I hate bugs!!! As to the Permanone stuff, great stuff especially for ticks,chiggers but pretty toxic - read tjhe label. I would not feel comfortable spraying the stuff on a dog's fur. I have used the Thermacell unit in Canada this summer for fishing, really works!!! You have to be somewhat stationary, with relatively little wind and give it a chance to work (2-3 minutes). BUT IT DOES WORK! Looking forward to using it early season bow-hunting.