What Are Minimum Risk Pesticides?
Minimum risk pesticides contain ingredients that the EPA has determined “pose little to no risk to human health or the environment” (which includes pets). As a result, they are exempt from the requirement of being registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
In other words, these pesticides are generally considered eco-friendly and pet-safe.
Compared to the chemicals listed in the section above, the active ingredients used in minimum risk pesticides are generally a lot less toxic and pose a much lower risk to pets.
In order to qualify for this exemption, minimum risk pesticides contain active ingredients from a 1.5-page list of eligible active ingredients, which consist mostly of natural essential plant oils.
Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs
If youre looking for a backyard bug spray safe for dogs thatll also keep fleas and ticks away, consider this plant-derived formula. Its made from peppermint oil and eugenol (a compound derived from clove plants), two ingredients that can kill fleas, their eggs, and ticks while also soothing skin. These ingredients are diluted with water, making them safe for pets. Mosquitos are also said to be repelled by this ingredient combo. Spritz it on pups 12 weeks and up, or use it on indoor surfaces.
Credit: Courtesy of Chewy
Active Ingredients to Avoid (Not Pet Safe)
Look for the active ingredient, which are the chemicals that are primarily responsible for killing, controlling, and repelling mosquitoes. You can find the names and concentrations of each active ingredient on the product label.
Be careful when buying or using mosquito sprays containing these active ingredients, which carry varying degrees of risk to the health and well-being of dogs and cats if they become exposed.
The chemicals above are commonly used in different mosquito killing and repellent sprays, and many have shown a high level of effectiveness at controlling mosquito populations (especially DEET).
But because of their toxicity, pets that accidentally ingest or come into contact with these chemicals may show signs of sensitivity or — in the worst case — pesticide poisoning.
You can minimize risks to your pet’s safety by:
But accidents can still happen, usually as a result of poor planning or improper use.
If you’re concerned about this risk, which is true for most DIYers (and even some pest professionals), you might want to consider using what we call “minimum risk pesticides,” which are much more pet-friendly.
3 Safe and Effective Natural Mosquito Repellents for Dogs
Bug bites arent just a human issue—they can affect doggos too!—these are an issue that go beyond itching and discomfort. “So much of the preventive care we educate patients on stems from diseases transmitted by pesky bugs,” Mary Altomare, DVM, head veterinarian at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, N.J., says.
“For example, ticks can easily spread what we call tick-borne disease such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, just to name a few. Mosquitoes are most notorious for transmitting heartworm disease. Of course fleas are the most common bug people think of with animal infestation. Aside from being itchy pests, they also transmit tapeworms!”
While there are plenty of bug sprays for dogs on the market (not to mention bug sprays for you and repellants for your backyard), not all are safe for your pets to be around. “We have to always remember that dogs (and really all animals) are much different than humans—seemingly harmless chemicals, herbs, and even food ingredients can be toxic to our furry friends,” Altomare says. She also notes that because dogs love to sniff, lick, and roll around, that any product near or on your pet can potentially end up inhaled or ingested.
When using bug spray on your dog, always monitor their reactions and make sure they dont lick the spray off. Patch test a small area to make sure your dog doesnt have a reaction to the product before using it on their entire body.
When youre shopping for bug sprays for dogs (or even for yourself), Altomare recommends running it by your vet—especially because theyll be up on the latest pests becoming an issue in your area and the latest research on what works. However, if youre starting your search, she says to only consider products specifically advertised for canine use like the options listed below.