Spending the weekend camping is a great way to get outside and spend time away from technology. With a fishing pole and your trusted hound, you can forget about work problems for a bit and worry about less-important things. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes buzzing around during your fishing session can be just as irritating as jumbled paperwork.
With so many supplies tucked into your camping bag, though, adding multiple bottles of mosquito repellent for you and your dog can be difficult. These reviews cover repellents that can be applied monthly, as well as spray options that can be used on humans too.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Wondercide Topical & Indoor Spray
Kills fleas and ticks
No harsh chemicals
Suitable for dogs and cats
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Best Value
Vet’s Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray
No DEET
Uses natural oils
Can be applied every 2 hours
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Premium Choice
K9 Advantix II Spot Treatment
Waterproof
Monthly doses
Interrupts the flea life cycle
Check Price
TevraPet Activate II Collar
Adjustable collar
Works on contact
12-month protection
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Farnam Repel-X Insecticide & Repellent
Water-based formula
Safe for dogs and horses
Can be applied directly or with a clean towel
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The 10 Best Mosquito Repellents for Dogs
As our best overall mosquito repellent for dogs, the Wondercide Topical & Indoor Spray uses a holistic approach to killing and repelling mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Along with the cedarwood scent, it’s also available in lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary.
Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 4, 16, or 32 ounces
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Due to the lack of harsh chemicals, Wondercide can be used when needed and around your house to prevent pest infestations on the carpet, couch cushions, and your pet’s bedding.
While some of the available fragrances are safe for cats, felines are more sensitive to essential oils. Dogs might not have a problem, but your cat is more likely to suffer from an allergic reaction to certain scents.
Pros
Suitable for dogs and cats
Available in different scents
Repels mosquitoes
Kills fleas and ticks
No harsh chemicals
Can be used on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding
Cons
Cats are sensitive to essential oils
When it comes to our pets, affordable supplies are always the way to go, which brings us to the best mosquito repellent for the money. The Vet’s Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray is a DEET-free formula that uses natural oils like lemongrass and geraniol to repel mosquitoes. Since it doesn’t use chemical pesticides, Vet’s Best is suitable for regular applications every 2 hours.
Suitable for dogs and cats
Available in different scents
Repels mosquitoes
Kills fleas and ticks
No harsh chemicals
Can be used on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding
- Suitable for dogs and cats
- Available in different scents
- Repels mosquitoes
- Kills fleas and ticks
- No harsh chemicals
- Can be used on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding
Cats are sensitive to essential oils
- Cats are sensitive to essential oils
Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 8 ounces
Sold in 8-ounce bottles, this option is easy to slip into a rucksack for hiking trips and is also safe for humans over 2 years old.
Some dogs can be sensitive to certain scents and may find the lemongrass and geraniol mixture displeasing.
Pros
No DEET
Uses natural oils
Can be applied every 2 hours
Affordable
Good for hiking trips
Safe for humans over 2 years old
Cons
Some dogs hate the smell
If you’re not afraid to spend more to protect your dog from pests, K9 Advantix II Spot Treatment is a veterinarian-recommended solution. Formulated to start working within 12 hours of application, K9 Advantix II repels and kills mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Applied once a month, it helps interrupt the flea life cycle to prevent future infestations.
No DEET
Uses natural oils
Can be applied every 2 hours
Affordable
Good for hiking trips
Safe for humans over 2 years old
- No DEET
- Uses natural oils
- Can be applied every 2 hours
- Affordable
- Good for hiking trips
- Safe for humans over 2 years old
Some dogs hate the smell
- Some dogs hate the smell
Product Form: Spot treatment
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, senior
Size: 2, 4, 6, or 12 doses
The waterproof formula also lets your dog get up to their usual watery mischief whenever they’re outside without the repellent washing off.
For owners on a budget, this option is one of the more pricey treatments available. It’s also unsuitable for use on or around cats due to the chemical pesticides.
