PetSafe Spray Shield Animal Deterrent Spray

• Shake can for 1-2 seconds.
• Slide trigger right to activate.
• Aim spray nozzle at the animal's nose.
• Spray stream has a maximum reach of 10 feet. A full can will spray continuously for up to 12 seconds.
• To lock trigger, lift red tab and slide to the left until locked. *To be most effective, the spray stream should be aimed at or near the nose of an attacking animal. Try to avoid aiming for an animal’s eyes. Before using SprayShield on an animal, the user should test the spray to become familiar with the range of spray. Citronella is the active ingredient and presents a strong odor, effectively distracting an attacking dog. The propellant in the product is flammable, and if heated, the can may explode.

• Effectiveness: Independent sampling has shown that SprayShield is effective in controlling dogs exhibiting low to medium aggression. It should be noted, however, that while the product has matched the effectiveness of 10% pepper spray on dogs, it may not stop trained attack animals or animals with a strong motivation to attack.

• Proper use: The first defense is observation and awareness of the area. Potentially dangerous situations should be avoided. However, if faced with an attack situation, SprayShield can be sprayed at or near the nose of the animal to distract it and allow valuable seconds for retreat to a safe place. A second or continuous spray may be used for animals who persist.

• If the aggressive dog’s owner becomes hostile: Remain calm. The owner most often assumes that you have sprayed their pet with pepper spray. Explain that the solution in SprayShield is not pepper spray and does not cause pain to the animal. The spray contains a natural essence, citronella oil, which serves merely to distract the dog. Let the owner smell the scent and spray a small amount on your hand to demonstrate that it does not burn like pepper spray.

• If bitten by a dog: Immediately call Animal Control to report the bite so that the dog can be checked for proper rabies vaccination. If possible, keep the dog in visual contact until an officer arrives. This will help insure that the correct animal is identified. If unable to do this, attempt to have someone else do this for you. If the bite breaks the skin, seek medical attention immediately.

Can SprayShield be used as a training aid?

Yes. Some people use it to interrupt unwanted behavior in dogs. Once the unwanted behavior is interrupted, the dog’s attention can then be redirected.

Can SprayShield be used to defend against an attack by another human?

No. SprayShield interrupts a dog’s behavior and distracts the animal because of its strong spray stream and unique odor. It does not cause pain or injury and would not affect human behavior.

Can the spray be harmful to my pet or family?

No. The spray solution has been found to be extremely safe and poses no danger to animals or humans. The active ingredient is a natural essential oil that has been used in human, animal, and environmental applications for thousands of years. Although it can cause discomfort in certain individuals with allergies to citronella, it is considered safe for the vast majority of people and animals.

Can the spray harm the dog’s eyes?

This would be highly unlikely. The citronella solution is buffered to minimize any discomfort should it get into the eyes. However, as with any aerosol product, the spray should not be aimed directly into the eyes.

How many sprays are in a can?

A full can will spray up to a 10-foot stream continuously for up to 12 seconds. The actual number of sprays will be a direct result of how the user chooses to meter those sprays.

Is SprayShield as effective as pepper spray at stopping attacking dogs?

Yes. When sampled at the Canine Aggression Research Center, it was found to be as effective on moderately aggressive dogs as other personal defense products including 10% pepper spray solution.

What are the primary advantages of using SprayShield?

It will effectively deter low to moderately agitated dogs without increasing aggression. Other personal defense products such as pepper spray and mace have been proven to increase aggressive behavior in dogs. A second notable advantage over other spray deterrent products is the absence of harmful blow-back that can incapacitate the user and make the user even more vulnerable.

Who should use SprayShield?

SprayShield is designed to be used by kennel employees, animal control officers, utility workers, meter readers, delivery personnel, joggers, bicyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, or anyone who may potentially come in contact with a moderately aggressive dog.

Will SprayShield deter any attacking dog?

SprayShield has shown to be extremely effective in deterring low to medium level aggression. In many cases dogs that are strongly motivated to attack cannot be stopped without restraint. The best protection is to be aware of the presence of and avoid an encounter with a potentially dangerous dog.