Is Thermacell Safe Near Dogs?
Whether Thermacell is safe near dogs will matter to you if you plan on using it in your yard, at your campsite or on a hunting trip. In any of these situations, if you have a dog, you want to make sure whatever outdoor insect repellent you use is safe for your canine friend.
Thermacell is safe near dogs when used properly. The active ingredients do not pose a risk to dogs, other pets or humans when the device is used correctly. Dogs should never lick or ingest the Thermacell device, however, as this is the repellent should not be ingested in any way.
As with most insect repellents, when used sparingly and correctly, Thermacell is safe. If you want to learn more about why it’s safe, how to use it correctly, and how to ensure you dog is safe around Thermacell, read on.
Is Thermacell’s Active Ingredient Safe Near Dogs?
The active ingredient in Thermacell’s repellent is allethrin, which comes from chrysanthemum flowers. This insecticide has been used for decades and is considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency when it is used correctly.
However, being safe near dogs and being safe for dogs are two different things when it comes to any chemical. Dogs should not come in direct contact with allethrin or any insecticide. If a dog gets hold of your Thermacell canister, look out for these signs of poisoning.
Dogs can eat thermacell if they get hold of it or its contents. If this happens, take them immediately to the vet to be assessed.
What Other Repellents Are Safe Near Dogs?
If you are looking for a dog-friendly insect repellent, Thermacell is not the only option.
You may find organic, EPA-registered mosquito repellent like this one that uses essential oils to repel mosquitoes and other bugs without DEET or citronella or any chemicals near your dogs. Many natural sprays work well for dogs.
But check with your veterinarian before spraying anything on your dog, especially if your dog already wears a flea and tick collar or takes oral medication for fleas and ticks. You may not need the additional product – or your vet may suggest something other than what you have chosen.
Where to Store Thermacell Safely When Not in Use
To keep your dog safe, make sure you are aware of where you store your Thermacell. If it’s within reach, there is no guarantee he won’t grab it, chew it, and endanger his safety.
Store your Thermacell in a high place – for example, on the highest shelf of a closet or cupboard. If you have an extremely curious dog who stands on his hind legs to see what he can reach while standing, plan accordingly!
In general, store Thermacell at room temperature, away from heat or extreme cold. If using the refillable battery-powered Thermacell, keep the container tightly closed and out of direct sunlight.
How to Safely Dispose of Thermacell Pads and Cartridges
Of course, you don’t want to dispose of the cartridge or pad in your home trash. This is because they can still emit repellent fumes for a time even after use, and these fumes are harmful indoors- especially if direcly inhaled by children under age 12 who have respiratory problems like asthma. Or if your dog gets hold of the garbage. While rare, these situations definitely will not happen if you avoid disposing of your Thermacell accessories inside.
If you do need to throw away used Thermacell pads or empty cartridges, follow the proper disposal steps on the packaging. Do not puncture anything or incinerate anything. If any repellent is left inside, do not flush down a drain. Call the local waste management company for advice.
You must be responsible with these items. While they are safe to use, they contain chemicals that you don’t want to subject the environment to. Do it right.
What If My Dog Eats a Thermacell Pad?
This is very unlikely to happen if you are storing your Thermacell properly. But if your dog eats a pad, get them to the vet immediately and bring the packaging or device with you so the vet knows exactly what happened.
Should My Dog Be in the Zone When Thermacell is Active?
When Thermacell is actively protecting the zone you want it to, it’s best to keep your dog out of there. Your dog can return to the area once Thermacell has turned off and the area is protected. While it is likely that your dog would be just fine if it ran through the area while Thermacell is working, it’s just better if you don’t let that happen.