Pros
Monthly doses
Repels and kills ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes
Interrupts the flea life cycle
Recommended by veterinarians
Begins working within 12 hours
Waterproof
Cons
Unsuitable for cats
Expensive
Dogs love the outdoors and collect pests like they’re going out of fashion. The TevraPet Activate II Collar enables you to target the major menaces to your dog’s comfort with one collar. Designed to kill fleas and ticks on contact, this collar also helps repel mosquitoes. This option starts working within 24 hours and lasts for 6 months, with the two-pack giving you a total of 12 months of protection. The collar is adjustable to suit adult dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old.
Monthly doses
Repels and kills ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes
Interrupts the flea life cycle
Recommended by veterinarians
Begins working within 12 hours
Waterproof
- Monthly doses
- Repels and kills ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes
- Interrupts the flea life cycle
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Begins working within 12 hours
- Waterproof
Unsuitable for cats
Expensive
- Unsuitable for cats
- Expensive
Product Form: Collar
Life Stage: Adult
Size: Adjustable
Some dogs can have an allergic reaction to the chemicals used in this collar and it can be ineffective against fleas unless paired with another prevention treatment.
Pros
Works on contact
Repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
Adjustable collar
Pack of two
12-month protection
Begins working within 24 hours
Cons
Some dogs can be allergic to the ingredients
Can be ineffective against fleas
For doggy owners who spend time outside around horses, the Farnam Repel-X Insecticide & Repellent enables you to protect both animals at once. Its gentle formula is suitable for horses and dogs and can be applied directly or with a clean towel. The Farnam Repel-X is a water-based formula designed to repel six species of flies, including mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, and ticks, to make long days at the stable more pleasant.
Works on contact
Repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
Adjustable collar
Pack of two
12-month protection
Begins working within 24 hours
- Works on contact
- Repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
- Adjustable collar
- Pack of two
- 12-month protection
- Begins working within 24 hours
Some dogs can be allergic to the ingredients
Can be ineffective against fleas
- Some dogs can be allergic to the ingredients
- Can be ineffective against fleas
Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 32 ounces
Although it’s safe for horses and dogs, this insecticide should be kept out of the reach of children. Some users have also had issues with the bottles arriving broken or leaking during use.
Pros
Water-based formula
Safe for dogs and horses
Can be applied directly or with a clean towel
Repels mosquitoes and other common pests
Cons
Not safe for children
Bottle leaks
- Nantucket Spider Natural Insect Repellent
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Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Puppy, adults, and seniors
Size: 8 ounces
It can be difficult to find repellents that check all your boxes, but the Nantucket Spider Natural Insect Repellent is bottled in recycled plastic and is cruelty-free, non-GMO, and vegan. The bottle also has a lockable trigger to prevent leaks when stored in a bag during trips outdoors.
Water-based formula
Safe for dogs and horses
Can be applied directly or with a clean towel
Repels mosquitoes and other common pests
- Water-based formula
- Safe for dogs and horses
- Can be applied directly or with a clean towel
- Repels mosquitoes and other common pests
Not safe for children
Bottle leaks
- Not safe for children
- Bottle leaks
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Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Puppy, adults, and seniors
Size: 8 ounces
Formulated with organic ingredients, Nantucket Spider repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes without relying on chemical pesticides. It doesn’t use DEET to kill bugs either, so this option is safe for dogs of all ages.
Nantucket Spider has a strong smell that some dogs and owners with sensitive noses may find unpleasant. It can also leave your dog’s fur feeling sticky.
Pros
Lockable trigger
Bottles are made from recycled plastic
Non-GMO
Organic ingredients
No DEET
Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas
Vegan
Cons
Some dogs find the smell unpleasant
Can leave fur feeling sticky
- Bug Soother Spray Natural Insect Repellent
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Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 8 ounces
Spending a day outside hiking or fishing is a fun way to relax with your dog, but bugs can make these fun outings irritating. The Bug Soother Spray Natural Insect Repellent is safe for humans of all ages and dogs, so you don’t have to carry around multiple bottles of different formulas. It uses lemongrass oil combined with vanilla for extra fragrance to provide natural protection from flying insects like mosquitoes and gnats and even ward off fleas.
Lockable trigger
Bottles are made from recycled plastic
Non-GMO
Organic ingredients
No DEET
Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas
Vegan
- Lockable trigger
- Bottles are made from recycled plastic
- Non-GMO
- Organic ingredients
- No DEET
- Repels ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas
- Vegan
Some dogs find the smell unpleasant
Can leave fur feeling sticky
- Some dogs find the smell unpleasant
- Can leave fur feeling sticky
Unlike other bug sprays that repel mosquitoes, Bug Soother isn’t formulated to kill or repel ticks and may be ineffective against these critters. The lemongrass oil is also the only active ingredient, and it might not be as effective in fending off mosquitoes as some other options.
Pros
Safe for humans and dogs
No chemical pesticides
Lemongrass and vanilla scent
Suitable for days out hiking or fishing
Repels mosquitoes and fleas
Cons
Doesn’t kill ticks
Only contains one active ingredient
- Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Wipes For Dogs
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Product Form: Wipes
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 50 wipes
For dogs who hate sprays, the Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Wipes enable you to protect them against pests without stressing them out. Along with the protection against fleas and ticks, these wipes also kill and repel mosquitoes. Designed with a plant-based formula without chemical pesticides, they can be used on furniture, pet bedding, and collars. The wipes enable you to spread the product evenly over your dog’s fur and pay close attention to sensitive areas like their ears.
Safe for humans and dogs
No chemical pesticides
Lemongrass and vanilla scent
Suitable for days out hiking or fishing
Repels mosquitoes and fleas
- Safe for humans and dogs
- No chemical pesticides
- Lemongrass and vanilla scent
- Suitable for days out hiking or fishing
- Repels mosquitoes and fleas
Doesn’t kill ticks
Only contains one active ingredient
- Doesn’t kill ticks
- Only contains one active ingredient
Product Form: Wipes
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 50 wipes
Due to the moisture contained in these wipes, you need to make sure the lid is shut so they don’t dry out. Some of the essential oils are toxic to cats and can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Pros
Kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact
Gentle application
Can be used on furniture, pet bedding, and collars
Plant-based formula
Cons
The lid needs to be kept closed
Some of the essential oils are toxic to cats
Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
- ShieldTec Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Prevention For Dogs
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Product Form: Spot treatment
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, and senior
Size: 4 or 12 doses
Some dogs can be wary about spray bottles, and ShieldTec Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Prevention takes away the stress by providing a topical spot treatment option. Applied once a month, ShieldTec is safe for use on puppies and is waterproof, so outdoor adventurers can still benefit from the protection even when soaked through. It’s formulated to repel and kill mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice on contact and is one of the more affordable topical prevention solutions.
Kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact
Gentle application
Can be used on furniture, pet bedding, and collars
Plant-based formula
- Kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact
- Gentle application
- Can be used on furniture, pet bedding, and collars
- Plant-based formula
The lid needs to be kept closed
Some of the essential oils are toxic to cats
Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
- The lid needs to be kept closed
- Some of the essential oils are toxic to cats
- Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Product Form: Spot treatment
Life Stage: Puppy, adult, and senior
Size: 4 or 12 doses
ShieldTec uses chemical pesticides that although safe for dogs, can cause allergic reactions in some canines. Several users have mentioned that this product is greasy, doesn’t dry quickly, and smells like cooking oil.
Pros
Repels mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice
Kills pests on contact
Destroys flea life cycle
Waterproof
Safe for puppies
Affordable
Monthly doses
Cons
Ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Doesn’t dry quickly
Smells like cooking oil
- Medella Naturals Insect & Mosquito Repellent For Dogs
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Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 4 ounces
If you’re looking for a spray that doesn’t use chemicals and is safe for your kids and your favorite fur babies, the Medella Naturals Insect & Mosquito Repellent can be used on humans and pets. The formula doesn’t use DEET, so it’s completely safe for your pooch while still repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. It’s waterproof and isn’t affected by sweat during overly warm or humid days.
