5 Mosquito Repellent Plants Safe for Dogs

Introduction to Dog safe mosquito repellent plants

As for the summer; where these mosquitoes infest, owners of dogs must create an outdoor area that accommodates animals. Mosquitoes are not only troublesome and painful but also harbor diseases that are dangerous to both man and pets. However, there are dog safe mosquito repellent plants compared to others that can be poisonous to dogs and other domesticated animals. Planting these plants in the garden or on patios will relieve owners who want to have an enjoyable outdoor experience while being worry free for their pets.

Plants that repel mosquitoes and are safe for dogs

Mosquito repellent plants that are safe for dogs

Below are the 5 Mosquito repellent plants that are safe for Dogs (dog friendly mosquito repellent plants):

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is well-known as a cooking herb and as a useful plant against mosquitoes. Chemicals present in this plant interfere with the sensory receptors of most insects, such as mosquitoes, and mask the target. Lemon basil and cinnamon basil are the most effective species since the leaves can be kept intact to prevent the pests from feeding on them.

Basil can easily be grown as a plant because they can be planted inside the house or outside in the garden. They do well in warm areas and need sunlight, water, and a soil that can drain easily. Apart from the gardening benefits, basil is useful in repelling mosquitoes. Best of all, the effort spent on gardening is worth it because the leaves can be used in sauces, salads, and many other dishes.

Meawhile, pet owners will be happy to learn that basil doesn’t harm dogs and other animals so growing it will not be detrimental for their dear pets. Monitoring a pet’s behavior should be considered with caution though due to how sickness is always a possibility with too much non-toxic plant ingestion. Overall, when it comes to cooking, gardening, and having basil around there is no such thing as too much basil as it does decrease the mosquito population.

2. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catered towards pets, catnip is believed to soothe cats in a state of stupor but few know that it is also effective in repelling mosquitoes. Some studies suggest that catnip works more effectively at suppressing mosquitoes than DEET. The nasty aroma of nepetalactone is what keeps these pests at bay.

Catnip is fairly easy to bloom. All it requires is sunny weather in order to grow and good drainage. This plant is quite hardy and can be grown in pots or garden beds, attracting not only cats but also butterflies into the garden. People also know catnip to be safe for dogs, but if grown outdoors, owners need to be cautious of free roaming cats.

Catnip is not only effective against repelling mosquitoes but also serves as an ingredient for teas which calms anxiety for both animals and humans. Like all other good products, catnip is also beneficial for dogs as long as it is consumed with moderation. All in all, catnip acts as a great product for entertaining cats, keeping mosquitoes busy, and provides the entire family a sense of enjoyment.

3. Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)

Lemon balm, commonly known as intrusive mint, is also a plant that helps in the prevention of mosquito infestations. Melissa plants repel mosquitoes because they have a lemon scent. These plants are known to act as natural insect repellents. This plant is easy to take care of, grows well in both sunny and shade, and is also a perennial.

Lemon balm can be kept in pots as well as grown in the soil. Since it grows very quickly, keeping it in a pot allows controlling its growth and stopping it from draining the water supply of garden plants. In addition to its usefulness as a repellent, lemon balm also has several other culinary applications. It can be added to tea as well as put in several dishes to add flavor.

For households with dogs, lemon balm, like other varieties of balm, is also non toxic. It is advisable, nevertheless, to supervise your pet to prevent indiscriminate feeding. Lemon balm offers a delightful scent with its numerous uses in the kitchen, making it ideal for a dog friendly garden.

4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Due to its powerful odor and taste, peppermint is widely known as a herb and is a popular ingredient in mosquito creams. Peppermint has a fragrance that bugs such as mosquitoes, cockroaches and even ants stones. Moreover, if used correctly, peppermint oil is said to keep 98% of mosquitoes at bay.

Even though this herb can survive in many other growing conditions, it thrives best in areas with partial shade and damp soil. Additionally, since peppermint grows quite fast, it is usually planted in pots. It can also be put into the ground in garden beds, but because it is such a vigorous grower, it is often advised to keep it in containers.

