# Picaridin and Dogs: What the Label Decides

> EPA says do not use any product on pets unless the label clearly states it is for animals. The picaridin records we quote list human skin. Ask your vet.

Source: https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-picaridin-safe-for-dogs

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. EPA's picaridin fact sheet lists the application site as the human body, and both picaridin product records quoted below list human skin. For your dog, EPA says to consult your veterinarian about flea and tick protection.

## What do EPA and NPIC say about putting picaridin 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." The wording is "any product", with no exception for a particular active ingredient.

NPIC's picaridin fact sheet describes what the ingredient does: it repels insects and makes them less likely to bite, it seems to block mosquitoes from sensing their prey, and it doesn't kill insects.

[EPA](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-070705_01-May-05.pdf)'s May 2005 fact sheet on picaridin lists the application site as the human body and the target pests as biting flies, mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks and fleas. NPIC's archived technical fact sheet says picaridin is registered for use on the human body and clothing.

So the label on the product in your hand decides this, more than the name of the active ingredient. [NPIC](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html)'s archived sheet says uses for individual picaridin products vary widely, and to always read and follow the label directions. For repellents and dogs more broadly, see [whether any mosquito repellent can go on a dog](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-put-mosquito-repellent-on-my-dog).

## Which application sites do picaridin labels list?

Human ones, in both product records we quote here. EPA's Pesticide Product and Label System record for Insect Guard 3023 Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 54287-23, shows picaridin at 20 percent and lists its sites as human face area, human neck area and human skin. EPA's record for Natrapel 8 hour, EPA Reg. No. 56575-15, lists human clothing, human face area, human skin and outdoors.

The [EPA](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00023-20220215.pdf) stamped label for 54287-23 says: "It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling." Its directions say to apply evenly to skin in a thin layer and not to exceed two applications per day; how long an application holds on a person is covered in [how long picaridin lasts](https://longsleeve.com/blog/how-long-does-picaridin-last).

EPA's picaridin fact sheet says why those label directions are written the way they are. It says that because of picaridin's unusual use pattern, direct application to human skin, the Agency believes it is prudent to require clear, common sense use directions and restrictions on picaridin product labels. The word EPA chose is human.

We found no EPA-registered picaridin product whose label lists dogs, cats or horses. That describes what we read, and what we read has limits: EPA's list of skin-applied repellent ingredients shows picaridin with about 40 products, and EPA says its repellent search tool includes only skin-applied repellent products registered by EPA.

## What did the dog testing on picaridin actually cover?

Skin toxicity, a different question from whether a repellent product may go on your dog. Two records describe dermal testing in dogs. NPIC's archived technical fact sheet says researchers placed technical grade picaridin at doses of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg on the backs of beagle dogs every weekday for one year, and the dogs demonstrated no adverse effects at any dose. EPA's May 2005 fact sheet records a dermal chronic toxicity study in dogs with a systemic NOAEL of 200 mg/kg/day and states, "No toxicity was observed."

Two cautions go with those records. NPIC stopped creating technical fact sheets as of 2011 and says the archived collection may contain out-of-date material, so treat its sheet accordingly. A study in beagles is not permission to use a product on a dog. We found no agency source that says it is.

In other species, NPIC's picaridin fact sheet says researchers applied large amounts to the skin of rats and rabbits for up to two years, and the parent animals' skin got thicker, became irritated and developed dark spots. In rats, NPIC reports, 60 percent of the picaridin applied to skin went through it; in humans, less than 6 percent was absorbed. Neither figure describes a dog.

[NPIC](https://npic.orst.edu/health/animhealth.html)'s general guidance on animals holds here: all pesticides have some level of toxicity, even the least-toxic products can cause health problems if an animal is exposed to enough of it, and some animals may be more sensitive than others to certain pesticides. For DEET, see [what the agencies say about DEET and dogs](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-use-deet-on-my-dog).

## What should go on the dog instead?

A product labeled for your dog, chosen with your veterinarian. [EPA](https://www.epa.gov/pets/controlling-fleas-and-ticks-your-pet) says to use flea and tick control products only on the animal species and size or weight specified by the product label. FDA says to make sure the product matches your pet's species, life stage and weight class. EPA states it directly: never apply dog products to cats, and vice versa, as some pesticides are more toxic to one species than another.

On cats and picaridin specifically, we found no agency statement in either direction, so this page does not characterize it.

[FDA](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safe-use-flea-and-tick-products-pets) describes the labeled options: flea and tick products range from pills and chews given by mouth to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders and spot-ons.

All three sources send you to the same person. FDA says it is strongly recommended that you involve your veterinarian when choosing a flea and tick product, especially if your pet has any health conditions. EPA says to consult your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks, and [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.

## What do the agencies say to do if your dog is exposed?

Call the National Pesticide Information Center, NPIC. [NPIC](https://npic.orst.edu/health/petpoison.html) says that if you know or suspect your animal was exposed to a pesticide, call NPIC to discuss the incident and learn about the potential risk to your pet. For an adverse reaction, EPA's flea and tick page says to contact your veterinarian and/or NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 right away, and to immediately bathe the pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water.

For emergencies, NPIC says to contact a veterinarian or one of its animal emergency resources, then NPIC once your pet has received medical attention. NPIC lists the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, and notes a consultation fee may apply to each.

