Do Dryer Sheets Repel Fleas?

Researchers have been investigating this topic for some time. So far, the creatures that seem to be repelled by dryer sheets are- certain mites, food-infesting beetles, weevils, German cockroaches, and fungus gnats.

However, in our research, we did not find one study or test that claimed these dryer sheets repelled fleas. There may be a good reason why this is so. To find out more on this topic just continue to read our article. It has important information before you reach for that box of Bounce dryer sheets.

Can I Rub My Dog with a Dryer Sheet?

Some pet owners do rub dryer sheets on their pets. Not so much to kill or get rid of fleas but to get rid of any static electricity your pet may have contracted. However, this is not really a good move to make.

Many dryer sheet brands contain the following chemicals- benzyl acetate, camphor, or even chloroform which are ingredients that are harmful to both humans and pets. If you rub a dryer sheet onto your dog’s skin or they eat one when you are not looking, the health effects range from minor irritation to widespread systemic distress and pulmonary edema.

Also, if your dog does eat a dryer sheet, it can get stuck in their stomachs. This obstruction can cause further health issues including death. If you know your pet has eaten one do not induce vomiting but take your pet to their vet immediately for treatment.

The ASPCA has warned pet owners that rubbing a dryer sheet on their dogs can put them at risk if you rub them with a dryer sheet. The reason for this warning is that dogs and cats lick their fur. This means that those harmful ingredients will get to your dog’s stomach and cause the health risks we just mentioned.

In addition to that, unused dryer sheets contain more of those chemicals making them worse for your dog than a used one. But the ASPCA has stated you should not rub your pets with any type of dryer sheet.

Does Downy Fabric Softener Kill Fleas?

This product may be safe to use when you are washing your dog’s bedding, any clothing it may have, and other fabric items. A little Downy in the wash should get rid of the fleas from those products.

However, you should not directly use Downy fabric softener on dogs. The product may not contain formaldehyde, but it has ingredients that release that chemical in small amounts. That is not good for your pet.

The ingredients Downey contains are:

1. Diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride (DEEDMAC)- The main ingredient that softens clothes
2. Calcium chloride dihydrate- Is included to reduce the liquid’s thickness. It helps keep the softener nice and thin so it can permeate clothing and make it softer.
3. Acids- Formic and Hydrochloric acid are included to keep ph balances neutral and also balance the acid and alkaline components
4. Polydimethylsiloxane (Dimethicone)- Additional softening agent and other duties
5. Pentasodium pentetate- Stabilizes the softening chemicals
6. Preservatives- Keep the product from going bad
7. Artificial fragrance- Perfumes and dyes

As you can see the ingredients of this product make it unsafe to use directly on your pet. Downey dryer sheets are just as bad and should be kept away from pets.

Symptoms Of Dryer Sheet Poisoning

There are visible signs that tell you when your dog or cat is experiencing dryer sheet poisoning. When you see the following signs, you need to get your pet to their vet as soon as possible. Do not delay if you do not want your pet sick or worse.

1. Loss of appetite
2. Excessive salivation a
3. Burning of the mouth
4. Digestive tract ulcers (a severe possibility)

Cats are even worse as they lick their fur more than dogs do. The best way to get rid of fleas on your dog would be to use products made to kill or repel fleas. Combing with a flea comb is probably the safest method to use.

Some Final Words

It is tempting to reach for a dryer sheet when you see fleas on your pet. But you need to resist that temptation even though it is a convenient tool to use. Almost every brand of a dryer sheet is harmful to your pet.

Even the ‘safe’ ones can still be eaten and cause an obstruction that could kill your dog. Keep all dryer sheets up high and out of reach of your pets and close the trash or dryer when you have used one or thrown it away.

Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives.