Fly spray for dogs?

Q: Can I put my horse’s fly spray on my dog? I worry about him getting bitten by mosquitoes and other insects while he’s at the barn. A:

Great question! Mosquitoes are certainly a problem for dogs because they are the vectors of heartworm.

Read the safety warnings on your horse’s fly sprays. Some equine products are also labeled for use on dogs, but most are not, and I don’t recommend that kind of off-label use. Chemical safety can be very different from one species to another---the same product that is perfectly safe for your horse may be lethal to a dog or cat. The same is true of insect repellents for people---some of our products, especially those with DEET, can be dangerous to dogs.

Instead, look for products made specifically for dogs. Many of the monthly spot-on flea and tick products will also work against mosquitoes and other insects. Barrier protection can also help if your dog is being bitten in a particular spot on his body. For example, years ago I had a German Shepherd whose ear tips were bitten constantly. So I

covered his ears and let his thick coat do the rest. If your dog is still getting bitten despite your best efforts, talk to your veterinarian for additional recommendations.

Also, be sure to keep your dog’s monthly heartworm protection and annual testing up to date, since his outdoor lifestyle increases his risk a little. This is a worthwhile tradeoff, because most dogs enjoy the barn as much as we do!