Mosquito Protection For Pets and Small Animals

First some simple don’ts of which you should be aware. The same principles generally apply to you if it is your dog that takes you for a walk. First of all don’t take your dog for a walk when mosquitoes are most active – early mornings and dusk, particularly in warm, humid conditions. Both you and your dog are likely to get badly bitten.

There are insect repellents specifically made for dogs. Never use human varieties because they could harm your dog. Do not use insect repellents on cats either. We shall focus on dogs and cats here, and what applies to dogs also, in many cases, applies to cats. But not to humans!

What Mosquito Repellents NOT to Use On Pets

NEVER use DEET or permethrin on your cat.  Permethrin poisoning is one of the most reported forms of cat poising reported worldwide. Also, never use dog mosquito repellents on cats. Even small dogs can tolerate chemicals that cats cannot. You would be better to let your cat be bitten by mosquitoes than use permethrin or DEET on them. You are best not to use DEET on dogs either.

What About Cat Mosquito Protection?

Cat mosquito protection is not the same as for you or your dog. Small animals generally respond better to natural insect repellents than synthetic varieties. Mosquitoes are repelled by citrus fruits. A good way to keep mosquitoes away from your cat or dog is to slice a lemon and rub the juice into the fur, keeping it away from the eyes. You can purchase lemon grass and citronella sprays that are also effective.

Note:  If you read about using garlic in any shape or form, don’t. Whether pills, rubs or sprays, garlic and cats do not mix well!

Mosquito Control For Pets – Some Rules

You are well advised to apply the same rules with dogs and cats. Never DEET, but you can use lemon juice and citronella. And for both:  those mosquito repellents sold in reputable pet shops specifically for your pet should also be safe to use – but check the ingredients.

Never purchase a mosquito spray or solution without first asking the vendor if it is suitable for your type of pet – even mention the breed if possible.

One of the problems with over the counter mosquito repellents for pets is the cost. They can be more expensive than for humans! Make sure that any inexpensive mosquito repellent is suitable for your pet. Mosquito pet protection is more difficult to get right because dogs and cats tend to lick themselves – particularly cats.  Cats will lick their fur to clean it so will ingest anything you spray on it. That’s one of the reasons why you must be more careful with your cat than for your dog. Dog’s only tend to lick one place, while cats are more fastidious and lick everywhere – either directly or by using their paws.

Mosquito Protection For Pets – Conclusion

Mosquito protection for pets should be more a matter of prevention rather than cure. This also true for humans incidentally! Prevent exposure to mosquitoes whenever you can. It’s not always easy in summer, but now we are into the fall attacks may tail off.

Your pets may feel more happy to be indoors now than in hot summer weather. If not, then do what you can to protect them but never use human sprays – particularly those containing DEET or permethrin – deadly to cats and other small animals. Mosquito protection for pets can be difficult – though they likely think the same about you!

Summary for Cats and Dogs:

• Never use human mosquito repellents
• Never use anything containing DEET
• Never use anything containing permethrin
• Do use Lemons or lemon grass – not the same, but similar deterrence
• ALWAYS check ingredient list for mosquito sprays or deterrents for pets
• Do not use garlic sprays on cats
• Mosquito protection for pets is not the same as for humans

Mr. Mister has been around for a while – All you have to do is to phone us on (404) 941-0720 or click on the Mr. Mister Contact Page to get all the help you need. We can help you control mosquitoes in and around Atlanta – and we will.

Conclusion:

In the quest to protect our beloved pets from mosquitoes, it’s crucial to be aware of what not to do and what products to avoid. Human mosquito repellents, particularly those containing DEET or permethrin, are strictly off-limits for pets, especially cats, due to their potential toxicity. Additionally, using dog-specific repellents on cats is not advisable, as cats have different tolerances to certain chemicals.

Instead, opt for natural repellents like lemon juice or citronella, which are safer for pets. However, be cautious about using garlic-based products on cats, as they can be harmful. When purchasing mosquito repellents for pets, always check the ingredients and consult with the vendor to ensure suitability for your specific type and breed of pet.

Prevention is key when it comes to mosquito protection for pets, much like it is for humans. While it may be challenging to completely eliminate exposure to mosquitoes, especially during warmer months, taking precautions such as keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity times can help reduce the risk of bites. Remember, the health and well-being of our furry companions are paramount, so it’s essential to prioritize their safety when considering mosquito control measures.

FAQs:

Can I use human mosquito repellents on my pets?

No, it’s not safe to use human mosquito repellents on pets, particularly those containing DEET or permethrin, as they can be toxic to animals.

Why can’t I use garlic sprays on cats?

Garlic can be harmful to cats, so it’s best to avoid using garlic-based products on them, even as mosquito repellents.

What are some safe alternatives to chemical repellents for pets?

Natural repellents like lemon juice or citronella can be safer alternatives for pets. However, always consult with your veterinarian before using any new products on your pets.

How can I ensure that a mosquito repellent is safe for my pet?

Always check the ingredients list and consult with the vendor to ensure that the mosquito repellent is suitable for your specific type and breed of pet.

Are mosquito repellents for pets expensive?

Some mosquito repellents for pets can be more expensive than those for humans. However, it’s essential to prioritize your pet’s safety and effectiveness over cost.