An excerpt "The Use of Pepper Spray for Self-Defense" Vancouver Province
Pepper spray is not legal for use on humans in Canada, but you can use it on animals that threaten your safety. Constable Anne Drennan of the Vancouver, British Columbia Police Department advises Canadians to use it if their personal safety is at risk. Just the opposite is true in the United States, where its use on animals is considered inhumane but it is okay when the threat posed is human. Setting the legal controversies aside, the questions that arise are : Does pepper spray work? How is it used? What does it cost? And, most importantly, it is for me?
In Canada, ask for "dog repellant" and articulate your need for an animal deterrent. In the U.S. check locally for its legal use. As with any product, cost vary with manufacturer, size and quality. Sizes vary from those that fit your palm and cost about $15.00 in Canada and about $7.00 in the U.S. to bear repellant that comes in a humongous canister with holster for approximately $60.00 Canadian.
I suggest carrying a palm-size unit in your outer wear right pocket (if you are right handed). Larger ones can be stored in the door cargo panel of your vehicle, and a similar size can be kept by your front door (but out of the reach of children).
Pepper Spray is basically cayenne pepper, the ingredient that supplies fire to Cajun and other "hot" cuisines. The spray swells the eyes and mucus membranes making it difficult to see and breathe. Effects wear off in abut 30 minutes. The propellent must dry before the debilitating ingredient can take effect, so there are several seconds lost between contact and effects. Spraying on a rain-soaked face obviously would reduce the effectiveness.
The recovery time for 10 percent capsicum is longer than for the five percent, but the 10 percent does not work faster or inflict more severe deterrents. A recent run brought me face to face with a pit bull. Without missing a stride, I sprayed him directly in the face. He took an immediate right turn while shaking his head and was gone--so was I. Aggressive dog--goal-oriented for sure--but so was I. I have a mind set, and send out an aura that animals and humans can detect--"mess with me and you will be the loser."
Capsicum comes in either a stream spray or cone spray. The former is superior for closeness and maximum solution hitting the target. I met a fellow recently who stated that his daughter carried pepper spray but had no idea how to use it. Very foolish and dangerous.