Going back to pets such as dogs, peppermint is harmless. However, they should be watched carefully, as an excessive amount of it can upset their stomach. Moreover, leaves of the peppermint plant can be used in some cooking preparations like flavored teas, sauces, or even in desserts. Instead of putting poison-eating plants, growing peppermint in the garden or around the patio not only enhances the ambience of the place, but acts as a fence to mosquitoes as well.

5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

The smell of this attractive herb combined with its culinary uses makes rosemary extremely versatile. Rosemary can also serve as a natural mosquito repellent due to the fact that many insects are strongly averse to its scent and may not be fond of it at all. While the data pertaining to the effectiveness of rosemary on mosquitoes remain inconclusive, there are some anecdotal reports that tend to suggest its use as a pest management tool.

This plant hardy in nature requires full sun exposure and well drained soil. Once rosemary is established within an area, there is little mintainance required. This herb is tolerant to drought and can survive in poor soil conditions. Rosemary can be grown straight into the ground or in pots that are placed on decks and patios.

Rosemary is mildly toxic for dogs and should be given in moderation as it may cause digestive discomfort when consumed in excess. Rosemary is not only great as a flavoring but is also used as a mosquito repellent. It is greatly beneficial both for beauty purposes and for the elimination of pesky unwanted garden insects when planted in the garden.

Specific growing conditions required by these plants

Catnip, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm, and basil are among the specific varieties of plants that can be grown as repellent for mosquitoes and that are adaptable to numerous growing conditions. Following you will find recommendations aimed at fostering an enjoyable garden while also keeping your pets safe.

Basil

Light: At least 6 – 8 hours of sun light is a basic requirement for Basil to properly grow. The longer the exposure the more oils the plant produces and the better it repels mosquitoes.

Soil: Basil prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and the most favorable amount of pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Watering: Basil has a liking for consistent moisture but should never be overwatered. In order to avoid root rot, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Temperature: These plant bloom the best when the temperature is between 70-90 degrees fahrenheit. And as such with other plants, these need to be planted after the last frost in your location as it sensitive to frost.

Catnip

Light: Catnip enjoys full sunshine, but it will hereby survive with partial shade,. Try to achieve a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth and great development.

Soil: Use sand or loamy soil with a pH between 6 to 7 for better yield, but catnip can also grow in different types of soil as long as it is well draining.

Watering: Water catnip frequently and avoid sogginess since that can lead to fungal infections.

Temperature: Catnip enjoys warm weather around 18C to 27C and can survive at lower temperatures but frost should be avoided.

Lemon Balm

Light: Lemon can grow in partial shade as well but prefers full sunlight. About 4 to 6 hours of light daily is sufficient.

Soil: Lemon Balm prefers rich soil with a pH level around 6 to 7.

Watering: The soil should be moist but not soggy. Once established lemon balm is drought tolerant so a dry top layer of soil is okay but should be watered eventually.

Temperature: Lemon balm does well in mild temperatures between 15C to 24C, but does not enjoy frost.

Peppermint

Light: Peppermint does well in partial shade, but can grow in full sunlight too. It needs around 4 to 6 hours of light every day.

Soil: For Peppermint to flourish, rich well-drained organic soil works best. 8.6:5 to 6.6 is the ideal pH range.

Watering: Since peppermint prefers damp environments, it needs to be watered thoroughly especially during dry weather. Do ensure that the table does not overflow, as that can flood the roots.

Temperature: Peppermint prefers temperatures from 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, although it can manage in cooler temperatures too. Exposure to extreme heat or frost should be avoided.

Rosemary

Light: Rosemary prefers full sunlight and requires at least six to eight hours of direct light on a daily basis.

Soil: The gland remains preferably alkaline, that is between 6.0 to 7.5. It may also be found to thrive in sandy or loamy soil.

Watering: Once grown, rosemary does not require much water during dry spells. However, it does need to be watered frequently when it is growing. Ensure that the soil dries out completely prior to watering again.

