I asked this question about Avon's Skin So Soft. It keeps the bugs away on humans. I would prefer to use something like your talking about, or this Avon product, then a spray like OFF.
I called the vet and they told me to call Avon to see if it was safe for the dogs to keep the bugs off of them. I am going to take the bottle and show him the contents. I don't think the receptionist asked the vet, I would have received a better answer.
The bugs here were terrible last year, and I am expecting the same for this summer, with all the rain we have had. Its still raining, suppose to rain tomorrow they are saying, and Monday.
One more person to check with is a pharmacy, they are great with responses.