Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by ellen
Dog owners are always looking for a good solution to dog chewing and digging. Check out this homemade dog repellent that really works. Dogs dislike these smells so they work well as a natural dog repellent.
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Homemade Dog Repellent
If you have a dog, or if you’re thinking about getting one, then you know that the most frustrating aspect of having them is trying to train them not to chew on your furniture or dig in your yard. It’s especially hard with new puppies because they don’t know any better yet.
There’s no need to worry though! I’ve found an easy way for people who love dogs but also want to protect their things – homemade dog repellent spray that works well! Keep in mind, this is not dog mace. It’s a homemade taste repellent for dogs.
All it takes is a few simple ingredients (you probably already have these at home!) and just 10 minutes of your time. You can even make this DIY dog deterrent spray as strong or weak as needed depending on the size of the area needing protection from your pup.
Check out these tips to keep a new puppy or dog out of your garden and from destroying your plants. You may also want to try Dog Not Here Spray if you want a puppy deterrent spray.
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How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent
Some natural homemade dog repellents can easily be DIYed by anyone. Always call your vet for advice if you use any chemicals on your animal. Some are 100% safe for dogs in this list.
You will simply mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle and spray on the area you want to keep your dog away from. NEVER spray this on your dog.
These ingredients will irritate a dog’s sensitive nose so they will avoid the area you use this in. It can help keep your neighbor’s pesky dogs out of your garden as well.
If you want to use this as a homemade dog repellent for grass or a dog repellent spray for pooping in your yard, you will need to reapply it every time it rains. You may want to plant a few plants dogs hate instead. Good choices are lavender and citronella.
What is the best homemade dog repellent?
There are many types of homemade dog repellents. This recipe is for citronella spray. It works as an anti chew spray for dogs that’s homemade. Just think of it as a dog couch repellent or a keep dogs off furniture spray.
If you need home remedies to keep dogs away, try this one first.
Ingredients for dog repellant spray:
-1-quart warm water
-20 drops citronella oil
-4 tsp. baking soda
How to make dog deterrent sprays:
You can use this as a dog repellent for flower beds but you will need to reapply it if it rains.
1. Combine the water, citronella oil, and baking soda in a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.
2. Spray the dog repellent spray outdoors in your yard where don’t want your dog to go.
3. Reapply as necessary.
Citronella is toxic to dogs, so do not use this in your home or in areas outside like a dog pen or dog house. You can use it to keep stray dogs out of your yard.
7 Natural Ways to Make Homemade Dog Repellent
Even with a loving breed, animals can cause damage to your lawn and garden. In addition to removing plant roots, destroying flowers, and digging holes, the damage to your lawn, in general, can be extensive.
When using this dog repellent sprays on furniture, carpet, or flooring, always test for safety in a small out-of-the-way area to be sure the color won’t be damaged.
White vinegar
White vinegar is very safe for pets but it’s a smell that they do not like. You will mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Then, spray vinegar in areas you want your dog to avoid. Just be aware that vinegar will kill plants in your garden if it is sprayed directly on them.
You can also combine vinegar and lime juice as a natural way to clean stains made by dog poop.
Does ammonia keep dogs away
Ammonia’s powerful scent repels dogs quite well. Mix 1 part ammonia with 3 parts water for a safe and effective dog repellent.
Spray this in problem areas outside your home. It works well as an outdoor dog repellent. Never spray a dog with this as it can damage their nose and throat.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper repels dogs because it is painful for them to touch. Use caution when using this mixture as cayenne pepper can cause skin irritation if it comes in direct contact with the eyes or mucous membranes.
Make a cayenne pepper solution by mixing together 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper. Remember, the more cayenne pepper you use, the less water you’ll need.
Cayenne naturally irritates a dog’s nose. Bell pepper does not have the same affect and dogs can eat these without a problem.
Garlic and Chili Pepper
Garlic and chili pepper are also effective at keeping dogs away. Be aware that this mixture may cause skin irritation if it comes in contact with the eyes or mucous membranes.
