All dog owners in Britain are being urged to stay vigilant as 'life-threatening' symptoms can be more common this month. The health warning comes as spider season peaks in the UK.
More and more of the eight-legged creatures try to find a mate and seek shelter indoors as the weather changes during September. This means millions of homeowners will be doing what they can to keep spiders away, especially if they have a phobia of them.
Methods to deter spiders can include using insect repellents and essential oils. However, if you own a pet, it is important to be careful when using such products as they can be toxic.
Pet expert and vet, Dr Anne Baccay at Cat Minder is warning homeowners about the dangers spider deterrents and repellents could pose to dogs and other pets if not used mindfully. "While most insect repellents are safe when used correctly, a few can pose serious risks - especially when they’re used in areas where pets are present," she said.
Essential oils including tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus are popular and effective at repelling spiders. But, many are toxic to dogs.
Signs of toxicity:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- redness around the face
- skin irritation
- muscle weakness
- difficulty breathing
- drooling
Dr Beccay says: "To prevent this, be sure to dilute essential oils before using them. Avoid spraying them in spaces that your dog visits or in areas that they may come into contact with.
"Shop bought sprays likely contain chemicals such as pyrethrin. Again, while effective at repelling spiders, these insecticides can be harmful to pets if ingested or inhaled in large amounts.
"Even those that are labelled as pet-safe should be used with caution. If you are using these sprays, keep your dog out of the area until the spray has dried and make sure the space is well-ventilated."
The vet went on to add: "Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is another popular spider deterrent, but again, it can be dangerous for dogs if inhaled. For this reason, only apply it to well-ventilated areas and try to opt for food-grade versions which are much safer. Any dogs with known breathing problems should be kept away from areas treated with DE."
How to keep pets safe this season
While spiders might be unwelcome in your home, there are plenty of products that will keep them at bay. However, be sure to read the labels of any repellents before use, ensure that your pet doesn’t come into contact with products containing chemicals and essential oils, and ventilate areas after applying either natural or chemical repellents.
A safe spider repellent for dogs can be made using a simple mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Just combine them in a spray bottle and lightly spray around spots where spiders tend to gather, like doorways and windowsills. Cedarwood chips, shavings, or essential oil can also be used to create a barrier against spiders.
