If you are a dog owner, then you know how important it is to keep your Fido safe and healthy at all times.
And when it comes to outdoor activities or spending time in nature, using a product like thermacell can help protect your dog from bothersome insects without exposing him to potentially harmful chemicals.
Thermacell was specially designed for use in the outdoors like when you are out camping or on a picnic, so you want to make sure you have it handy before you head out.
What Is Thermacell?
Thermacell is a revolutionary device that provides consumers with an alternative to conventional insect repellents.
Powered by a butane cartridge, the device creates an invisible zone of protection around a user’s body that keeps biting insects away.
It works by producing heat and a virtually odorless vaporized repellent which helps keep mosquitoes and other insects away.
Its patented technology has been shown to repel annoying pests up to 15 feet away in any direction, allowing users to enjoy the outdoors bite-free while leaving no smelly residue on their clothing or skin.
By eliminating DEET chemicals, Thermacell also helps reduce exposure to potentially hazardous substances associated with traditional sprays.
Is Thermacell Safe For Dogs?
Any pet parent will only want to use products that pose no threat to their furry friends.
And if you are concerned about the safety of thermacell around your dogs, you can rest easy.
Thermacell has been given a clean bill of health by the EPA, as it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
So, you can safely use this device in your backyard or on outdoor adventures with your dog without worrying about its safety.
Additionally, the vaporized repellent used by thermacell is virtually scentless, meaning that it will not irritate your dog’s sensitive sense of smell.
You still need to take the necessary precautions though.
For instance, your dog should not ingest the repellent, so do not leave it lying around in your backyard unattended.
Also, use the device as instructed by the manufacturer to ensure optimal protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Overall, if you are looking for a safe and effective way to protect your dog from bothersome bugs without using harmful chemicals, thermacell is an option worth considering.
When used correctly, thermacell is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your pets from unwanted pests.
Thermacell Dangers for Dogs
While thermacell is generally considered safe for dogs, there are some potential dangers that you should be aware of.
For starters, if your dog ingests the repellent cartridges or the butane canister, it could lead to serious health problems.
Butane can cause various negative side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and bloodshot eyes. It can even result in death in severe cases.
Also, there is a risk that the repellent cartridge could emit fumes if it overheats or becomes damaged.
This could potentially cause respiratory problems for your dog if they accidentally inhale these fumes.
Additionally, the active ingredient in thermacell is d-allethrin. Some agencies, like the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have classified d-allethrin as toxic if swallowed or inhaled by animals.
According to a WHO study, d-allethrin can cause liver problems in dogs.
However, this will only happen if your dog consumes the substance and if they do not get immediate treatment thereafter.
To minimize the risk of your dog coming into contact with such dangers, it is important to keep your thermacell device out of reach and never leave it unattended when in use.
Also, be sure to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully, to avoid overusing or misusing the device, which could lead to dangerous situations.
Overall, while there are some potential dangers associated with using a thermacell device around your dog, it is generally considered to be a safe option.
As long as you take the necessary precautions and follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer, your pet should be able to enjoy all of the benefits of using a thermacell device without facing any major risks.
Dogs and Thermacell: Safety Tips
It is always a good idea to take any necessary precautions to keep your pets as safe as possible.
Start by removing any toys, bedding, food bowls, and chew bones from the area where you plan to use your thermacell device.
This is important because these items could be contaminated with the repellent, which could lead to your dog ingesting the substance and suffering from any number of health complications.
As we have seen, some of the chemicals used in the thermacell can cause liver damage and even death.
Secondly, you will want to keep an eye on your doggie when using the themarcell device.
Your dog may easily get mischievous and think of using the device as a toy or maybe chewing on it.
Never leave your dog alone when using a thermacell device, especially if it is a puppy or small breed that is prone to chewing on things.
As a rule of thumb, always place the device above ground where you can easily see and reach it.
You may also want to use an elevated position away from the easy reach of your doggy’s paws.
You should also handle the replacement cartridges and butane gas canister with care and store them appropriately.
Thermacell cartridges contain a high concentration of d-allethrin, an active ingredient that is considered toxic if inhaled or swallowed by dogs.
So to avoid any accidents, do not to touch the repellent directly with your hands, and never leave cartridges unattended.
Finally, you should always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully when using a thermacell device around dogs.
Alternatives to Using Thermacell: Dog-Friendly Solutions
Even though thermacell is safe to use around dogs, there are some safety concerns with the product that might make some pet parents think twice.
But that doesn’t mean you have to endure the pesky pests—there are some good dog-friendly alternatives that you can use.
Here are some good alternatives:
1. Repellent Sprays and Gels
If you are concerned about the potential dangers of the active ingredients in thermacell, there are a number of dog-friendly repellent products on the market that can be just as effective in keeping insects at bay.
Examples of dog-friendly repellant sprays include:
There are lots of other brands you can choose from as long as they do not have active ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
Active ingredients to avoid include d-Limonene, linalool, DEET, Terbufos, Propozur, Parathion, Methoxychlor, Methomyl, Malathion, Fenoxycarb, Disulfoton, and Chlorpyrifos.
2. Outdoor Misting Systems
Another option is to invest in a dog-friendly outdoor misting system that can be used to keep your backyard free from mosquitoes and other insects.
These systems are designed to spray a fine mist of water over the area, keeping bugs at bay while limiting the amount of pesticide and insecticide exposure.
Depending on the size of your yard, you may need more than one unit to provide complete coverage.
3. Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a natural alternative to chemical-based repellents.
These candles are made with soy wax and contain citronella oil, which is known to repel mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects.
Citronella candles can be purchased at pet stores or online, but keep in mind that they may not prevent all types of pests from invading your backyard.
It is also recommended that you use citronella candles in combination with other repellent methods to achieve maximum protection.
4. Ultrasonic Repellents
Another option is to invest in an ultrasonic mosquito deterrent, which releases a high-frequency sound that repels mosquitoes and other bugs.
Ultrasonic repellents are non-toxic and eco-friendly, so they are safe to use around dogs.
However, the effectiveness of these devices varies depending on the type of insect you want to repel, so it’s best to do some research before making a purchase.
5. Natural Insect-Repellent Oils
Several plant-based oils and extracts are effective in keeping insects at bay, including lavender oil, peppermint oil, neem oil, lemongrass oil, catnip oil, and more.
These oils can be used in many ways, from aromatherapy and massage to topical application.
Related: Which Essential Oils are Toxic to Dogs?
Closing Thoughts
In general, using a thermacell device can be a safe and effective way to keep your dog protected from bothersome insects.
Just remember to exercise caution, follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and always watch over your dog whenever you are using this product.
There are also several different non-chemical-based alternatives that you can try, such as repellent sprays, outdoor misting systems, citronella candles, and ultrasonic pest controllers.
If you decide to go for repellant spray, consider doing some research on the active ingredients to ensure you only use the ones that are safe for your dog.
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