Is citronella plant safe for dogs?

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Citronella is toxic to pets
Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.



Consequently, is citronella toxic?

Citronella is listed as non toxic.

Likewise, is citronella oil safe for plants? Oil of citronella is a naturally occurring insect and animal repellent distilled from two grass varieties. Oil of citronella is also commonly found in foods and beverages as a flavoring agent. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as a food additive by the Food and Drug Administration.

Also asked, is mosquito repellent safe for dogs?

Stay away from DEET! Most of the common bug sprays and mosquito repellents for people contain DEET, in varying concentrations. DEET can be very toxic for dogs, leading to vomiting, staggering, seizures, and other concerning problems. Picaridin is another common active ingredient in insect repellents made for people.

Why do mosquitoes hate citronella?

Citronella is naturally occurring oil that repels insects. It is distilled from two types of grass, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. The article explains that products with a citronella base are only effective as a mosquito repellent for about two hours, because the oils rapidly evaporate.

29 Related Question Answers Found

What is a natural mosquito repellent?

Lemon eucalyptus oil
Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent.

Is citronella poisonous to humans?

The US Environmental Protection Agency states that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60-year period. Some products are applied to human skin, so EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use.

How effective is citronella oil against mosquitoes?

Citronella is a well-known mosquito repellent. In a dose by dose comparison, citronella is initially as effective as DEET. However, citronella oil evaporates quickly, meaning that it is only effective for a short time. Also, high concentrations of citronella can cause skin irritation.

Is citronella a pesticide?

Oil of citronella is a biochemical pesticide which has a non-toxic mode of action. It is registered as an insect repellent (feeding inhibitor) and as an animal repellent. On February 28, 1996, the Agency issued a rule exempting certain pesticides, including oil of citronella, from regulation under FIFRA.

Is Allethrin safe for humans?


Allethrin is also highly toxic to fish, bees and cats. Like most insect repellent products, it has to be used with caution, but at least it's not directly applied to the skin, its active ingredient has a low toxicity for humans and it does seem to work.

Is citronella safe for babies smell?

Neither the natural repellent oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) nor its lab-made version called PMD is safe for kids under 3 years old. Other repellents made with plant essential oils, such as citronella, cedar, and soybean, can sometimes work. They aren't as long-lasting, though, and they can irritate your baby's skin.

How do you use citronella oil as mosquito repellent?

A spray application may be good for freshening up a room or applying to your skin as an insect repellent. To make a citronella oil spray: Add citronella oil to water in a glass spray bottle. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops per ounce of water.

How can I protect my dog from mosquitoes naturally?

Use Dog-Safe Insect Repellent
Some natural insect repellents for dogs include lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium oil and soybean oil, thyme, clove oil, and neem oil. Again, you should NOT use any of these products without first consulting your veterinarian.

What can I put on my dog to prevent mosquito bites?

Most flea and tick products are formulated to repel mosquitoes as well. K9 Advantix and Bio Spot are two examples of great triple-action products that should keep your dog free of bites all summer long. You can also buy sprays and other insect repellents from your pet store.

Does coconut oil repel mosquitoes on dogs?


The study found that fatty acids derived from coconut oil had long-lasting insect-repelling properties against flies, ticks, bed bugs and mosquitoes. Lead researcher Junwei Zhu notes that compounds extracted from coconut oil – not the oil itself – were found as an effective repellent, according to a USDA release.

Do mosquitoes bother dogs?

Yes, mosquitoes do bite dogs. Warm and humid days means the nuisance of mosquitoes is here. In addition to being irritating, mosquitoes also carry parasites they can pass to your dog. For example, they can transmit heartworm, a potentially deadly parasite that exists in some areas of Canada.

Is Lavender safe for dogs?

Dogs can safely ingest diluted lavender; however, you should make sure to start them on low doses to gauge their reaction. You can also brew your dog a lavender tea with fresh lavender leaves (which is tasty for humans too!) in order to achieve a calming effect.

What plants keep mosquitoes away?

15 Mosquito Repelling Plants
  • Basil. Basil brings us delicious pesto sauce and tasty salads, but it can also keep away mosquitoes.
  • Bee Balm. This mosquito-repelling plant is commonly known as wild bergamot and horsemint.
  • Catnip.
  • Citronella.
  • Floss Flower.
  • Garlic.
  • Lavender.
  • Lemon Balm.

Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs?

Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog's water bowl and see if he'll drink it!

What happens if my dog licks bug spray?


The danger depends on the product. Any product that contains any levels of DEET can be toxic to dogs. They may vomit, stagger or have seizures after ingesting, so don't use DEET products on yourself or others when around dogs and cats who might lick your skin.

Is it bad to breathe citronella?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

What bugs does citronella repel?

List of pest-repelling plants
Plant Pests
chamomile repels flying insects
chives repels carrot fly, Japanese beetle, and aphids
chrysanthemums repel roaches, ants, the Japanese beetle, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, and root-knot nematodes
citronella grass repels insects, may deter cats