The 7 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents for Your Dog! 2025

It is very important to have a mosquito repellent for dogs on hand during the warmer seasons, as this is when your four-legged friend is most vulnerable to mosquito bites.

Besides causing your dog a lot of itching and discomfort, mosquito bites can also be a source of pathogens that can trigger various diseases once they enter your beloved pet's system.

Based on holistic medicine, we've put together this list of the best natural dog repellents you can use to keep mosquito bites away.

As a bonus, we also reveal our favorite home remedy for mosquito bites.

What if we started by figuring out exactly why mosquitoes bite dogs?

Why do mosquitoes bite dogs?

To clarify, only female mosquitoes bite dogs. They do this to ensure they have enough protein in their bodies to produce eggs. If they don't collect enough blood, these mosquitoes won't be able to reproduce.

Now, let's talk about the possible factors why your dog attracts mosquitoes.

Why are mosquitoes attracted to dogs?

Believe it or not, there are several factors that could make your dog a mosquito magnet. We'll briefly discuss each of them below:

Fur color

Mosquitoes choose their targets visually and tend to be attracted to dogs with darker coats. If your dog has a dark coat, it's likely they'll be prone to mosquito bites during warmer seasons.

Prevalence of bacteria on the skin

Your dog's skin is very rich in bacteria, especially in and around the groin, armpits, and ears. Sometimes, the number of these bacteria increases unexpectedly due to skin problems in dogs such as mange, ringworm, and allergies.

And once this really dense population of bacteria combines with sweat, they become really "smelly" to mosquitoes.

Carbon dioxide emissions

Did you know that in addition to targeting their prey visually, mosquitoes also locate them by emitting carbon dioxide? You see, the more your dog exhales, the easier it will be for these biting insects to spot him.

It has been theorized that this is why mosquitoes tend to buzz around the head and ears. Additionally, because larger dogs tend to exhale larger amounts of carbon dioxide, they are more susceptible to mosquito bites.

Sweat

Mosquitoes have the ability to detect compounds in dog sweat like ammonia and lactic acid, which they also use as "markers" to locate their targets. If your dog has just been on a long walk or has been playing fetch vigorously, they will be more visible to these biting insects.

Additionally, it has also been speculated that the extra heat emitted by a sweaty dog ​​attracts mosquitoes.

Blood type

If you notice that your dog is attracting a lot of mosquitoes, chances are his blood type is a key factor.

You see, there's a specific protein in your dog's red blood cells called Canine Erythrocyte Antigen (CEA) that plays a crucial role in determining his blood type.

Certain variants of this protein are more tempting to mosquitoes and they generally congregate around dogs that have this particular AEC.

Pregnancy

Do you have a female dog that seems to be a mosquito magnet? She may be pregnant. In addition to having a higher temperature than other females, a pregnant dog also tends to exhale more carbon dioxide due to the hormonal changes taking place in her body.

Now, let's talk about the signs to look for if your dog has been bitten by a mosquito.

How do I know if my dog ​​has been bitten by a mosquito?

Here are common signs that your dog has just been bitten by a mosquito:

• Repeated scratching on a particular part of the body
• Sliding or rubbing on surfaces
• Presence of red bumps and pustules

The appearance of these painful and uncomfortable pustules and bumps caused by mosquito bites can vary from dog to dog. They may appear instantly in some dogs, while they may take a few minutes to appear in others.

Now, let's look at natural mosquito repellents for dogs that you can use.

Natural mosquito repellent for dogs

Before you turn to "conventional" dog mosquito repellents, there are actually some natural home remedies you can use to solve this problem.

Here are some natural mosquito repellents to consider for your dog's home care kit:

Melissa

According to Iowa State University's Horticulture and Home Pest News, the leaves of the lemon balm plant contain an organic substance known as citronellal and other oils that have a mosquito repellent effect.

To use lemon balm as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, vigorously crush a few leaves in your hand to activate the citronellal and rub them all over your four-legged friend's body. Be sure to pay special attention to the ears, nose, head, paws, and stomach, which are the most common areas for mosquito bites.

Catnip

Current Biology reports that catnip is rich in a chemical irritant receptor called TRPA1, which causes mosquitoes to feel pain when they come into contact with it. Research shows that TRPA1 has a somewhat suffocating effect on mosquitoes.

To use catnip as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, squeeze a few leaves until the juice comes out. Apply this juice directly to the parts of your dog's body most vulnerable to mosquito bites.

Rosemary

A study published in Neliti found that extracts derived from the flowers of the herb rosemary helped repel Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Additionally, combining essential oils derived from rosemary flowers with a gel made from N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) significantly increased its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes.

To use rosemary as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, crush a few rosemary leaves and flowers with a mortar and pestle until they reach a paste-like consistency. Apply this paste directly to your canine family member's ears, nose, head, paws, and belly.

Basil

IOPScience reports that basil contains various compounds such as triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids that not only repel mosquitoes but also act as an organic larvicide for mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti larvae.

