Symptoms of DEET Toxicity in Dogs
When dogs are overexposed to DEET, symptoms may vary depending on the type of exposure. Symptoms include:
Types
There are many products on the market today which contain DEET. Insect and pest control products and repellants are very popular among people who are animal owners. Types of products which contain DEET include:
Dr. Nicholas spent many years as an emergency and general practice veterinarian obsessed with keeping pets safe and healthy. He is the author of Preventive Vet’s 101 Essential Tips book series.
Dr. Nicholas graduated with honors from The Royal Veterinary College in London, England and completed his Internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. He currently lives in the Pacific Northwest.
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Be careful with essential oils
Essential oils serve as natural remedies for all sorts of ailments, including bug repellents. Lemon eucalyptus spray is gaining popularity as an alternative mosquito repellent for humans and has shown to have longer-lasting effects than DEET-based sprays.
Before you use any essential oil on your furry best friend, though, check with your veterinarian that it’s safe. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, causing upset stomachs, central nervous system depression, and even liver damage — tea tree oil is especially toxic.
There are ways to use essentials oils without putting them directly on your pet, such as putting a dab of oil on their collar or using a collar attachment that doubles as an oil diffuser.
The Dangers of Deet – Pet Safety Tip
We say it with little affection: Minnesota’s unofficial state bird is the mosquito. And it’s back in season.
These bloodsuckers can easily ruin a beautiful night outside on a patio (or catio) or a nice walk with your pooch.
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance — they can spread harmful diseases like West Nile virus and Heartworm to your pets. That’s why your first line of defense should always be monthly Heartworm preventatives and a broad spectrum flea and tick medication. Together, these two preventatives are incredibly effective at protecting your pup or outdoor cat. Most flea and tick preventives have an ingredient to kill mosquitoes on contact — before they bite. And Heartworm preventatives work by killing Heartworm larvae before they can become adult worms if your pet does become infected.
The bite of just one infected mosquito is enough to spread disease, so Animal Humane Society recommends giving your dog or outdoor cat preventatives year-round, to protect them against infection.
Monthly preventatives are a great baseline, but let’s face it folks, in Minnesota, you may need extra protection. You can keep mosquitoes at bay in ways that are safe for both you and your pets. The following tips are a good place to start.