DIY Bug Spray for Dogs: Essential Oils That Work?

Okay, here's my take on sharing my experience making bug spray for dogs using essential oils, blog style:

Alright, folks, let me tell you, I've been battling bugs in my backyard like it's a full-time job. And, of course, my poor pup, Buster, is always the first to get attacked. So, I finally decided to ditch the store-bought stuff with all the weird chemicals and try making my own bug spray using essential oils. Figured, hey, natural can't hurt, right?

First things first, research! I hopped online and started digging into which essential oils are safe for dogs and known to repel insects. Lemongrass, citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus (certain types!), and peppermint kept popping up. Made a little list so I wouldn’t forget.

Next, I had to gather my supplies. Here’s what I needed:

• Distilled water (gotta keep it pure!)
• Witch hazel (helps disperse the oils)
• Essential oils (obviously!) I chose lemongrass, cedarwood, and a tiny bit of peppermint.
• A spray bottle (got a nice glass one, figured it would be better for the oils)

Alright, now for the mixing! I started with a base of distilled water. Probably around ¾ of the spray bottle. Then, I added a splash of witch hazel, maybe a couple of tablespoons. This is supposed to help the essential oils mix better with the water, since oil and water, well, you know.

Then came the fun part - the oils! I went with about 10 drops of lemongrass, 5 drops of cedarwood, and just 2 drops of peppermint. Peppermint is strong, and I didn't want Buster smelling like a candy cane all day, plus some dogs can be sensitive, so less is more!

Important! Always, ALWAYS test a small area first. I sprayed a tiny bit on Buster’s back, waited a few hours, and checked for any redness or irritation. Thankfully, he was fine! No itching, no sneezing, nothing. Phew!

So, how did it work? Honestly, pretty darn well! We went for a walk in the park, usually a bug-fest, and Buster barely got bothered. I re-applied every couple of hours, just to be safe. It's not a miracle worker, he still got the occasional gnat buzzing around his face, but it was a HUGE improvement over nothing at all.

Things I Learned:

• Less is more with essential oils, especially peppermint. Seriously, go easy on it.
• Always test on a small area first to check for sensitivities. Don't skip this step!
• Re-apply every few hours, especially if your dog is running around and sweating (or, you know, dog-sweating).
• Shake the bottle well before each use to make sure the oils are mixed properly.

Would I make this again? Absolutely! It's easy, relatively cheap, and I feel a lot better about putting something natural on my dog. Plus, it smells way better than those chemical-filled bug sprays! Give it a try, folks! Your furry friend (and you!) will thank you for it.