SOURCES

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an insect repellent marketed for humans and pets to control mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. The various formulations include sprays, sticks, creams, lotions, and gels. Products range in DEET concentration from 5% to 100%, although those marketed for use on pets generally contain less than 10% DEET. Pet products may also contain a pyrethroid insecticide in conjunction with the DEET.

TOXIC DOSE

Dogs displayed tremors and hyperactivity following each dose when dosed orally with 0.1 to 0.3 mL/kg of 95% DEET isomers daily for 13 weeks.^1,2

TOXICOKINETICS

In dogs 7.9% to12.8% of DEET is absorbed from the skin.¹ Experimentally, 19% to 48% of a topical dose of DEET penetrated intact skin of guinea pigs within 6 hours.² Furthermore, topical DEET can accumulate and persist in skin and enhance the dermal absorption of certain chemicals.²

The repellent is metabolized in the liver and is excreted chiefly in the urine; there is a small amount of enterohepatic elimination.^1,3