To use basil as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, crush a few leaves in your hand to release its essential oils and rub them all over your pet's body.

You can even rub crushed basil leaves on areas where there are scrapes and cuts, as they also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Lavender

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), essential oil extracted from lavender has been shown to be highly effective in repelling common house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens). Certain compounds in lavender essential oil, particularly linalool and terpineol, have also been shown to have antifungal and antibacterial effects.

To use lavender as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, crush a few lavender flowers with a mortar and pestle to activate their essential oils. Mix in a few drops of water or sunflower oil to dilute them.

Gently massage the mixture onto your four-legged friend's body. Take the opportunity to apply a tiny bit to their temples, as lavender also has a calming effect on dogs.

Peppermint

As ScienceDirect reveals, peppermint essential oil contains a high amount of menthol, which has an unpleasant effect on mosquitoes.

Additionally, when tested on mosquito larvae, specifically those of Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti, the essential oil extracted from peppermint was found to also act as a potent larvicide.

To use peppermint as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, crush a few leaves with a mortar and pestle and add a few drops of sunflower oil. You can also use water for this application.

Make sure not to apply the leaves directly to your dog's skin because the menthol they contain can be toxic to your dog in large quantities.

Citronella

BMC reports that citronella contains compounds such as phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids that disrupt the normal function of mosquitoes' olfactory receptors and antennae. These compounds may also have a toxic effect on mosquitoes.

To use citronella as a natural mosquito repellent for dogs, simply place a pot of the plant in the area where you suspect mosquitoes are present. However, it is crucial to prevent your dog from chewing on the leaves, as they can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

This account of a real-life experience illustrates the effectiveness of natural solutions against unwanted insects:

A pet owner we helped with our natural products came to us for advice. It was summer, and her poor animal was being devoured by insects. We recommended our specific remedy. She gave it to her pet and, incredible but true, the next day or the day after, there were no more insects left, finished!

This experience reminds us that natural alternatives can be just as effective as chemical solutions, which are often harmful to our animals.

And now, here is our favorite home remedy for mosquito bites on dogs…

Our Favorite Home Remedy to Repel Mosquitoes

HomeoAnimo's MOSQUITO REPELLENT product is a natural homeopathic formula to maintain your dog's well-being during peak mosquito season. It is also designed to help support your four-legged friend's skin so it remains healthy.

MOSQUITO REPELLENT contains all-natural, high-quality ingredients such as Caladium seguinum, Abelmoschus, Ledum and Apis, which are known for their insect repellent and skin-soothing properties.

To use MOSQUITO REPELLENT to prevent mosquito bites, spray 1 spray daily in water or directly into the mouth for 7 to 10 days before peak mosquito season. To reduce the effects of bites or stings, spray 1 spray daily in water or directly into the mouth for 7 to 10 days.

To maintain results during peak season, continue giving 2 to 3 sprays of MOSQUITO REPELLENT per week in water or directly into the mouth after 10 days. If you are no longer in peak mosquito season, you can stop administering this product until the next mosquito season.

Now, let's see if mosquito bites can hurt your dog.

Can mosquito bites hurt my dog?

The quick answer is yes.

You see, when a mosquito bites your dog, he might experience persistent itching or skin irritation, depending on how many times he's been bitten.

It is even possible that your dog may experience hives and swelling if he has been bitten by mosquitoes for the first time or if his body has an allergic reaction to mosquito bites.

Now, let's determine if mosquito bites can make your dog sick.

Can mosquito bites make my dog ​​sick?

Yes, mosquito bites can make your dog prone to various diseases and health problems.

In addition to itching and skin irritation, mosquito bites can also be sources of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can trigger a number of serious diseases.

Mosquitoes can indeed obtain these pathogens from infected rodents and other animals.

These diseases include tularemia, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and canine heartworm, which can be fatal if not treated immediately and properly.

This is the main reason why you should have a reliable home remedy for mosquito bites for dogs like HomeoAnimo's MOSQUITO REPELLENT product to ensure that your canine family member stays safe from these diseases.

So how long do mosquito bites last on dogs?

How long do mosquito bites last on dogs?

Mosquito bites on dogs typically last two to three days. However, this period may be longer in some dogs if they have an allergic reaction to mosquito bites.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that mosquito bites are more irritating when they are still fresh.

Have you ever wondered if mosquitoes can bite even dogs with thick fur? Let's address this question.

Can mosquitoes bite dogs with thick fur?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, dogs with thick or furry coats are still vulnerable to mosquito bites.

A mosquito's proboscis—or the special part of its mouth it uses to suck blood—can still reach a dog's skin even if it has thick fur.

Although thick fur may delay a mosquito somewhat from immediately piercing a dog's skin, it can still extend its proboscis to bite and suck blood.

Conclusion

If you're looking to learn more about keeping your dog as healthy and happy as possible, our Free Pet Health Recommendation will help.

In addition to providing you with helpful pet health advice and recommendations, our Natural Health Advisors will also guide you through the products and treatment options that best suit your pet's health needs.