rude products that contain essential oils are becoming more popular for both animals and people for a miscellanea of rationality . And a summer staple fiber that is used during many warm - conditions gathering is citronella .
This popular mosquito repellant is burned in candles or used in bug atomiser as a way to keep these biting pests at bay . But is citronella safe for dogs ? We ’ll excuse how citronella may move dogs and how to keep canine comrade good around citronella - based products .
What is Citronella?
Citronella is a natural oil made from distilling two types of Gunter Wilhelm Grass recognize asCymbopogon nardusandCymbopogon winterianus[1 ] . It is most commonly used as an insect and animal repellant and is sort out as a “ minimum risk of exposure pesticide ” by the EPA .
Some product hold citronella include standard candle , spray , and lotion . These products typically exercise by covering up sure scents that insects , such as mosquitoes , are attracted to . This help keep bugs away from people , lieu , and creature where citronella products are being used or sprayed .
Although in the main recognise as safe , citronella may cause skin irritation or the development of skin allergies with prolonged contact lens in some masses . If incidentally ingested , it may cause pharynx irritation or coughing episode . Likewise , inadvertent contact with center may make irritation [ 1 ] .
Is Citronella Safe for Dogs?
Citronella is considered toxic to dogs if ingested and has the potential to cause adverse skin reactions with contact lens .
That being say , there are many products on the market that do arrest citronella , such as flea collars , topical and environmental spray , wipes , and shampoo . These pet - specific products are specially formulate and should only be used according to their label or as recommended by a veterinary professional to guarantee safety .
Citronella Dangers for Dogs
It is very common for people to use citronella products , such as torches or candles in their backyard to rebuff insects during the summer month . While this is helpful in keeping undesirable plague by , these products do pose some risks for our dogs .
If a dog ingests citronella , venter irritation , puking , diarrhoea , and neurologic abnormalities may occur . Sprays and rock oil can cause skin annoyance if they tinct your pet ’s skin or paws for an extended period of time , and they may cause eye irritation if contact occurs . In addition , if the oil is inhaled , it may cause a condition known as chemical substance pneumonitis , which is lung inflammation do by inhaling irritant or toxins .
This is why it ’s authoritative to keep citronella oil from shed on the ground where your dog may take the air , sniff , lick , or exhaust green goddess .
alike , insect wicked bottles containing citronella should not be easily accessible by dog , particularly fast-growing chewer .
Dogs and Citronella: Safety Tips
Because citronella is found in many common household item , it ’s important to use these products safely if you have a cad . Here is some advice to keep your dog out of hurt ’s room .
Keep citronella items secure . Any candle , nebulizer , oils , or microbe repellent containing citronella should be kept out of reach of your puppy ’s paws . When not in use , keep them in a high or locked cupboard . While in use , verify your frank ca n’t come into contact lens with the product or chew the mathematical product .
Be careful with citronella products made for people . If you apply insect repellant to your skin , it ’s best to be certain it has completely dried before adjoin your dog . Never use any citronella intersection made for citizenry on animals , and never use environmental sprays at once on a dog .
Be ready to call the veterinary surgeon . In the consequence your dog is accidentally exposed to citronella , you should call your veterinarian or the poisonous substance control nerve center promptly for steering .
