# Can I Use DEET on My Dog? What EPA and NPIC Say

> EPA says not to use any product on pets unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Its 1998 DEET review listed cats and dogs; 2014 lists horses.

Source: https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-use-deet-on-my-dog

By [Andrew Rothaus](https://longsleeve.com/about), Founder · August 31, 2026 · Updated September 21, 2026

**Short answer:** EPA says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. NPIC says reports of pets exposed to DEET in amounts that would make them sick are rare, and lists vomiting, shaking, excitement, lack of coordination and seizures in overexposed pets. EPA's advice on fleas and ticks: consult your veterinarian.

## What does EPA say about using a human DEET repellent on a dog?

[EPA](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively)'s answer is one sentence in its guidance on using insect repellents: "Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals."

[NPIC](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html) describes DEET as an insect repellent used in products to prevent bites from insects such as fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies. EPA lists DEET among the active ingredients in EPA-registered skin-applied insect repellents, with more than 500 products.

The label is where the permission lives. [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet)'s DEET page says FIFRA requires that pesticides be used according to the approved label. EPA says an accepted pesticide product label represents the full content of its registration decision regarding that product, and EPA says the stamped-accepted label describes the legal requirements for sale and use of that pesticide in the United States. For skin-applied repellents, EPA says registration "indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label." The word EPA uses there is human.

Take one label. OFF! Insect Repellent Formula V, EPA Reg. No. 4822-167, lists DEET at 25 percent. Its directions say to hold the container 6 to 8 inches from skin or clothing and to "use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing." It states that it is a violation of federal law to use the product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

That label spells out skin and clothing. EPA's rule asks for one that clearly states it is for animals. Hold your own bottle to that test, and see our wider look at [mosquito repellent and dogs](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-put-mosquito-repellent-on-my-dog).

## Was DEET once registered for use on cats and dogs?

Yes. EPA's April 1998 Reregistration Eligibility Decision for DEET lists cats and dogs among the registered use sites. EPA's September 2014 interim registration review decision lists horses, plus human skin, hair and clothing.

EPA's R.E.D. FACTS sheet, dated April 1998, describes DEET as an insect repellent used in households, on the human body and clothing being worn, and "on cats, dogs, horses and pet living/sleeping quarters." The full decision's use sites include "Cats (adults/kittens)" and "Dogs/canines (adults/puppies)," and its types of treatment include animal bedding or litter treatment and animal treatment by spray. The same document estimated that about 4 percent of households that had cats or dogs used DEET on those pets.

The later record reads differently. [NPIC](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/DEETtech.html)'s DEET technical fact sheet, last reviewed in July 2008, says repellents containing DEET are used on a variety of sites, "including the human body, clothing, headgear, and horses." EPA's September 2014 interim decision describes DEET as currently registered for non-food and residential uses, with one registered product for use on horses. It lists the use sites as horses, by animal treatment, and human skin, hair, clothing, footwear, shoes and headgear. It says exposure in terrestrial habitats would be limited to human skin, clothing and shoes, plus the skin and hair of horses that received DEET applications. Cats and dogs appear in none of those lines.

No document we could find says when that changed, or why. So we will not give you a year or a reason.

## What has been reported in dogs exposed to DEET?

NPIC's word for the reports is rare. Its DEET technical fact sheet, last reviewed in 2008, says reports of DEET toxicosis in animals are rare, and that clinical signs in dogs and cats may include vomiting, tremors, excitation, ataxia and seizures. NPIC's general fact sheet, reviewed the same year, lists vomiting, shaking, excitement, lack of coordination and seizures in overexposed pets.

NPIC also describes a one-year study, and it was oral dosing, not repellent on a coat: researchers gave dogs DEET in gel capsules at 0, 30, 100 and 400 mg/kg/day, and at the highest dose noted decreased body weight, more drooling or salivation, and decreased cholesterol. A 1999 DEET paper in Toxicological Sciences reports effects in dogs that included increased incidences of emesis and ptyalism (vomiting and drooling), transient reductions in hemoglobin and hematocrit, and decreased cholesterol. It says one male dog in the high-dose group "exhibited ataxia, tremors, abnormal head movements, and/or convulsions on several occasions during the study," and it puts the highest no-observed-effect level for dogs at 100 mg/kg/day.

