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  Discussion on Deet
Author Message

Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2000 - 11:23 am:

Could someone tell me which horse products contain deet and what is the chemical name is? Also can't we just apply human spray such as one recommended for children which has the lower amount of Deet in it? As my pony is allergic to these little minge creatures I thought using the childrens spray on the base of the tail, midline (under his stomach) and having him wear the face and neck net with a sheet would keep these things at bay. He has access to his stall 24 hr/7 days. The idea of using Vanilla is intreging but during the spring when these guys are able to be out all day in hords I just don't want to try experimenting and letting them get his allergies out of control.

any ideas?
Kim

Posted on Monday, Apr 17, 2000 - 12:56 pm:

Kim,

I've been known to use people bug juice products on the horse. And, I've used the horse's spray on me (biting flies will make you desparate)! I think people products will cost you more per ounce than the horse products. But, I think most of the bugs are nearly immune to the permethrin type products after years of use, LOL. I'm not fond of DEET for anyone - be sure to watch that it isn't inhaled or used near the eyes. I've not seen any particularly better performance of the people products than the horse ones - irrespective of who it is used on. I don't believe I've seen a horse product that is labeled as using DEET.

Now, know that when you use a product "off label" - i.e. not as it has been tested and labeled safe, you may cause a problem which is of your own making and not the responsibility of the product's company. That is a risk you are choosing to run.

I've been considering using BIO-Spot on my horse for the midge gnats. It is for dog use and is a topical that is supposed to work on ticks, mosquitos and fleas, up to a month. It seems to really work for my dog. So, I'm pondering using it on the horse's mane and tail ...

I've experimented with a lot of different approaches for the midges - what appears to work the best is to have the horse on alternate day therapy of prednisolone (prednisone is not recommended), as discussed in Dr. O's articles.

I've been looking for some other approach without luck as the prednisone is a "forbidden" substance for showing.

Cheers.

Posted on Monday, Apr 17, 2000 - 3:19 pm:

Hello All,
There was a horse approved DEET product out last year, though I cannot remember the name and I don't think it represented a savings over the concentrated human products bought in bulk (local SAM's or Home Depot).
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Apr 22, 2000 - 7:53 am:

Chris,

The childrens Cutter's product has aleo in it and smells nice. I am careful and only use it on his underside and at the top of his tail. I'm covering his head and neck with a fly mask. I did find on the days the mingeswere bad that I had to reapply the stuff often :( but we haven't had any itching yet where as last fall when it would warm up and even one little guy bit him the itching would start. I'm going to try a natural fly spray with tea tree oil. Also, I was told by a friend that winter green will repel them hummmmm maybe winter green oil from a health food store?

Kim

Posted on Friday, Jun 7, 2002 - 2:16 pm:

Has anyone tried Avon SSS Bug Guard? How about OFF Skintastic? The flies and mosquitos are so bad right now my mare is covered with bumps on her shoulders. The Replex doesn't seem to be working this year.

Let me know.
Aloha,
Leilani

Posted on Friday, Jun 7, 2002 - 2:17 pm:

Oops, that is the Repel X doesn't seem to be working;)
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