Is Fly Spray Safe For Dogs?

Short answer: yes, but not all!

Not all fly sprays are safe for your dog. A few contain harmful compounds that would deter the health of your pet.

Funnily enough, dangerous fly sprays will still repel disease-causing flies off your dogs. However, they can lead to severe complications such as rashes, seizures, or even death.

That said, how can you know the dangerous fly sprays? How can you pick a safe product for your dog?

This article can help!

Here, we will provide information on the following details:

• The compounds that indicate a fly spray is dangerous for your dog,
• Pyrethrin-spray safety for dogs, and
• How to choose a safe fly spray

Watch Out For The Top 2 Dangerous Compounds When Choosing Fly Spray For Dogs

DEET

DEET, also known as diethyltoluamide, is the most dangerous compound for dogs on our list. Unfortunately, it is a mainstay (active ingredient) for several fly sprays.

And frankly, DEET effectively repels flies (especially mosquitoes and ticks). That is why one-third of the US population uses products containing DEET. However, it is dangerous for dogs.

In particular, DEET can cause seizures in dogs. Worst case: it can lead to the death of your favorite pet.

Pyrethrin

Pyrethrin is one of the most effective compounds for repelling flies. It is a mainstay of insecticides and pesticides. However, it comes with several contentions.

Some vets claim that pyrethrin is generally safe for pets. Others cited that the safety varies depending on the concentration because pesticides can be dangerous even for large animals.

But we know this: cats have zero tolerance for pyrethrin products regardless of the concentration level. Unfortunately, the cute paws, much like dogs, are lickers. They can lick the spray from the body of your dog. Consequently, your cat will suffer complications such as seizures and tremors.

And mind you, if you don’t have a cat, your neighbor might have one!

Bottom line: there are already several controversies around pyrethrin products. It is advisable to steer clear of fly sprays with the compound for your pets.

Choosing A Safe Fly Spray For Your Dog

Avoid The Dangerous Compounds

When choosing a fly spray, the first step you should take is to actively screen the product for the dangerous compounds we listed. Check the ingredients, and note the alternative names.

For example, DEET can sometimes be written as its chemical name (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Also, you might not see pyrethrin on the ingredient list. But if you find “pyrethroid,” know that they are the same; pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives of pyrethrins.

More importantly, critically read the instructions on your fly spray container. Does it clearly state how to use the product? Is there any guideline about complications? Check the clues and follow the information!

Prioritize Organic Fly Spray

Don’t get us wrong; there is nothing wrong with using fly sprays with chemical ingredients. You could use Google to clarify the meaning of the chemicals and their benefits/risks when in doubt.

On the other hand, using a product that contains organic ingredients comes with security. The ingredients are the plants you can find in your garden. You may have even seen your dog’s reaction around different plants that are locally found.

For example, you might have observed that your dog scratches its body less for fleas when around basil plants. The same thing applies to how it reacts to citronella plants.

Bottom line: using organic fly sprays help you confirm firsthand that the product is safe for your dog. That level of assurance and safety is what you won’t get with a chemical-influenced spray.

Consult Your Vet

Overall, you have limited experience in pet and animal health. Unfortunately, the several complications don’t help.

For example, pyrethrin is extremely effective. On the other hand, it can also be very toxic. Likewise, garlic in regulated quantities is safe for your pet. But when overdosed, it has complications.

Do you see what we mean?

Choosing fly spray for dogs isn’t a stroll in the park. Whenever you’re in doubt, check with your vet. And when you’re sure your preferred spray is safe, even then, consult your vet.

If you like to avoid the vetting process altogether and choose the safe and effective fly spray for your dog, buy from us. We produce organic fly sprays for animals. Our products are free from toxic chemicals and pyrethrin. More importantly, they offer lasting results!