Self-Defense Spray Showdown: Pepper Spray or Gel? Bear or Dog Spray?

Self-defense sprays cover a variety of personal and situation safety needs, so how do you select the one that is right for you? With numerous options available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. This guide breaks down the differences so you pick the spray that best fits your lifestyle and safety concerns. 

Pepper spray versus pepper gel

Pepper spray and pepper gel are both effective deterrents against threats and provide protection at a distance. SABRE products, specifically, contain the maximum allowed formulas in both gel and spray. Further, the primary ingredient in both is oleoresin capsicum (OC), a compound derived from hot peppers that causes intense burning sensations. 

Pepper spray is deployed as a thick mist, however, pepper gel is sprayed as a concentrated stream. This allows it to travel farther and creates less of a risk to bystanders. If you find yourself needing to use pepper spray indoors, pepper gel would be the smarter choice, but do note that when in confined areas, you are likely to be exposed to some of the effects of pepper spray.  

Read more about each: The Complete Guide to Pepper Spray: Safety, Use and Law & Pepper Gel Explained: A Safer, Smarter Way to Defend Yourself.

The use of pepper spray versus pepper gel comes down to personal preference and situational use - confined versus open spaces, in particular. 

While both are excellent choices for personal safety, neither is recommended for use against a bear or large cat, like a mountain lion. 

When to use bear spray?

A bear or mountain lion’s first instinct when seeing a human is to run away, but protecting its young, hunger, or prior human encounters can increase the likelihood of an attack. Bear spray is one tool to keep you safe in the event of an attacker and is recommended by leading outdoors organizations, including the National Park Service in the United States. 

Bear spray is a non-lethal, pepper-spray-based solution designed to deter bears, mountain lions, and large cats. The active ingredient, like that found in pepper spray and pepper gel, is oleoresin capsicum, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy. Bear spray is formulated with a higher dose and concentration to effectively deter larger, more aggressive animals like bears, mountain lions, and large cats. With a success rate of more than 90% when deployed properly, it deters aggressive bears and gives you the time needed to safely escape. (Read more: Bear Spray 101 – What It Is, How It Work, and Why You Need It)

You might wonder, “Can I use bear spray on a person? Or just use a lot of pepper spray on a bear?” SABRE does not recommend either.

Bear spray is illegal to use against a person and can result in penalties up to and including jail time in some jurisdictions. As to whether pepper spray is effective against a bear, mountain lions, or large cats, generally the answer is no. Pepper spray has a short spray range (10-12 versus 30-40 feet) and is 50% weaker than bear spray. (Read more about the difference: Pepper Spray vs. Bear Spray)

SABRE bear spray and dog spray are evaluated and rated safe for use by the United States EPA and Canada Health. 

Dog Spray is a Humane Alternative to Pepper and Bear Sprays

Dog spray is a safety-must if you encounter an aggressive dogs on a walk or while running or cycling outdoors. It is short-term, humane and convenient, making it ideal to deter and disable a dog attack – even if your pet is the offending animal. Remember: The effects last only long enough to get you to safety, so do not wait around following the spray. 

What makes dog spray different from bear spray and pepper spray? 

SABRE dog spray canisters can deliver up to a range of 12-feet to put more space between yourself and an aggressive dog. It contains 1% OC, the maximum allowed by the EPA. The short-term effects also mean any blowback on your own dog can be resolved quickly.

Like SABRE pepper spray and gel, its dog spray is available in many carrying methods: belt clip, key ring, adjustable hand strap for runners, and leash holster. 

Dog spray is intended for use against dogs. It should not be used against wildlife. Similarly, do not use bear or pepper spray against a dog. Dog-on-dog attacks are the most frequent, and often a dog running towards you might not be a danger, so be certain before firing. 

To recap,

• Pepper spray = best for everyday personal defense
• Pepper gel = best in controlled environments and for indoor/outdoor versatility 
• Bear spray = best for wilderness safety, specifically when camping or hiking in bear country 
• Dog spray = best against aggressive dogs

No one spray is right for every situation. Be informed, be prepared, and carry what gives you the best peace of mind for your situation.