Pepper Spray Effects on Dogs

The repellent pepper spray effects on dogs have made this product a helpful tool when dealing with aggressive stray dogs attacking you or your pet. However, the pepper spray shouldn’t be used as a training device to stop your dog from performing various undesirable actions.

Effects of Pepper Spray on Dogs

Pepper spray may repel dogs and will irritate the eyes and the skin. However, even if the spray is painful and will incapacitate the dog for several hours, in the long run, the spray will not cause any health damage to the sprayed dog. There are certain products that may also have a repelling effect from a considerable distance (e.g. 10 to 20 feet). The liquid will be effective in keeping away dogs that are highly aggressive or rabid. The amount of pepper in the spray is very low. After you use the spray, the dog will calm down and won’t be able to attack you.

Using Pepper Spray on Dogs

While the pepper spray is an effective means to keep rabid or stray dogs away when you feel threatened, this product shouldn’t be used as a daily training tool for your dog. Spraying your dog with pepper spray and incapacitating him for several hours is an extremely cruel way to treat your pet.  If your dog shows signs of aggression, you have to talk to a trainer and get specialized training for aggressive dogs. If the aggression is sudden, you may consider visiting the vet, as your dog may have a medical condition that causes a change in his behavior and makes him aggressive.

When used on rabid dogs, you should call Animal Control or a local shelter to let them know about the location of the dog and they can pick him up and isolate him, so that other pets and humans won’t be in danger.

If you have accidentally used the spray on your dog, you should apply some first aid measures. Firstly, calm your dog and apply cold water on the sprayed areas. If possible, place the dog under cold running water for 3 to 5 minutes. If the eye or skin irritation persists, check with your vet.

Safety and Legality of Pepper Spray

You can carry pepper spray with you at all times and this is legal nearly everywhere. Check if you can carry spray in your state. You can keep the spray in your purse or attach it to your belt, just make sure the spray is always handy. You may want to practice using the spray, but make sure you aim at cardboard boxes or other objects, keeping your family and pets away. Check the expiry date and change your pepper spray when needed.

You can purchase pepper spray that is EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved, which means it is more humane and will be less painful, but will have about the same effect on the sprayed dog.

 

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