Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are a nuisance for our furry friends, causing discomfort and even health problems. But no need to worry! While many expensive sprays are available, there are also effective natural remedies that can work just as well. Let’s buy or make a natural bug spray and explore our happy options.
From Expensive Bottles to Homemade Solutions: Our Happy Pet Care Adventure
We recently moved to the Adirondack region, and the magical forest is calling our name every day. Since the summer just showed his nose, the feisty bugs are also trying to get a bite of Happy (my golden dog) and me. Happy loves to run for a long time on trails, free with her other morning dog friends. They roll in the mud, run across the trees and the grasses, and they couldn’t care less about mosquitoes, flies, wasps, and the big, nasty ticks. But the pet parents and I do! I protect myself with long sleeves, socks over my pants, boots, and a bug net on my garden hat. I am pretty sure that my 2-year-old golden retriever would not agree with that kind of protection!
But Mosquitoes and ticks can transport illness. So to prevent it, I started using this amazing Flea & Tick Spray bottle for Pets with Natural Essential Oils called Wondercide. You can buy a lot of tick sprays on Amazon, but my favorite by a long way is the Wondercide spray. I used it as directed, and it worked magic. Happy came back with no little pest, and I occasionally sprayed it on my pants so I would benefit from the essential oils. We visit the Adirondack trails every day, so a 16-oz bottle will last for two or three weeks max, depending on how much I use, and these bottles are expensive. Currently, a 16-oz bottle costs $27. So, I needed to find a copycat version that I could create myself for a lower cost. I found a recipe for dog aromatherapy that is quite similar to Wondercide, but it features a more complex blend of essential oils. It was used as a deterrent spray in the book by Valerie Ann Worwood 1
Essential oils that are safe for your puppy
Many natural flea and tick repellents use natural essential oils in their pest control products. The recipe I chose uses manuka, cedarwood, patchouli, thyme, and eucalyptus lemon because these oils contain natural compounds known to repel fleas and ticks due to their strong fresh scents and natural insecticide effects. When used in pet care products, these essential oils provide a natural and safe alternative to chemical pesticides, helping to deter parasites while leaving fresh scents on the pet’s skin and coat.
Why Creating Your Own Pest Spray Can Transform Your Bond with Your Dog
Your dog is more than just a pet — they’re a member of your family. Just as with any meaningful relationship, the bond between you and your dog requires time, care, and patience to grow.
Building a strong relationship with your dog leads to better communication, effective training, and more fun with your furry friend. Whether you’ve just adopted a new pup or want to strengthen your connection with your longtime companion, here are some tips to help you build a strong, lasting bond with your dog.2
Regular massaging and using the bug spray not only keeps your dog healthy but also reinforces your bond. Touch builds trust and comfort, especially when it’s paired with positive experiences. Take time to learn how your dog likes to be handled. Some love belly rubs, while others prefer ear scratches or just being near you. 3
Why do I use a natural bug spray bottle for my dog?
When my dog, Happy, was diagnosed with ITP (an autoimmune disorder where the dog’s immune system attacks and destroys its own platelets), I began searching for alternatives to the harmful medications we had been giving her. I heard about the story of Luna (the Wondercide dog), who experienced side effects from commonly recommended flea and tick medications and quarterly pest control services.4 Luna’s pet owner, Stephanie Boone, then founded Wondercide (you can buy the Wondercide products on Amazon). I used their brand, and it was my favorite product for years, and I loved them. However, after moving to the Adirondacks, Happy was exposed to the woods every day, and the cost of the daily spray became too expensive for me. I knew I could replicate this easily with some recipes from an aromatherapist. So, I found a more holistic approach and tried it on her. Since then, it’s been working, and we have a happy tail wagging!
Natural Flea and Tick repellent for dogs- Wondercide copycat
Natural Flea and Ticks Spray for Dogs - Wondercide Copycat
Fleas and ticks are a nuisance for our furry friends, causing discomfort and potential health problems. But there's no need to worry! While many expensive sprays are available, I am providing you with a free version of this recipe.
Materials
- 16 oz glass or a bigger bottle
- 5 drops of Manuka essential oil (Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka) Oil)
- 1 drop of Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil)
- 2 drops of Neem oil (AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) SEED OIL) or coconut oil if you preferred
- 6 drops of Cedarwood essential oil (Cedrus Deodara (Cedarwood) Oil) also called cedar oil
- 2 drops of Thyme essential oil (Thymus Vulgaris (Common Thyme) Oil)
- 4 drops of Eucalyptus Lemon (Eucalyptus Citriodora (Lemon Scented Gum) Oil)
- 1 once of colloidal silver
- 16 onces of spring or distilled water
Instructions
Grab your favorite spray bottle and mix in all those lovely oils!
Then, give your pet a little extra love by rubbing their coat in the opposite direction of hair growth.
It’s like a gentle massage that they’ll enjoy! Next, grab your spray bottle and give them a light mist—just enough to refresh them! Remember to focus on their belly, legs, and tail, but don’t soak them. A light spritz works best for a happy and shiny coat! Your furry friend will look amazing in no time! Spray into your hands and rub onto your pet's ears and face. Avoid spraying in the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Notes
Enjoy your creation!
Recommended Products
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How to use it?
I spray my dog every morning before our walk. For continuous protection, reapply every 24 hours, as needed. Apply before going to an area such as a dog park or on a hike. Enjoy!
Your pet’s safety is paramount!
When selecting bug spray for your dog, make sure to avoid any products containing DEET. Your pet’s safety is paramount, so choose wisely to protect them from harmful chemicals!
I would not put some store-bought spray with DEET on my pups. Never. Pet owners need to know that some dogs can react to DEET and develop itchy skin, even when used according to the label.
Worse symptoms can be seen in situations where dogs get sprayed by a punctured canister or ingest large amounts. Common symptoms include:
- Irritation to the eyes, mouth, throat, and lungs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Tremors or seizures5
In conclusion
Creating your own natural pest deterrent with the “power of nature” for your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it provide a safe alternative to conventional ingredients (often involving the use of synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)), but it also allows you to bond with your dog in a meaningful way. By investing a little time and effort into making your own blend, you can protect Happy (or your own pet) from pesky bugs while ensuring they stay happy and healthy. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your dog. Making those small steps toward a more natural pet care routine can lead to many more adventures together in the great outdoors. Happy trails to you and your beloved companion!
Footnotes:
- Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments (p. 1054). (Function). Kindle Edition. ↩︎
- https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/7-tips-build-strong-bond-your-dog ↩︎
- https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/7-tips-build-strong-bond-your-dog ↩︎
- (https://www.wondercide.com/pages/lunas-legacy) ↩︎
- https://aercmn.com/insect-repellent-toxicity-and-pets ↩︎
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