ASPCApro, the ASPCA's professional resource, says DEET can cause significant clinical signs in companion animals, and that the higher the concentration, the more risk to the pet. ASPCApro also says GI upset is very commonly seen with exposure to DEET, and that with a product of 80 percent DEET or more you may see ataxia, disorientation, tremors and seizures.

Rare is a rate. EPA's label rule still decides what goes on the dog. For people, we cover [the human evidence on DEET](https://longsleeve.com/blog/deet-safety-evidence) separately.

## What is actually labeled for use on the dog?

Products whose own labels name dogs, chosen with your veterinarian. [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease) says the worms behind heartworm disease are spread through the bite of a mosquito, and that the disease results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats and ferrets. FDA says it has been reported in dogs in all 50 states. FDA says many products are approved to prevent heartworms in dogs, and that all of them require a veterinarian's prescription.

For fleas and ticks, [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/pets/controlling-fleas-and-ticks-your-pet) says products for pets are available in many forms, and that you should use them only on the animal species and size or weight specified by the product label. EPA also says most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.

One label that names dogs: K9 Advantix II Medium Dog, EPA Reg. No. 11556-142, a topical product for monthly use only on dogs and puppies 7 weeks of age and older and weighing 11 to 20 lbs. Its label says it is for external use only, and tells you not to get it in your dog's eyes or allow your dog to ingest it. It is here only as an example of a label that names dogs. We take the same label-first look at [picaridin and dogs](https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-picaridin-safe-for-dogs) and at [permethrin around pets](https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-permethrin-safe-around-pets).

[NPIC](https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets2.html) says your veterinarian can help you compare and select the most appropriate products to control insects and ticks on your pets. EPA says to consult your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks.

## Who do you call if your dog licked DEET or got sprayed?

Your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435: those are the two contacts NPIC gives for emergencies. NPIC adds that if you are concerned that a pesticide made your pet sick, you can call NPIC at 800-858-7378 to discuss the incident.

EPA's page on flea and tick products for pets says to contact your veterinarian and/or the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 right away for information on whether additional measures are needed to help your pet recover. The ASPCA says its Poison Control service is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The ASPCA also says a consultation fee may apply.

If you suspect that you or your child is having an adverse reaction to a DEET product, EPA says to discontinue use, wash treated skin, and call your local poison control center or physician, and to take the repellent container with you if you go to a doctor.

We found no agency page with a home instruction for a dog that licked DEET or got sprayed with it, so we will not write one. Call your veterinarian, or the poison control line NPIC names, 1-888-426-4435.

## The people-and-pets split

Use human repellents on humans, as directed. Use pet products on pets, as directed. If you hike with a dog, that can mean Longsleeve on your exposed skin and a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick product on the dog. Same outing, different labels.

## Common questions

**Is DEET toxic to dogs?**

NPIC says reports of DEET toxicosis in animals are rare, and that clinical signs in dogs and cats may include vomiting, tremors, excitation, ataxia and seizures. NPIC also says all pesticides have some level of toxicity, and that even the least-toxic products can cause health problems if an animal is exposed to enough of it. NPIC adds that some animals may be more sensitive than others.

**Can I spray DEET on myself around my dog?**

NPIC 's general instruction for pesticides is to remove pets from the area before you begin applying them. ASPCApro says that if a pet is sprayed in the eyes you may see conjunctivitis, lethargy, uveitis and corneal ulceration, among other signs, and that inhalation exposures can cause airway inflammation and dyspnea (difficulty breathing). EPA says to read the label first and to keep all products out of the reach of pets and children.

**What if my dog licked DEET?**

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, the two contacts NPIC gives for emergencies. The ASPCA says a consultation fee may apply.

