DEET--insect repellent--long term use - Page 1

Do you use insect repellent against biting flies?

"The study showed that products containing N,N-diethyl-3-methyl-benzamide – known to most of us as DEET – were most effective in repelling insects for long periods of time" From an article I read about human use of it.

 I put a few drops of thick DEET emulsion (about 23% by weight) on my GSD's ears every 48-72 hours during the summer.

Have you heard of any study or do you have any personal experience about DEET for long term use, small amounts?

I am a bit concerned about estrous or pregneant bitches like mine.

On the dog's ears would be just like on the skin of people, I think, not like on the fur.

After goggling I found some answers, but still unclear. Here is one.

"Can I use insect repellent on my pets?

All pesticides sold or distributed in the US must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Registration can only be achieved by first demonstrating through scientific study that the pesticide does not pose an unreasonable risk to humans or the environment.

Deet is N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). It has been used since the mid 1940's without concern.  It is used in many formulations, including those used for dogs and cats and horses. When one considers that it may prevent mosquitos bites carrying Lyme or other diseases or tick bites (who carry a variety of very nasty infections),  seems reasonable to me that it might be a good product for use when common sense is applied. The important thing is to minimize the amount used and use exactly as directed. Applying to skin with fur on it will absorb differently than with skin, but given that it is generally considered of low toxicity, if I lived in a region where ticks and mosquitos were present, I would for sure feel comfortable using it. Animal studies looking at human risk have not demonstrated toxicologically significant effects in animals and it is not considered a human carcinogen.

I hope this helps. 

Make sure that the dogs you have are worm free.I am not suggesting worming..worming worming.Take a feces sample to your vet.A dog will experience for tip ear biting if their is a case of tape worms.The Deet results from usage will come out for humans many yrs from now if all is the truth.The least amount of topical pesticides is best.Feces removal whether they are kept in kennels or not is a plus but do understand any fecal is just a breeding compound for all varieties of flies..too many to list.Two yrs ago my dogs were getting torn up on their ears by flies...even though all feces were picked up and disposed.Horn flies are the worst!!I am talking about three dogs.Only one had tape worms.I applied Swat to the tip of ther ears(horse product) and that helped.It is a combo antibiotic/pesticide.The mosquitoes here were just ripping the area..several varieties at that time after hurricane Ivan.I dont know you or your dogs or how they are set up...or how many pesticides you use in your home//lawn etc..The statement I want to make here is this..maybe a question as well.There are a variety of spiders that will catch a fly..or a mosquito in its web.I am real thank ful for the banana spiders at my place.Instead of doing away with them..no poison.I decided to just let them do their job...and they have and I am glad that they are abundant..out doors.No more tip of the ear fly biting...very minimal mosquitoes.Hope this helps.Candace

I don't like using deet based spray's (OFF) on myself.    I wouldn't use them on my dog's at all.

JMO.

I don't like using DEET on me or my dogs, but it's a heck of a lot better than getting a bite from a West Nile virus mosquito which can cause meningitis with permanent paralysis and brain damage. So I use Deep Woods Off during bug season on me and my dogs. Also use Advantix or Frontline on them. It's a case of avoiding West NIle, Rocky Mtn spotted tick feaver, Lyme, and all those other nasty things. Guess I could stay indoors year around...nope, don't think so.

We were at training the other night & I have no idea why the mosquito's were ssssoooooooo BAD, I couldn't believe it.  I had to shut my van up with the AC running to keep them off my girl.  I sprayed myself with Deep Woods Off & it didn't touch them!!!  They just kept coming for more!!!!  I think they are gettin immune. :o(

Teri

i try not to use chemicals on animals if at all possible and i have found a good repellent that is safe for dogs humans and horses

10 drops of citronella

5 drops of lavender

5 drops of tea tree

mix with petroleum jelly

hope this helps

for flies in kennels or enclosed areas use incense

hehehe at very least you will get some chilled out hippy dogs

Dont mean to gloat folks, but here in Scotland its probably too cold for all the creepy crawlies you folks have to contend with so I guess we are lucky in that respect. Then again, we hardly ever see the sun LOL

Tigermouse, snap but I dilute mine into water and use as a spray... everywhere!

Brady Bee... c'mon... what about those bleedin' midgies, especially if you're anywhere near a loch? LOL