Is Bug Spray Safe for Pets?

Pets and certain bugs have well-known associations. Fleas plague cats, dogs, and even sometimes rats, and mosquito bites can transmit things like heartworm to dogs. Animals should not be flea infested, or be susceptible to ticks and mosquitoes, but bug spray may not be the best way to go about helping your pet remain free of bugs.

The question of whether bug spray is safe for pets deserves some attention. First, is the bug spray one intended for animals? Is it intended as an insect repellent for humans? Alternately, is the spray a pesticide you’re spraying in your house or on plants to kill bugs? There are so many different types of bug sprays on the market that you can’t simply give a yes or no answer to this question.

Some bug sprays for animals are perfectly safe, though you should consult a vet when you plan to use any products on your pets. Some have naturally based ingredients but this doesn’t necessarily make them safe. Products containing tea tree oil and pennyroyal may be sold as natural bug spray for pets, but they haven’t been proven particularly effective, and they do have potential health risks for cats and dogs.

Most bug sprays for pets that are not manufactured as “natural” have distinct warnings on them about using with care. It’s a good idea to consider whether a spray, which can be inhaled by both you and your pet, is really a good way to go if the spray claims hazards to people and pets. Insect repellents for humans, such as products containing DEET should never be used on your pets.

DEET is especially dangerous to animals and may cause them to develop neurological conditions. If you want to use DEET on yourself, use it when you are far away from your pets, and consider lotion rather than bug spray forms which won’t act as inhalants. Any other contact between the lotion or bug spray containing DEET and your pet should be avoided.

Bug sprays used in the home to kill bugs are often toxic. If you’re using sprays to get rid of cockroaches, ants or the like, you should remove your pet from the home while you use them. It is safer to use animal trapping mechanisms or products like ant stakes, providing your animal can’t get at them. There is considerable concern about the use of most chemical pesticides, especially in spray form, in homes. These may be dangerous to pets and people alike.

A number of other spray chemicals may endanger your pets. Parrots and other birds are notoriously susceptible to many cleaning and air freshening products. You should watch how your animal behaves in your home when you plan to use any cleaning chemicals or bug spray. If you dog or cat routinely licks themselves, carpets, the floor, or anyplace that you may have sprayed known toxins, you could be endangering your pet.

The best advice is to ask your veterinarian what insect repellents are most recommended for your pets. Many of the “spot” treatments are far safer to animals than a bug spray would be. Unless directed by a vet, certainly don’t use bug spray intended for humans on your cats or dogs. Even those marketed as "natural" can cause skin irritation in pets, but not humans.

It's not recommended to use regular bug spray on pets. Many contain DEET, a chemical that can be toxic to animals if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Instead, opt for pet-safe alternatives specifically formulated for animals, which are available at pet stores and from veterinarians.

Ingredients like DEET, permethrin, and pyrethroids are harmful to pets. According to the ASPCA, exposure to these chemicals can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even death in severe cases. Always check the label for these ingredients and use pet-specific products.

To protect your pet from insects without harmful sprays, consider natural alternatives like lemon eucalyptus oil, which the CDC has found effective against mosquitoes. Additionally, maintaining a clean environment, using flea and tick preventatives, and keeping your pet's bedding clean can significantly reduce the risk of insect-related issues.

Yes, there are safe bug repellent options for pets. Look for products containing pet-safe ingredients like s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are insect growth regulators. These are often used in flea control products and are approved by the EPA for use on pets when applied as directed.

If your pet has a reaction to bug spray, immediately wash off the product with mild soap and water and contact your veterinarian. Symptoms of a reaction can include drooling, shaking, skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.

While some essential oils can repel bugs, they must be used with caution around pets. Cats, in particular, are sensitive to essential oils and can suffer from toxicity. If you choose to use essential oils, consult with a veterinarian first and use oils that are deemed safe in appropriate dilutions.