and irritate pets and humans, if you haven't discovered that there.

Flies are attracted to meats, foods of any kind, bird and pet feces, rotting things, garbage, grease, and
even tiny crumbs, even certain plants actually attract flies, such as the Star cactus, I believe.

The bleach/lestoil solution above should discourage and/or eliminate your problem, but it will continue unless you are a successful detective and change things FAST. Even koolaid, spilled soft drinks/sugared coffee, used napkins, food containers, etc. will attract a fly, but meats are their favorites, if I remember correctly. Good luck and God bless you. : )

 
By PAtti (Guest Post)
July 24, 20070 found this helpful

There has to be a source for the flies to be there. The dog feces and food. After you wash every thing down like everyone says, the Diatomaceous earth is the best and safest thing to use. A FAN is great if you can get one out there. At my farm we used to rent a fogger at a Feed Store and it had a Chemical that killed them all for some time. I know the they really bother the dogs though.

 
By Betty (Guest Post)
June 24, 20080 found this helpful

Where do you buy food grade Diatomaceous earth? The last time I gave my 11 month old dachshund Frontline Plus for fleas he was "wheezing". I don't want to give it to him again. Will Diatomaceous earth ward off the fleas?

 
October 12, 20110 found this helpful

Remedy for dogs that have itchy skin; after you bathe them, rinse with clean water. Add few drops of coconut oil, baby oil or tea tree oil to a bucket of warm water and rinse them with that water and dry.

 
October 12, 20110 found this helpful

Most insects, flies, fleas ,ticks breathe in grass and difficult to get rid of them. I know salt, lemon, Jeyes fluid all work well.

 
May 29, 20120 found this helpful

Get Fly Predators - an all natural solution. These tiny insects eat fly larvae and reduce the fly population naturally. Spalding Labs is one source for them.

 
May 6, 20170 found this helpful

I have read TEA TREE is POISON for dogs

 
Anonymous
May 16, 20170 found this helpful

Our dogs love being outside and exploring in the summer, the gnats and flies really bug one of them. Quit juding.

 
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August 11, 2010

I have a Border Collie and a Yorkie. The Yorkie is not bothered much by the mosquitoes, but the Border Collie is enveloped in a swarm the moment he steps outside. Does anyone have a safe repellent that I can use on his face? The skeeters bite his face and even his eyelids. Thanks.

By betty from Elgin, IL

Answers


Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 107 Feedbacks
August 11, 20100 found this helpful

I'd read mosquitoes didn't like the smell of lime, so I grated the peel of lime from a 1/2 dozen limes and put it in alcohol in a lidded jar for a bit. Strained it and mixed with a little oil. Now you wouldn't want to put alcohol near anyone's eyes, but if you used a cotton swab with just the alcohol [leave out the oil] and rubbed it on all the fur, some of the lime oil would help the scent stick. Also, might see if you could find some Skin So Soft and mix in a little of that. Kind of strong, but in a way, that's the point. Might only have to do it 2 times a month. Are you surrounded by
places where mosquitoes can breed?

Perhaps you could go to an essential oils place and find lime oil.

 
August 11, 20100 found this helpful

What about rubbing him in safe places with a fabric softener sheet? I've heard it works wonders with humans by just carrying one in your pocket. Rub it on places he can't clean off; top of head, ears, etc., nothing he could lick. Probably worth a try. Poor thing. Good luck!

 
August 12, 20100 found this helpful

Try a little spray with lemon eucalyptus.
Pat

 
August 13, 20100 found this helpful

Food grade Diatomaceous earth (DE) is supposed to work. It is all natural, has no taste or smell, and it's non-toxic. It also kills fleas & ticks on contact.

 
August 13, 20100 found this helpful

I use a Melaleuca product called Solumel, I put it on a rag or paper towel and rub it on the dog's fur. Seems to work very well. I also use it as a diluted spray for my horses, keeps the bugs away from them. No, I do not sell it. Google it and go from there. It is not found in stores and is Australian tea tree oil based, so if you are allergic to pine trees, stay away from this.

 
June 21, 20110 found this helpful

I use the same repelent on my dog as I do on me. Lemon eucylyptus, geranium, and citronella in a carier oil like jojoba or almond oil. It will repel ticks and mosquitos. DONT use dryer sheets! Dryer sheets (unless bought at a health food store) contain harmful chemicals. I don't even use them on my clothes, so I would never rub my dog, or myself with them.

 
October 16, 20180 found this helpful

Would a dryer sheet be ok to make into a dog collar

 
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June 23, 2009

I have an outside dog that is having problem with bugs bothering him. Is there a homemade spray that is non toxic that I can use on him?

By sherry from Clover, SC

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Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 213 Posts
June 23, 20090 found this helpful

There are many sprays like this made for pets, but unfortunately the smell from the essential oils tend to bother the dogs & cats more that the chemicals do! Also it's common for pets to have allergies to these essential oils! The most common ingredients are oil of peppermint, eucalyptus, pennyroyal & citronella. NEVER put these natural bug sprays on you pet when they've just been bathed in the last 2 or 3 hours or their skin can feel like it's burning.