Mix together 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic, and 1 teaspoon of chili pepper. This can be an easy homemade dog repellent if you grow these in your garden each year.
Citrus smells
Citrus smells will repel dogs because they dislike the smell. Mix 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or orange peel.
You can also try sprinkling lemon peels or citrus peelings around your garden. This will keep many pesky animals away from your garden due to the strong scent.
This also works well as a lemon juice cat repellent for cats.
Is lemon bad for dogs?
Do dogs eat lemons? It is not bad for them. But, they do not like the smell. They will not typically eat lemons or enjoy citrus fruits.
Chili and black pepper
These two ingredients will also repel dogs effectively.
Mix together 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Remember to use less if you have a sensitive dog.
Peppermint oil
Are essential oils safe for dogs? Most are not. Do not use things like peppermint or tea tree oil. They can cause essential oil poisoning.
Never use an essential oil diffuser if you have a dog in your home. Diffusing essential oils is dangerous for pets.
Peppermint oil is one of the most potent ingredients when it comes to repelling dogs. However, it’s also very toxic to dogs and should never be used directly on them. Mix 1 tablespoon of Doterra peppermint oil with 1 cup of water for outdoor use.
Other essential oils such as citronella can also work well for this repellent mixture. If you make a mixed blend, put in 10 drops of one or more essential oils with 2 tablespoons of water. Shake well before each use.
If you want essential oils to stop your dog from chewing, be very careful using them as many are toxic.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another smell that will keep dogs away. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol to keep your pet out of unwanted areas.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to use it in spray form, you can simply soak cotton balls in rubbing alcohol and leave them in areas you want your dog to stay away from. This will deter dogs from visiting problem areas.
This is an easy homemade dog repellent but it will need to be reapplied after it rains.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also effective in keeping dogs away. Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Remember to shake well before each use.
If you have a pet that likes to dig, you can put these ingredients around the areas you don’t want them to dig. The smell will keep them from going near the area and, hopefully, they will not try to dig in the same area again.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds smell will keep dogs away from certain areas of your home. The same advice works for cats in this case.
Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds and spray the mixture around areas you don’t want your dog to visit.
You can also spread used coffee grounds around your garden plants. This works great if you want to use plant-safe homemade repellents.
Chopped onions
Chopped onions are effective at keeping many animals away from your yard. Mix 1 part onion juice with 2 parts water and spray the mixture on areas you don’t want your dog to visit.
Keep in mind that some dogs may just become accustomed to these smells or become too difficult to repel with any of these mixtures.
Remember, always test any new mixture in a small out of the way area to be sure that it will not damage your furniture, flooring, or other surfaces.
Top homemade dog repellent ideas
- Onions
- Coffee grounds
- Vinegar
- Ammonia
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Chili peppers
- Cayenne powder
- Apple cider vinegar
- Essential oils
- Citrus
- Garlic
Will cayenne pepper hurt dogs?
Will pepper hurt dogs? Yes. Do not use mace or pepper sprays for aggressive dogs unless you are under a dog attack These can be very damaging and they don’t always work on animals.
Can you use bear spray on dogs?
It is not intended to be used on dogs and is not a dog repellent. However, if you are being attacked by an aggressive dog, it works on the same principals.
Keep in mind that most essential oils are not safe to use around dogs. They should not be used in a dog deterrent spray. You don’t want to harm the dog, just encourage him not to visit your yard.
If you want a dog safe essential oil to use in your home, bergamot essential oil is generally considered safe and calming for dogs. Be sure to mix it with a carrier oil.
Related reading
- How to get your dog to stop digging
- Pet safe pest control
- Creating a pet friendly garden
- How to clean a cat tree
- Homemade cat treats with tuna
- Pet safe air freshener
- Homemade carpet deodorizer
- DIY dog wipes
- How to keep dogs out of the garden
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.