Temperature: Rosemary relaxes in temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees celsius, but is sensitive to frost. During winter, the plant needs to be brought indoors otherwise it will be covered.

Always ensure that around the winter months the plant is bought inside, so that it can blossom all year round! With these conditions being kept in mind, you can surely take care of the dogs while preventing pesky mosquitoes from bothering you.

Plants that repel mosquitoes but are TOXIC to Dogs

When making a garden that is safe for pets, it is crucial to consider what plants can keep mosquitoes away as well as be pet-friendly. Numerous plants can act as pest repellants. While some can be passive, like tea trees, the health risks posed to dogs can be active and real. Below is a compilation of both categories that are prohibited for dog owners.

1. Citronella

• Description: Citronella is a common plant whose usage is popular among the public because of its mosquito repelling traits. It is a commonly found ingredient in sprays and candles made for the same purpose.
• Toxicity: If this particular plant is consumed by puppies, it can cause severe vomiting followed by diarrhea. Further, if this plant comes into contact with the dog’s skin, it can also lead to irritation.
• Caution: For the sake of safety, pets should not be allowed to come in contact or chew on this plant. Although it is really effective in warding off mosquitoes, it is extremely harmful to pets.

2. Tea Tree

• Description: Among the most common plant oils, tea tree oil finds its place as a dog friendly insect repellant that does wonders for dogs and their owners.
• Toxicity: Tea tree plants and their oils might turn out to be very dangerous for dogs. Symptoms range and shift from vomiting, fatigue, and sometimes, tremors.
• Caution: It is best to refrain from using tea tree oil around pets because it is extremely harmful even in small amounts.

3. Eucalyptus

• Description: Eucalyptus is popular for its potent scent and ability to exterminate mosquitoes.
• Toxicity: Dogs can experience excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even lethargy after consuming the leaves of eucalyptus.
• Caution: Never place eucalyptus plants near places where your dog frequents.

4. Pennyroyal

• Description: The plant smell is very strong, hence it is known as an insect-repellent herb.
• Toxicity: This plant is highly toxic to dogs and if ingested, can damage the liver extensively.
• Caution: Planting pennyroyal is best avoided if pets are within the vicinity.

5. Geraniums

• Description: Some types of geraniums are reported for their capability to drive away mosquitoes.
• Toxicity: Ingestion of geraniums can lead to vomiting and diarrhea due to stomach upset in dogs.
• Caution: Use other non-harmful to dogs plants instead of geraniums.

6. Garlic

• Description: Garlic is one of the most popular vegetables recommended for its various health benefits. Other than unconventional means of helping stave off pests.
• Toxicity: Garlic is harmful to dogs which can lead to gastrointestinal and a variety of other deterioration with higher concentrations.
• Caution: Avoid planting garlic in areas where there are pets around you!

7. Wormwood

• Description: It is a fragrant plant used sometimes in gardens as an insect repellent.
• Toxicity: Dog’s stomach can be upset, have seizures, diarrhea and other problems from consuming wormwood.
• Caution: Avoid using this plant near animals, as it could prove dangerous.

8. Tansy

• Description: This plant has a powerful smell which is helpful in repelling mosquitoes.
• Toxicity: Tansy can also prove harmful to dogs, causing drastic gastrointestinal complications.
• Caution: Better safe than sorry, therefore remain cautionary and do not plant it where pets can chew on it.

They may help deter mosquitoes; however, plants like these can be extremely unsafe to dogs. Some other options can be lemon balm, basil and marigolds, so you don’t have to compromise on your furry friends’ safety. Always ensure that your pets can find a safe place in your garden and do your research on the plants beforehand!

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Conclusion

In short, it can be said that creating a pet friendly outdoors does not mean that one has to encounter pesky bugs or mosquitoes. The right choice of plants such as basil, catnip, lemon balm, peppermint and rosemary will repel these pests and provide safety for dogs. These plants do not only serve pest control needs naturally, but also serve to beautify and work on the enhancement of the garden. Keeping outdoors with your pet has never been this enjoyable!