It's hard to decide between natural or chemical bug repellents for pets, but remember. the strong scent of the essential oils can really bother their super-sensitive noses & sense of smell & if your pet goes outside & lives near the woods they won't be able to smell raccoons & other predators because the oils can mask their scent.

---> I recently had my cat almost die from Advantage brand flea drops. I've since found out that the company that makes them has put out a warning, but I've also decided to stay away from "natural" bug repellents. There are several new brands of the "monthly" types on the market. Do some research & talk to several vets!

* One last thing: Any time you use any of these bug repellents on your pet, first put only one small drop on them, then wait at least 2 or 3 hours before putting more on. This way you can tell if your pet has an allergy! My friend had his cat start foaming at the mouth right after he put only one tiny drop of advantage on her neck. My vet says seizures are also common. The directions on Advantage say to apply the whole tube once a month, but I believe it should be done differently - with half a tube being applied every 2 weeks so the animal doesn't have so many toxins applied all at one time!

---> PLEASE READ MY WARNING HERE:
www.thriftyfun.com/tf20064536.tip.html

---> Directions: To make your own bug spray you can take a well-marked spray bottle & fill it 3/4 full with rubbing alcohol then add one teaspoon of citronella oil (you can find this at any health food store) then shake well. Now spray this on to your dog being very careful to avoid their face & eyes or spray it on to a washcloth then rub it on your pets fur. Citronella is what I used on my son when he was young to prevent bug & flea bites, but I put the citronella into an unscented lotion instead of into alcohol. (Citronella is some smelly stuff!)
Listerine: But the very best thing for repelling mosquitoes & some other bugs is Amber colored Original Listerine. (not the mint kind!) Put Listerine into a spray bottle & spray or wipe on to your dog. This can last for up to 2 days & is fairly nontoxic.

* Buy a large bottle of real Listerine (not the dollar store brand!) from Costco, Target or Walmart & put it into a spray bottle or a garden sprayer ($12) then spray your pets bedding, the grass & the area all around where your dog hangs out. This will last several days. My sister sprayed an outside wooden deck before a party last year & the mosquitoes stayed away for 2 days... They seem to hate the original amber colored Listerine (I think it's because of the eucalyptus).

 

Silver Post Medal for All Time! 398 Posts
June 24, 20090 found this helpful

I use frontline spray for both dogs and cats and it seems to keep bugs away. I would never use the drops at all. Anyway it is more economical since I have more than one pet. I buy it online at 1800petmeds. I buy the 250 bottle of spray. It is safer than advantage and I know my animals appreciate it. I have heard vanilla extract..the real kind not the fake imitaion kind, keeps mosquitos away if you put it around on them dabbing it on...... I bathe animals in peroxide and baby shampoo to kill bugs when they are too young for spray.

I would check earthclinic.com and see if Apple cider vinegar repels pests and what benefits it is to the animals.
I have heard about fabric softener sprays ( I dilute fabric softener in water until I like the smell) repel bugs from your clothes and such. I would spray it on the dogs bedding it makes static less of a problem and the hairs fall off better when you shake their blankets. I also use it on the carpet and in the air. It is cheaper and I like the smell better than fabreze.


Robyn

Good luck!

 
June 24, 20090 found this helpful

We put skin-so-soft in our dog's bath water. We use just a small amount and it really makes her
smell good and keeps the bugs away.

 
March 7, 20140 found this helpful

Please don't use Avon Skin So Soft on your dog. I mixed a small amount with water to use on my dog. A day or two later I had to take her to the vet. Her mouth swelled up and she was digging herself to death. The vet said it contains an ingredient that many animals are allergic to. I had to get several meds for her and several days later she was back to her self.

 
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September 17, 2009

What is a good mosquito repellent for pets, especially goats?

By Jeanette Jacobs from South TX


Answers

September 20, 20090 found this helpful

I had a problem with one of my German Shepherds. His ears kept being bitten. I went to the pet store and I was recommended a spray repellent wich is actually used for horses, but it works wonderfully. I am in Australia but you would certainly have the same thing in the US. In the summer, which we are almost in here in Aus, I never let them out at night without it, because the mosquitoes here can cause Ross River Virus, and other nasty diseases. And I have such a phobia about flies annoying my dogs anyway, this spray is invaluable for keeping them away in summer. I tried citronella but it didn't seem to work as well as this spray.

 
March 30, 20100 found this helpful

I used this fly spray I bought at Petco to rid flies from my German shepherd. Please take precaution on how you put it on your dog. If your dog is anything like mine, he licked all the areas I had sprayed and fell deathly ill. After nursing him back I threw out the can of Flies Off and just use the Frontline. No more toxic fumes for any of my pets, I prefer only organic or the home made stuff from now on.

 
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May 22, 2014

What can I use for keeping mosquitos off 3 week old puppies?

By Bonnie

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May 11, 2018

There are countless suggestions for home remedies, using a variety of products intended for other purposes, to keep gnats from biting dogs. Take care when trying these; check with your vet for safe solutions. This is a page about gnats biting dogs.

Dog in the grass scratching its face.

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ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

August 5, 2009

I have 2 large dogs and the flies are eating on their ears. Does anyone have a home remedy that I could use to repel the flies from my pets safely?

 
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