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Mosquito season? Ugh, one of my most dreaded parts of spring and summer.
Not only are they extremely itchy and irritating, but mosquitoes are also known vectors of countless human diseases, including the West Nile virus, dengue fever, and various types of encephalitis.
And for our dogs? Oh, hello heartworms.
We have discussed heartworms in dogs comprehensively before, and spoiler alert: It's one of the most serious and potentially deadly diseases a canine can contract from mosquitoes!
So I won't blame you if you reach for your OFF! spray without thinking twice, especially if there's a swarm of mosquitoes around.
But did you know that one of its main ingredients, DEET, can be toxic to your dog?
So, if you've ever wondered, “Is OFF! safe for dogs?” The short answer is no.
In this article, we'll explain why common insect repellents like OFF! can harm our pets and suggest safe alternatives for keeping pesky mosquitoes at bay.
Let's begin!
RELATED: How To Care for Your Dog During Spring
Is OFF! Safe for Dogs? And What Does It Contain?
OFF! is a popular brand of mosquito repellent for humans worldwide.
They have different formulations, even for babies and toddlers!
Depending on the variety, OFF! Mosquito repellent has different active ingredients, too. But for the most part, they contain:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
We've already mentioned DEET as harmful for dogs (we'll discuss more of this later).
Still, other ingredients, such as fragrance, alcohols, propellants, and preservatives, can also irritate a dog's skin or be toxic if ingested.
RELATED: 6 Cleaning Products That May Be Poisoning Your Dog
The Dangers of DEET to Dogs
DEET, the common name for N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the active ingredient in most insect repellent sprays, lotions, and other products.
DEET is designed to be applied directly to people's skin.
It doesn't kill insects. Instead, it repels them by interfering with their ability to detect humans, particularly their antennae.
Mosquitoes use their antenna to detect body heat and odor, sense sounds, and even detect humidity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they can also detect carbon dioxide from breathing and air movement.
Clearly, DEET effectively repels mosquitoes for humans, but unfortunately, it's also dangerous for dogs.
It is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. They can experience side effects just from contact with or inhaling the product.
DEET is not approved for animal use, and according to the ASPCA, it can cause significant clinical signs in companion animals, especially at higher concentrations.
Ingesting or absorbing DEET through the skin can lead to:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Tremors or seizures
- Ataxia or loss of coordination
- Skin irritation or chemical burns
- Lethargy and behavioral changes
- Labored breathing or shortness of breath
- Redness or tearing if sprayed in the eyes
These risks are amplified for puppies, small breeds, and dogs with respiratory conditions.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Exposed to OFF!
If your dog accidentally got his paws on a lotion or someone in the house accidentally sprayed them with OFF!, the best thing to do is to act fast.
- Wash the affected area immediately with mild soap and water.
- Prevent your dog from licking or grooming the contaminated area.
- Call your vet or the poison control center. Better to stick the following phone numbers and your vet's contact details on your fridge or somewhere you can easily see.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
– Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680)
– Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435)
4. Monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, disorientation, or skin reactions.
5. Don't panic, and follow the instructions that the experts will tell you.
RELATED: 9 Emergency Dog Health Conditions That Cannot Be Delayed
How to Use OFF! Safely Around Your Dog
The best solution is to use pet-safe insect repellents (which we'll discuss later).
But if you already have the OFF! or any DEET-based product that you don't want to put to waste, just make sure to be careful when using it near or around your dog.
Take these extra precautions:
- Apply OFF! Away from Your Dog – Always apply insect repellent outdoors or in a well-ventilated room away from your dog. Let it dry completely on your skin and clothing before coming near your pet.
- Avoid Spraying Indoors Where Your Dog Roams –Spraying aerosol repellents indoors can leave lingering residue on floors, furniture, and air particles your dog may inhale or lick off their paws.
- Keep Dogs Away from Treated Surfaces – After applying OFF! to yourself or objects (like gear or camping chairs), don’t allow your dog to lick, rub against, or sit on those surfaces. DEET can be absorbed through the skin or ingested during grooming.
- Wash Your Hands Before Petting – If you’ve recently applied OFF!, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your dog, especially near its face, nose, or eyes.
- Use Separate Gear for Walks – Avoid spraying OFF! on items your dog will use, such as leashes, blankets, or toys. Even indirect contact with treated fabrics can lead to irritation or poisoning.
Taking the steps above can drastically reduce the chance of exposure while still allowing you to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
RELATED: How to Wash Dog Toys: Rope, Rubber, Plastic, and Plush
Safe Mosquito Repellent Alternatives for Dogs
Of course, there are many pet-safe mosquito repellent options on the market that you can buy.
You also have the option to make some on your own at home!
Vet-Approved Solutions
-
Vet’s Best Mosquito Repellent uses safe essential oils like lemongrass and citronella. - Medella Naturals DEET-free Insect & Mosquito Repellent also uses lemongrass essential oil and is safe for kids.
- Wondercide Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray for Dogs is also popular and available in cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary.
Homemade Remedies
You have multiple options you can use at home, like the following:
- Essential oils (Citronella, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, and Peppermint are some of the best essential oils that repel mosquitoes.)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Citrus Peels
- Catnip
- Plants (Marigold, Lavender, Ageratum, Horsemint, etc.)
We have discussed these in detail in this article: Dog Mosquito Repellents: The 7 Best Natural Alternatives.
Environmental Mosquito Control
You can also take extra measures to control mosquitoes from entering or breeding in your home.
- Remove standing water in the yard or cover any water storage.
- Clean the gutter and fix any leaks.
- Get rid of any junk that can collect water.
- Fans and air conditioning units can deter mosquito flight.
- Install window and door screens and use mosquito netting.
- Keep your yard trimmed and your house clean at all times.
RELATED: 6 Keys to Spring Cleaning Success for Dog Owners
Is OFF! Safe for Dogs? Related FAQs
1. What happens if my dog licks OFF! from my skin?
Even licking small amounts can cause drooling, vomiting, or neurological symptoms. Rinse your dog’s mouth with water and contact your vet immediately.
2. Are citronella candles safe for dogs?
Citronella in candles can irritate your dog’s respiratory system if inhaled in large amounts. Use in well-ventilated areas and keep candles out of reach.
3. How can I tell if a product is safe for my dog?
Check for a “pet-safe” label and ask your vet. Avoid anything with DEET, permethrin (especially for cats), or synthetic fragrances not specifically tested for animals.
OFF! Is Not Safe for Dogs! But Before You Go…
So with all this said, it's clear that OFF! is definitely NOT SAFE for dogs.
In fact, all products containing DEET can be harmful and even toxic to dogs if they inhale, ingest, or absorb them through their skin.
Your best bet is to use pet-safe mosquito repellents, commercially available remedies, or homemade remedies, and always maintain a clean environment.
Also, one good practice is always to read the labels and talk to your vet before using any new products on and around your dog.
You can also read more about mosquitoes to protect your pup best! Check out our recommended articles below.