**Does the label on my bug spray say anything about dogs?**

One DEET label, OFF! Insect Repellent Formula V, EPA Reg. No. 4822-167, says to hold the container 6 to 8 inches from skin or clothing. EPA's test for any bottle: do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

**What can you spray on dogs to keep ticks off?**

EPA says flea and tick products for pets are available in many forms, and that you should use them only on the animal species and size or weight specified by the product label. EPA also says to consult your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks.

**What about cats?**

NPIC says dog products should never be used on cats, and that certain pesticides are more toxic to one species compared to the other. The EPA stamped label for K9 Advantix II Medium Dog, EPA Reg. No. 11556-142, prints it in capitals: DO NOT USE ON CATS or other animals.

## Related reading

- [Can I Put Mosquito Repellent on My Dog?](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-put-mosquito-repellent-on-my-dog)
- [Picaridin and Dogs: What the Label Decides](https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-picaridin-safe-for-dogs)
- [Permethrin Around Dogs and Cats: What the Labels Say](https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-permethrin-safe-around-pets)
- [DEET Safety: EPA Reviews, CDC Guidance, Kids, and Common Questions](https://longsleeve.com/blog/deet-safety-evidence)

## Sources

1. EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively, last updated on November 10, 2025. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively)
1. NPIC, DEET General Fact Sheet, Date Reviewed: July 2008. [http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html)
1. EPA, Controlling Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet, last updated on June 10, 2026. [https://www.epa.gov/pets/controlling-fleas-and-ticks-your-pet](https://www.epa.gov/pets/controlling-fleas-and-ticks-your-pet)
1. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated on January 23, 2026. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients)
1. EPA, DEET, last updated on May 27, 2026. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet)
1. EPA, Pesticide Product and Label System (PPLS) home page, new labels added September 19, 2026. [https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1](https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1)
1. EPA, Regulation of Skin-Applied Repellents, last updated on June 25, 2026. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/regulation-skin-applied-repellents](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/regulation-skin-applied-repellents)
1. EPA stamped label, OFF! INSECT REPELLENT FORMULA V, EPA Reg. No. 4822-167, notification accepted July 30, 2026. [https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00167-20260730.pdf](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/004822-00167-20260730.pdf)
1. EPA, Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED): DEET, case 0002, April 1998. [https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/pdf/0002red.pdf](https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/pdf/0002red.pdf)
1. EPA, DEET Interim Registration Review Decision, docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0162, September 2014. [http://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0162-0012](http://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2012-0162-0012)
1. EPA, R.E.D. FACTS: DEET, EPA-738-F-95-010, April 1998. [https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-080301_1-Apr-98.pdf](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-080301_1-Apr-98.pdf)
1. NPIC, DEET Technical Fact Sheet, Date Reviewed: July 2008. [http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/DEETtech.html](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/DEETtech.html)
1. Schoenig et al., Evaluation of the chronic toxicity and oncogenicity of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), Toxicological Sciences, January 1999. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10048158/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10048158/)
1. ASPCApro, Don't DEET That Dog! (article). [https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/dont-deet-dog](https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/dont-deet-dog)
1. FDA, Keep the Worms Out of Your Pet's Heart! The Facts about Heartworm Disease, content current as of 12/22/2022. [https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/keep-worms-out-your-pets-heart-facts-about-heartworm-disease)
1. EPA stamped label, K9 Advantix II Medium Dog, EPA Reg. No. 11556-142, notification dated February 14, 2022. [https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/011556-00142-20220214.pdf](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/011556-00142-20220214.pdf)
1. NPIC, Using Pesticides on Pets, last updated September 13, 2024. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets2.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets2.html)
1. ASPCA, Animal Poison Control. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control)
1. NPIC, Pesticides and Animal Health, last updated August 06, 2025. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/animhealth.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/animhealth.html)
1. NPIC, Pesticide Use Around Pets, last updated April 14, 2026. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets.html)
1. EPA, Read the Label First: Protect Your Pets, last updated on March 23, 2026. [https://www.epa.gov/pets/read-label-first-protect-your-pets](https://www.epa.gov/pets/read-label-first-protect-your-pets)

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