Repels mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice
Kills pests on contact
Destroys flea life cycle
Waterproof
Safe for puppies
Affordable
Monthly doses
- Repels mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice
- Kills pests on contact
- Destroys flea life cycle
- Waterproof
- Safe for puppies
- Affordable
- Monthly doses
Ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Doesn’t dry quickly
Smells like cooking oil
- Ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
- Doesn’t dry quickly
- Smells like cooking oil
Product Form: Spray
Life Stage: Adult
Size: 4 ounces
Some users have found that the scent of this natural deterrent can be overpowering and unpleasant and attract bees. Medella Naturals can have a sticky consistency when applied and can be uncomfortable. It’s also only available in small 4-ounce bottles.
Pros
No DEET
Repels mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects
No chemical pesticides
Safe for humans of all ages and dogs
Waterproof
Cons
Attracts bees
Has a bad smell
Sticky when applied
Only available in small bottles
No DEET
Repels mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects
No chemical pesticides
Safe for humans of all ages and dogs
Waterproof
- No DEET
- Repels mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying insects
- No chemical pesticides
- Safe for humans of all ages and dogs
- Waterproof
Attracts bees
Has a bad smell
Sticky when applied
Only available in small bottles
- Attracts bees
- Has a bad smell
- Sticky when applied
- Only available in small bottles
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Mosquito Repellent for Dogs
Mosquitoes bother our dogs just as much as they annoy us, and mosquito repellents are the easiest way to provide protection. Choosing the best option isn’t always as simple as you might think, however. This section will look at everything that you need to consider before purchasing a dog-friendly mosquito repellent.
If you’re ever unsure about what option to choose, double-check with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to suggest the best products for your dog.
Formulated for Dogs
If you’re new to buying mosquito repellent for your dog, it can be easy to assume that the one that you use is safe enough. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many mosquito repellents designed for humans can be toxic to pets, whether they’re natural or not. While some natural mosquito repellents for dogs are safe for humans to use too, the same can’t be said for formulas designed with humans in mind.
Make sure the mosquito repellent states that it’s for dogs on the label before you use it anywhere near them.
- See Also: 10 Best Flea Collars for Dogs: Reviews & Top Picks
Ingredients List
One of the most important things to remember when buying mosquito repellent for your dog is the ingredients used in the formula. Many of the ingredients that we’re familiar with in mosquito repellents designed for humans are toxic to canines. To keep them safe, paying attention to pet-friendly contents is essential.
Essential Oils
Essential oils have their pros and cons. While they can be beneficial in killing and repelling pests like mosquitoes, their use around animals isn’t always cut and dry. Depending on the oil, it may be safe or toxic to your pet, depending on how sensitive they are to the oil in question.
Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and birds tend to be more sensitive to contact with essential oils and diffusers, but canines can suffer from sensitivities to essential oils too. Before you choose a natural mosquito repellent, make sure the essential oils used in the ingredients are diluted and are safe for your pooch.
You should also consider whether your dog is sensitive to particular scents. Their noses are stronger than ours, and they might find that subtle smell that you enjoy to be overpowering and unpleasant.
No DEET
You’re probably familiar with DEET and its effectiveness. Unfortunately, DEET can cause various health issues in dogs, from eye problems and respiratory issues to stomach upset and seizures. It’s one of the main reasons that repellents formulated specifically for humans aren’t good for dogs.
Dog-friendly brands of mosquito repellent won’t use DEET, but to be safe, purchase an option with “DEET free” on the label.
See Also:
- 10 Best Tents for Camping With Dogs: Reviews & Top Picks
- 5 Best Fly Repellents for Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks
Final Thoughts
Safe for use around your home and on your dog, Wondercide Topical & Indoor Spray is our best overall mosquito repellent for dogs. It repels mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks with natural essential oils, and some of the available fragrances are safe for cats. If you need a budget option that’s safe for humans too, Vet’s Best Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray is a DEET-free alternative to many human-only repellents.
Keeping you and your dog safe from mosquitoes is essential for everyone’s comfort. For your next outing, we hope these reviews help you find the best repellent for you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock
