Dogs can be quite fascinating creatures, particularly because they have their own rules and unique way of communicating.  But they can be very intimidating too, especially if they are strange dogs or if an unfamiliar person happens to walk into their territory.  This is where a problem could occur.  If a dog is trained or highly aggressive, there is a risk that it might attack and cause physical harm.  If you happen to live in an area where you could run into an aggressive animal, consider using a dog pepper spray.  With this self-defense products, there really is no such thing as an intimidating dog when you can intimidate them with the right dog pepper spray.

How the dog pepper spray works
Dogs, like humans, are sensitive to the substance found in most formulations of pepper sprays, which is Oleoresin Capsicum.  This substance is found in a variety of peppers and – as you may already have guessed by now – is extremely irritating, especially when sprayed onto the nose, mouth, throat or eyes.

Oleoresin Capsicum found in dog pepper sprays can lead to gagging, choking and in some cases, even temporary blindness.  If you have taken a spoonful of the hottest pepper sauce you could find and know how hot it could get in your mouth and throat, you probably have a good idea of what it could do if the stuff was sprayed in your eyes and nose.

The irritation you feel will be the same irritation that an intimidating dog would feel if you used the right dog pepper spray on it.  The only difference is that the effect is almost doubled or tripled because dogs generally have a more sensitive sense of smell.

As their instinct dictates, a dog will rely on his senses in order to move, react or if necessary, attack.  If his most important senses – that is, his sight, smell and taste – are disabled (albeit temporarily), he will be hesitant to fight.  It also wouldn’t help that the effects of the dog pepper spray are wrecking havoc in his muzzle area, causing him to gag, spit and cough uncontrollably.

As a result of his discomfort, a dog will cease his attack and basically leave you alone while he tends to his discomfort.  That’s enough opportunity for you to walk away or run in the opposite direction and avoid an unfortunate attack.

Is it safe?
People should not really worry that pepper spray could kill a dog.  The right pepper spray is formulated to cause only the discomfort associated with the use of the irritating substance.  Dog pepper sprays are formulated to be non-lethal, so there is no reason why an aggressive dog should be permanently harmed during an attack.  An intimidating dog can indeed be intimidated with the right dog pepper spray.

Dogs are wired to defend their territory.  They are also creatures of a different species from humans.  This probably explains why they might sometimes attack even if unprovoked.  If you live in an area where there are known vicious dogs, you might want to consider using a dog pepper spray to protect yourself.  In case you’re wondering how a dog pepper spray can overpower a dog, find out how this product works:

What is a pepper spray?
The ingredient behind every pepper spray in the market is Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly shortened to ‘OC’.  It is a substance that is found in certain varieties of peppers.  OC has the same characteristics as most peppers, in that it is hot, spicy and — if used on the skin and other sensitive areas — can cause a burning sensation.

Pepper sprays utilize this substance.  Every bottle or canister contains a specific amount or dosage of OC to ensure that it works against an aggressive dog.

How does it overpower a dog?
Dog pepper spray acts upon the mucus membranes of the dog.  When inhaled, the substance irritates the lining of the membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and throat.  The dog is not only taken by surprise but the irritation also causes it to stop in its tracks due to the burning sensation in its eyes, nose and mouth.  The dog pepper spray can also cause the dog to cough and gag.

This effect, while immediate, is only temporary.  The effect can last from about 3 to 5 minutes, although it could have a maximum effect of about 10 minutes, depending on the dosage of the dog pepper spray and on the dog itself.  That’s just about enough time for anyone to run away and avoid the dog or call for help.

Is it safe for the dogs?
Some people may think that using pepper spray against an animal is cruel but pepper spray containing Oleoresin Capsicum is really not life-threatening.  It’s food-grade, which means it’s derived from an organic substance.  The only issue is that it can be irritating when used at a higher dosage (such as those found in dog pepper sprays for overpowering vicious dogs) and sprayed directly on the face where the substance can get in direct contact with the mucus membranes.  It is considered as one of the most reasonable — and effective — tools to use in place of physical or lethal force.

Be aware, though, that there may be dog pepper sprays that contain other types of substances that may be harmful to the dog.  Always check the contents of the spray prior to purchase to make sure that what you’re buying is the right stuff.