[GeoGeo]

I was wondering if anyone uses or knows of a chemical-free bug repellant you can use on your dog. I can't be around things that have strong perfume smells or chemicals.

[cmj1210]

I have heard lavender works. Unfortunately, my oversensitive nosed Golden does not like anything with a smell on him so I can't use any of it. If you google it you will come up with other alternatives as well.

[Bonanza]

What kind of bugs are you speaking about?

If you're speaking about fleas, any shampoo will work. Leave the shampoo on for about five minues and keep the dog's coat moist; the fleas will drown. We use baby shampoo on our dogs' head so it doesn't bother their eyes and a regular shampoo on the rest of the body. Don't forget the feet and in between the toes.

[GeoGeo]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

What kind of bugs are you speaking about?

No problems with fleas. Got a problem with mosquitoes and deer flies. Just the occasional one. But my dog ends up with lumps and bald spots. I have used Cortisone-10 and something else (can't recall at the moment), but it doesn't seem to do much good. Trying to prevent the bites in the first place, but my dog and I both have allergies and sensitive noses.

[downsouth95]

How about cedar oil - and I don't mean the small essential oils found in health food stores? I've used it in the past (ran out before we moved) - name is cedarcide or paws and claws (same stuff - two diff companies) It worked on everything. I used it on myself. If you cannot stand the smell of cedar forget it. It helped heal my adopted girl of her terrible skin issues when she came into our family - she had scabs everywhere and no fur from the waist to the tip of her tail... fleabite dermatitis. When you spray the dogs it will be super strong and it is greasy but it does dissipate with a faint cedar smell. As the vet said in G'ville, my dogs smell like a hamster. In the summer months I lightly sprayed and brushed it in every morning. Probably could get away with once every two days here - we lived in Gainesville Fl (city of trees). More trees more fleas (carried by squirrels). Worked great. Once I ran out of the stuff - I started seeing my girl start scratching and biting again - so I would give her a capstar to knock them out then ordered more cedar spray. I ran out again a couple of months ago. Need to put in a order $5.00 shipping.
If it's only one flea here and there I find the Petzlife Complete Coat works pretty good.
I have also used geranium oils, clove oil, etc. couldn't stand the smell of them and it really didn't work. The cedar oil worked great on ticks as well by the way.

HTH

[Lauren Sweeny]

No dog now, but at one time I used a bandanna type herb filled collar that seemed to work on my dogs bug problem.Wish I could remember it's name. Perhaps a health or natural food type store ( human or dog) might have them.

[Lauren Sweeny]

I googled natural bug repellant for dogs. There are lots of homemade and products available . Check it out.

[DruannB]

I sell essential oils, plus I make shampoos and soaps for dogs. If you would like my recipe for Rosemary dog shampoo, private message me. It stops the itch. My dog was biting his fur off due to an unexplained itch. I then developed the shampoo and it works for about two week before I have to rebathe him.

Here's another note I post on my blog:

Repellent for your pets:

For pets, add 1 cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and will easily be repelled by this ingredient alone. Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another natural tick repellent).

To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil, or peppermint oil, any of which will repel ticks and fleas while also creating a nicely scented repellent. Spray onto the pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day.
NOTE: Never use essential oils on cats.