FDA says to call your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms of illness after using a product, and to look for dizziness, wobbliness, incoordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea or excessive salivation. NPIC's perspective: used according to the label directions, pesticides used around the home or on pets should pose little risk, but even careful use can cause harm to a sensitive, ill or injured animal.

We found no agency statement about picaridin and a dog licking treated human skin, and no threshold or home protocol for it. In an emergency, NPIC says, contact a veterinarian.

## What about our own EPA registration?

Our registration is for Longsleeve Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 101457-1; EPA's product record lists picaridin at 20 percent. EPA lists the application site for picaridin as the human body, and says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. So it does not go on a dog.

## Common questions

**Can I spray picaridin on my dog?**

Not unless the label on that product clearly states it is for animals, which is EPA's guidance for any product. Both picaridin product records quoted on this page list human skin and human face area among their sites.

**Is picaridin toxic to cats?**

We found no agency statement that names cats and picaridin together, so we will not characterize it in either direction. On species in general, NPIC says dog products should never be used on cats and that certain pesticides are more toxic to one species compared to the other, and EPA says never to apply dog products to cats, and vice versa.

**How long after mosquito spray can I let my dog out?**

Until the pesticide is completely dry and the area has been well ventilated: that is NPIC 's guidance for keeping pets away from treated areas, and NPIC adds that the label may contain more specific instructions. This is about yard and area sprays, a different product from a skin repellent; NPIC also says to remove pets from the area before you begin applying pesticides. For granular lawn products, NPIC says pets may need to stay off for 24 hours or longer while the granules dissolve and the treated area dries.

**What are the side effects of picaridin?**

In people, NPIC says some have had skin irritation from products containing picaridin, although this is very uncommon, and that picaridin in the eyes may also cause irritation. NPIC 's insect repellents fact sheet says repellents are low or very low in toxicity when used on the skin. Both statements are about people, and neither describes a dog or a cat.

**Is icaridin the same as picaridin?**

Yes. NPIC's archived technical fact sheet says the World Health Organization refers to this chemical as icaridin, and the same sheet says picaridin is registered for use on the human body and clothing.

**Is picaridin the same as permethrin?**

No. NPIC says permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid family, used in cattle ear tags and flea collars, or in spot-on treatments for dogs, while NPIC says picaridin repels insects and doesn't kill them. NPIC also says cats are more sensitive to permethrin than dogs or people, because it takes their bodies a long time to break it down. Permethrin has its own page: what the agencies say about permethrin around pets .

## Related reading

- [Can I Put Mosquito Repellent on My Dog?](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-put-mosquito-repellent-on-my-dog)
- [Can I Use DEET on My Dog?](https://longsleeve.com/blog/can-i-use-deet-on-my-dog)
- [Permethrin Around Dogs and Cats: What the Labels Say](https://longsleeve.com/blog/is-permethrin-safe-around-pets)
- [How Long Does Picaridin Last? Skin, Clothes, and Shelf Life](https://longsleeve.com/blog/how-long-does-picaridin-last)

## Sources

1. EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients)
1. EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You. [https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you](https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you)
1. NPIC, Picaridin Fact Sheet. [https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html](https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html)
1. NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet. [https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html](https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html)
1. NPIC, Picaridin Technical Fact Sheet (archived), reviewed March 2009. [http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/Picaridintech.html)
1. EPA, New Pesticide Fact Sheet: Picaridin, May 2005 (PDF). [https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-070705_01-May-05.pdf](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-070705_01-May-05.pdf)
1. EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively, updated 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. EPA Pesticide Product and Label System, Insect Guard 3023 Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 54287-23. [https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:54287-23](https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:54287-23)
1. EPA stamped label, Insect Guard 3023 Insect Repellent Lotion, EPA Reg. No. 54287-23, accepted February 15, 2022 (PDF). [https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00023-20220215.pdf](https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/054287-00023-20220215.pdf)
1. EPA Pesticide Product and Label System, Natrapel 8 hour, EPA Reg. No. 56575-15. [https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:56575-15](https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:56575-15)
1. EPA Pesticide Product and Label System, label record for EPA Reg. No. 101457-1. [https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:101457-1](https://ordspub.epa.gov/ords/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:102:::NO::P102_REG_NUM:101457-1)
1. EPA, Controlling Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet, updated 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. FDA, Safe Use of Flea and Tick Products in Pets, current as of June 22, 2021. [https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safe-use-flea-and-tick-products-pets](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/safe-use-flea-and-tick-products-pets)
1. NPIC, Using Pesticides on Pets, updated September 13, 2024. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets2.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets2.html)
1. NPIC, Pesticide Use Around Pets, updated April 14, 2026. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/pets.html)
1. NPIC, Pesticide Poisoning in Pets, updated February 03, 2025. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/petpoison.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/petpoison.html)
1. NPIC, Pesticides and Animal Health, updated August 06, 2025. [https://npic.orst.edu/health/animhealth.html](https://npic.orst.edu/health/animhealth.html)
1. NPIC, Permethrin General Fact Sheet. [http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html](http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PermGen.html)

Last reviewed 2026-09-21 · every claim on this page is sourced above