If you live in an area prone to mosquitoes , you know what a nuisance they can be . But mosquitos can be more than just annoying ; they can be harmful to your wellness and even deadly , especially to favourite . Without taking a preventative medication , your dogcan get diseases like heartwormand West Nile virus from those mosquitos . But what if you blank out to give a dose of your preventative or give it a dyad of days tardily ? In those situations , your dog will need extra protection . And if you ’re spend any time outdoors with your dog , you ’ll also need something to keep mosquito at bay — preferably something natural . Citronella has long been considered a lifelike mosquito repellant , but just because it ’s natural does n’t mean it is good . In fact , citronella can be toxic to pets .
If you typically rely on citronella to safeguard your family from mosquito , you’re able to still use it responsibly , but there are thing you should know to keep your dog-iron good . You may also want to consider some natural choice to citronella . Here ’s what you should make love about restrain your dog safe around citronella and ways to get rid of the bloodsucker altogether .
What Is Citronella?
Citronella come from plants called citronella geranium , which are popular patio plant life . They run to grow up to 3 foundation magniloquent , with tiny violet flowers . When the leave of the plants are crushed , it creates an essential oil that gives off that distinctive citronella scent that is pop in pesticides .
The tricky thing about citronella plant and keeping your dog-iron from them is that they are difficult to place . If you suppose you ’re buy a citronella plant , you ca n’t always be certain that ’s what it genuinely is . Some are score as citronella plants , meaning you should emphatically keep your pets off , yet they may only smell like citronella and do n’t bear any of the indispensable oil . Those works might actually be “ citronella - scented ” geranium . Without the essential oil color that deter mosquitos , all you ’re getting from it is the citronella scent . What they do have , however , is linalool and geraniol — both of which can cause suffering to a detent ’s GI organization or even be fateful if take in .
Real citronella plants reckon more like grass in appearance — not fern - like leaves . However , that preface another emulator plant : lemongrass . Both citronella and lemongrass smell similar , but only real citronella plants have crude with mosquito - repelling holding . Lemongrass is also defective for wiener , but not as toxic as citronella .
Effects of Citronella on Dogs
There are unlike way frump can get sick from citronella . First , they can ingest it . And it is n’t just eating the flora you have to worry about ; it ’s candle . Certain dogs be given to consume anything that smells interesting or new . And when you bump that your citronella taper has been devoured , it should be a cause for alarm system . The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ) order that eating citronella oil can induce gastrointestinal worried in dogs , such as vomiting ordiarrhea . More alarming is the symptoms that occur with tumid measure of citronella ingestion , such as heftiness helplessness , loss of coordination , hypothermia or death .
Additionally , citronella can irritate the skin . So if your domestic dog brush up against or is exposed to a citronella plant , they could get a rash or peel infection .
Even if your dog is n’t showing symptoms of citronella poisoning , you should still contact your veterinarian if there is any suspicion that your blackguard has ingested or come into contact with the industrial plant .
Alternatives to Using Citronella
There are alternatives to using citronella as a mosquito repellant . But in orderliness to repel mosquitos , you call for to know what attracts them . In general , mosquito be given to be attracted to odoriferous perfume and soaps . They ’re also drawn to dismal clothing and a strong torso temperature . While you might not be able to do much about the temperature of your consistence , you’re able to avoid wearing anything scented or dark in semblance .
The same applies for your dog . Make indisputable their wiener shampoo is n’t strongly scented and that your dog is dry before going out into a mosquito - prone environment . Sometimes mosquitos bite no matter how much you essay to keep them from yourself and your frump . This is specially true at dawn and evenfall , and right after it rains . In those situations , you ’ll involve to eitherkeep your dog insideor choose a safe mosquito repellant other than citronella .
You may be tempted to apply one of the most powerful types of citronella alternative , which is DEET . But products with DEET are no safer for your domestic dog than product with citronella . Using DEET can do neurological problems for your dog , including seizures or even destruction . If you spray a DEET product on yourself or your clothing , make trusted your dog is not nearby and that they do n’t drub your skin after you ’ve apply it .
Safest Citronella Alternatives
Although there are danger to using both natural and make up mosquito repellant , sleep assured that not all of them are dangerous to dogs . There are actually alternatives that are secure for favourite , and they ’re available at most preferred stores . you could even make your own .
Homemade Bug Spray
Many pet owners have found success with making their own mosquito repellant . Here ’s what you ’ll demand :
After adding all-important petroleum and witch hazel to the atomiser bottle , simply shake and spray on your dog ’s coat , quash the eye domain .
Mint
Mint is one of the easy herb to grow , and mosquitos hate it . engraft it in some pots around your patio or pack of cards will help repel mosquitos so you do n’t have to use citronella . Plus , the pots will assure the mint stays control without distribute to other area of your chiliad .
Rosemary
If you like to fake , having rosemary in your garden is a great estimate . It ’s not only a flavorful herb for veggie and meats , but it also is part of the mint family , signify mosquitos do n’t like it . It ’s a hearty herbaceous plant too , so you pretty much just have to plant it and rent it thrive .
Basil
Basil is n’t just a delicious gain to Italian foods ; it ’s also toxic to mosquito larvae . If you plant basil near any standing piddle like pond , mosquitos will be deter from laying their testicle there .
Garlic
It ’s no enigma that garlic can be an acquired taste . Thankfully , mosquitos detest it . cook with ail during your backyard barbecue or planting Allium sativum in your K can naturally snub mosquitos to keep your firedog secure .
It is important to actualize that , although citronella has gotten some attention for being toxic to dogs , there are other natural mosquito repellants that can be dangerous . When you have a ducky , it is crucial to be aware of what types of plant you have assail your home , and also ensure that any wax light or other temptations are kept out of your dog ’s reach .
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