PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray,71 ml (Pack of 1)

Product Information

Because citronella is found in many common household items, it’s important to use these products safely if you have a dog. Here is some advice to keep your dog out of harm’s way. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, citronella is classified as the third category when it comes to dermal toxicity ( 4). What this means is it’s slightly toxic to animals and can cause irritation or rash in dogs with skin allergies or sensitivities. Eyes Likewise, insect repellant bottles containing citronella should not be easily accessible by dogs, especially aggressive chewers. Dogs and Citronella: Safety Tips Ethanol is one of the ingredients commonly found not only in dog deterrent sprays but in other pet products as well. The problem with ethanol is that even a small amount is harmful to dogs. Citronella spray is safe for humans and pets alike and is unlikely to stain clothing, however, as it is oil based, citronella sprays and other products should be used with caution around clothing.

A puff of citronella sprayed onto your dog’s nose can just as likely end up in their eyes as well. Now, citronella doesn’t pose a long-term risk for your pooch’s eyesight. But in the short term, it can cause itchiness and redness. And in case your dog starts pawing at the eyes, there’s also a possibility of developing an eye infection. Gastrointestinal SystemCitronella comes from plants called citronella geraniums, which are popular patio plants. They tend to grow up to 3 feet tall, with tiny purple flowers. When the leaves of the plants are crushed, it creates an essential oil that gives off that typical citronella scent that is popular in pesticides. After adding essential oil and witch hazel to the spray bottle, simply shake and spray on your dog’s coat, avoiding the eye area. Mint A citronella spray can also be used to control certain unwanted behaviors, such as incessant barking or the tendency to wander, a citronella spray may be useful for people who are strangers to a home with an aggressive pet, like a dog. A citronella spray can be aimed at the pet and sprayed near the eyes and mouth without causing much harm, but the strong scent will often deter or repel an aggressive pet.

If your own dog occasionally has aggressive habits or you regularly meet aggressive dogs in public you may consider using a citronella spray to control them.

Is Citronella Safe for Dogs?

While ingesting a small amount of citronella shouldn’t pose a serious health risk, your canine companion can experience certain symptoms, such as stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Lungs

Using an alcohol-based spray on your pooch is not exactly the same as letting them drink beer. But regular use of such a spray can eventually lead to ethanol toxicosis ( 5). Scented Geranium

Citronella Dangers for Dogs

Additionally, citronella can irritate the skin. So if your dog brushes up against or is exposed to a citronella plant, they could get a rash or skin infection. Dogs find citronella scent strong, unpleasant and very distracting. This makes the citronella spray a great tool for controlling unwanted behaviours, whether it’s excessive barking, digging or aggression towards other animals. Although there are dangers to using both natural and manufactured mosquito repellants, rest assured that not all of them are dangerous to dogs. There are actually alternatives that are safer for pets, and they’re available at most pet stores. You can even make your own. Homemade Bug Spray PetMD Editorial. February 11, 2009. ”Ethanol Poisoning in Dogs.” PetMD. Retrieved July 29, 2022. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_ethanol_toxicosis Many pet owners have found success with making their own mosquito repellant. Here’s what you’ll need:

Griffin, B. “How to Break Up a Dog Fight.” Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program. Retrieved July 29, 2022. https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/files/2015/02/breaking-up-dog-fight.pdf

However, our team of independent experts want to remind you that regular use of citronella spray can cause some short-term health issues, such as skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems and runny eyes. Furthermore, certain spray products also contain other not-so-dog-friendly ingredients. This popular mosquito repellant is burned in candles or used in bug sprays as a way to keep these biting pests at bay. But is citronella safe for dogs? We’ll explain how citronella may affect dogs and how to keep canine companions safe around citronella-based products. What is Citronella? Citronella oil can contain methyleugenol, which is an ingredient often used in insect repellent sprays and lotions. Methyleugenol is classified as toxicity category 3, meaning there’s a very low chance of it causing body response in dogs. Still, there’s always a chance an adverse reaction will occur if your pooch is sensitive. Tetrafluoroethane Pelargonium citrosum, also known as geranium, is a plant that smells just like citronella when you crush its leaves. But even though the scent is pretty much the same, geranium is in no way related to the Cymbopogon species citronella is extracted from.