Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don’t have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

What happens if your dog eats citronella plant?

According to the ASPCA, eating the plants could cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting. Cats and dogs also could experience muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination, depression, or even hypothermia if enough of the plant is ingested.

What is the safest mosquito repellent for dogs?

Popular Pet Safe Mosquito Yard Sprays

  • Vet’s Best (Active ingredients: peppermint oil, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate)
  • Wondercide (Active ingredients: cedarwood oil, sesame oil, sodium lauryl sulfate)
  • MDX Concepts (Active ingredients: sodium lauryl sulfate, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, spearmint oil)

Is mosquito plant poisonous to humans?

“Citronella,” a misnomer, is the name given for a class of lemony-scented grasses. No evidence has been found for human toxicity. The base chemical of the plant, citral, is categorically rated low, slightly toxic, not acutely toxic or not rated. True citronella is derived from drying the plant Cymbopogon nardus.

What mosquito repellent plants are safe for dogs?

6 Dog-Safe Plants That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes (& Other Pests!)

  • Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
  • Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
  • Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
  • Plants to avoid:


What happens if a dog smells citronella?

Citronella Dangers for Dogs



If a dog ingests citronella, stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological abnormalities may occur. Sprays and oils can cause skin irritation if they touch your pet’s skin or paws for an extended period of time, and they may cause eye irritation if contact occurs.

Is mosquito Patch poisonous?

BuzzPatch is non-toxic and DEET free and uses the most effective and safe essential oil combination. INSTANT, CONVENIENT, EFFECTIVE: Instant and most effective in the first 8 hours but continues to be effective for 24-72 hours. Long lasting, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Are mosquito patches toxic?

These sticker patches are made with all natural ingredients, DEET free, and non-toxic. These citronella stickers are made with the most effective essential oils to fight mosquitos.

Is mosquito plant an indoor plant?

Mosquito plants make good outdoor and indoor plants. In colder climates, plants may be grown outdoors during the summer, but must be taken inside before the first frost. In warmer climates, plants can be grown outside year round and can reach three to four feet high and wide.

How poisonous is citronella?

Oil of citronella is a biopesticide (biochemical) with a non-toxic mode of action. It is registered as an insect repellent/feeding depressant and as an animal repellent.

Are dogs attracted to citronella?

While citronella naturally deters cats, it doesn’t seem to always have the same effect on dogs. Dogs don’t seem particularly attracted to it either, but it does smell lemony. So if you have a curious dog, be sure to keep these products out of reach.

What smells do dogs hate the most?

Top Smell That Our Dogs Hate

  • Chili Peppers.
  • Onions.
  • Ground Spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, mustard, and cayenne pepper)
  • Garlic.
  • Citrus Fruits (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits)
  • Vinegar.
  • Fresh Herbs (such as basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme)
  • Alcohol.

Why do dogs hate citronella?

Citronella candles are used to keep bugs away from you, but they will have the same effect on your dog. The reason your dog hates the smell of citronella is that the smell is so close to citrus. Wag explains that lemongrass is the primary ingredient in citronella candles.