I made this dog spray quite some time ago but didn’t use it that often because for a while Donna was fearful of being sprayed at. But what with the insect bite allergy, scratching and some skin abrasion, I probably should start using it more often. Here’s the instructions for making your own!
Dog spray ingredients
The stuff needed to make the dog spray are apple cider vinegar, lavender or chamomile essential oil and water.
1. Get a small spray bottle and fill with water water.
2. Add one teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3. Add 3-4 drops essential oil
4. Cap and shake vigorously to mix well.
5. Store in a cool and dark cupboard between use.
To use, mist or rub in the mixture at the neck and ears, body, tail, underbelly, and overall coat (avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth) and let the dog air dry.
Note: For dogs with light coats, replace apple cider vinegar with distilled white vinegar if you find the apple cider vinegar staining their light or white coats.
Why these ingredients?
According to Whole Dog Journal in the article The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar to Dogs, vinegar has long been used for “topical applications, including muscle aches and bruises; sunburn, windburn, abrasions, insect bites, and stings; and hair care (controlling dandruff and improving condition and static control).” in humans, and can be applied to pets.
As an insect repellent, “plain vinegar or herbal tinctures containing cider vinegar repel insects, including fleas and mosquitoes.” Vinegar can also be used to disinfect and deodorise a dog that has started to smell funky.
As for the use of essential oils in the rdog spray recipe, I preferred Lavender and Chamomile, vs Rosemary and Mint which is another combination I have found people to use for their dogs. This is because of this 2005 research that found shelter dogs became calmer when exposed to lavender and chamomile and more active when exposed to rosemary and mint.
In a study published in 2005, Graham, Wells, and Hepper reported the results of their research exploring the influence of five types of olfactory stimulation (lavender, chamomile, rosemary, peppermint, and a control (no odor) on the behavior of 55 shelter dogs. Their analysis revealed that dogs spent more time resting and less time moving upon exposure to lavender and chamomile than any of the other olfactory stimuli. These smells also encouraged less vocalization than other types of aroma. The diffusion of rosemary and peppermint into the dogs’ environment encouraged significantly more standing, moving and vocalizing than other types of odor. The authors conclude that lavender and chamomile appear particularly beneficial, resulting in activities suggestive of relaxation and behaviors that are considered desirable by potential adopters. – view full article
I live in an apartment block, where my nearest neighbour’s front main door is just 1-2 metres from mine. It is important that Donna behaves calmly and does not cause any disturbance/unhappiness to the neighbours, particularly since some people do have negative preconceptions of mongrels.
P/S: The same ingredients for the dog spray can also be used to make dog shampoo, instructions at See Spot Bake.
littledoglaughed
This is great-thank you for sharing this!
weliveinaflat
No problem, hope it works for you :3
The Sundog Drift
Like the idea of a calming spray. Our rescue dog has a little nervous problem. Now how about a spray to eliminate that doggie odor.
weliveinaflat
I found that once the vinegar smell dissipates, the dog smells faintly of the essential oil with minimal odour. I have to say also that we bathe her once a week, doggy odour becomes too distinct for comfort by the third week in our hot and humid climate! D:
The Sundog Drift
Fantastic! I’ll have to give this a try. Especially for Yolo who’s doggy odor becomes like you say a little funky after three weeks of hot weather.
well minded
This is awesome! I’ll be sharing it all over.
weliveinaflat
Haha thank you :)
tinyinc
We’ve started using this on our atopic JRT and although we don’t know if it soothe his itching skin just yet, it is lovely on his coat and smells divine!!
weliveinaflat
Good to hear, not sure about the itching skin myself but hope it works!
Linda Arthur Tejera
I wonder how this would work on cats?…. Hmmm.
weliveinaflat
Haha, no idea :D I use it to supplement my Frontline plus, which I sometimes forget to apply, heehee…
artinstructor
That was very interesting. I know of a lovely dog that is suffering skin allergies – and is licking his paws raw. Would this help him? His owners are trying a new diet. I hate to see him suffering. My Dali really likes him and so do we.
I use apple cider vinegar for my Budgie’s stomach ailments – works well for settling any stomach upset. But of course I don’t add any essential oils.
I use organic essential oils and lavender comes in many qualities – NOTE: only use a small amount because when you use more than 4 drops it makes it stimulating rather than relaxing..
weliveinaflat
I’m not sure. Perhaps they can try it moderately and see if it helps him :) I recently read that ACV is good for dogs to take in moderation as well :) I may try that with Donna. Thank you for the warning on using a small amount of essential oil. That is very helpful :)
artinstructor
I read my note and I want to be clear that it was the lavender I was talking about specifically
. It also comes in a number of grades – you can really smell the difference.
weliveinaflat
Thank you for taking the time to clarify. I need to delve into these thing about grades of essential oil myself… there’s always more to learn! :)
coastingnz
Definitely going to give this a try. Thanks for sharing – love your hints and remedies.
weliveinaflat
Wow, great to hear the spray worked well for you :)
Lisa
How much water is used?