PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray,71 ml (Pack of 1)

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Pelargonium citrosum, also known as geranium, is a plant that smells just like citronella when you crush its leaves. But even though the scent is pretty much the same, geranium is in no way related to the Cymbopogon species citronella is extracted from. A citronella spray can also be used to control certain unwanted behaviors, such as incessant barking or the tendency to wander, a citronella spray may be useful for people who are strangers to a home with an aggressive pet, like a dog. A citronella spray can be aimed at the pet and sprayed near the eyes and mouth without causing much harm, but the strong scent will often deter or repel an aggressive pet. Segelken, R. June 6, 1996. “Study: 'Nuisance-barking' dogs respond best to citronella spray collars.” Cornell Chronicle. Retrieved July 29, 2022. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/1996/06/citronella-spray-collars-curb-barking-dogs-best Gibeault, S. November 07, 2019. “Why Does My Dog Sniff Everything?” American Kennel Club. Retrieved July 29, 2022. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-does-my-dog-sniff-everything/ Ethanol is one of the ingredients commonly found not only in dog deterrent sprays but in other pet products as well. The problem with ethanol is that even a small amount is harmful to dogs.

Many pet owners have found success with making their own mosquito repellant. Here’s what you’ll need:This popular mosquito repellant is burned in candles or used in bug sprays as a way to keep these biting pests at bay. But is citronella safe for dogs? We’ll explain how citronella may affect dogs and how to keep canine companions safe around citronella-based products. What is Citronella? Dogs find citronella scent strong, unpleasant and very distracting. This makes the citronella spray a great tool for controlling unwanted behaviours, whether it’s excessive barking, digging or aggression towards other animals. The plant-based fragrance sprayed onto my pooch’s nose usually is diverting enough so that he forgets the reason for barking altogether.

Due to the resembling smell, geranium is often mixed with citronella for a more potent product. Don’t be surprised to see a product labelled as “citronella” only feature geranium on its ingredient list. However, our team of independent experts want to remind you that regular use of citronella spray can cause some short-term health issues, such as skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems and runny eyes. Furthermore, certain spray products also contain other not-so-dog-friendly ingredients. Additionally, citronella can irritate the skin. So if your dog brushes up against or is exposed to a citronella plant, they could get a rash or skin infection. Since citronella makes dogs drop whatever they were doing, I had to wonder if there’s more to it than just an awfully strong smell. And while more studies need to be done on the subject, there are some clear indicators that citronella affects dogs in some other ways as well. Citronella is a natural oil made from distilling two types of grasses known as Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus [ 1]. It is most commonly used as an insect and animal repellant and is classified as a “minimum risk pesticide” by the EPA.If your own dog occasionally has aggressive habits or you regularly meet aggressive dogs in public you may consider using a citronella spray to control them. PetMD Editorial. February 11, 2009. ”Ethanol Poisoning in Dogs.” PetMD. Retrieved July 29, 2022. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_ethanol_toxicosis

Citronella oil can contain methyleugenol, which is an ingredient often used in insect repellent sprays and lotions. Methyleugenol is classified as toxicity category 3, meaning there’s a very low chance of it causing body response in dogs. Still, there’s always a chance an adverse reaction will occur if your pooch is sensitive. Tetrafluoroethane Although there are dangers to using both natural and manufactured mosquito repellants, rest assured that not all of them are dangerous to dogs. There are actually alternatives that are safer for pets, and they’re available at most pet stores. You can even make your own. Homemade Bug Spray A puff of citronella sprayed onto your dog’s nose can just as likely end up in their eyes as well. Now, citronella doesn’t pose a long-term risk for your pooch’s eyesight. But in the short term, it can cause itchiness and redness. And in case your dog starts pawing at the eyes, there’s also a possibility of developing an eye infection. Gastrointestinal System Using an alcohol-based spray on your pooch is not exactly the same as letting them drink beer. But regular use of such a spray can eventually lead to ethanol toxicosis ( 5). Scented Geranium Unfortunately, I've found that many deterrent sprays marketed as citronella contain only a few percentages of true citronella oil. Instead, they use a variety of other ingredients that aren’t benign to my furry friend's health. Ethanol

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, citronella is classified as the third category when it comes to dermal toxicity ( 4). What this means is it’s slightly toxic to animals and can cause irritation or rash in dogs with skin allergies or sensitivities. Eyes