Citronella & Pepper Sprays
With citronella spray, you can quickly and safely dispatch such dogs at minimal risk to yourself. Animal repellent sprays come in several different strengths and are fully animal-safe, the two most common of these sprays are citronella and pepper.
Available in both granules and sprays, Critter Ridder works as a dog repellent because it gives off a smell of black pepper, which canines find offensive. Havahart also offers Cat & Dog Granular Animal Repellent. One major selling point of this product is that it is supposed to be long-lasting (up to 60 days).
Vinegar – Vinegar is another strong-smelling scent that will act as a repellent to dogs. Again, use cotton balls soaked in vinegar in the area you wish to keep dogs out of. Do not pour vinegar straight onto the ground as this will kill plants.
DIY dog repellents include using ammonia, vinegar or citrus peels on your property, but these require special instruction. Ammonia and vinegar may kill your lawn and vegetation, so these may only be used on an outer perimeter, which may only prevent trespassing from one direction.
Many (but not all) dogs hate the smell of citrus, so using citrus smells like citronella, lemongrass, lemon, and even bergamot can repel some dogs from an area. You can use these smells in scented candles or sprays to see if it keeps your dog away from an area where you don't want them peeing.
5. Eucalyptus and Lavender. Eucalyptus and Lavender are great scents that can repel dogs. However, their essential oils are quite toxic to dogs.
At the top of the list? Citrus. Most dogs can't stand the taste and smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
A highly concentrated combination of vinegar and water – 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water – is effective enough to discourage dogs. Vinegar's sour taste can also prevent your pooch from chewing. Always use clear vinegar such as white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar that is mildly colored is also a good option.
To counteract dog smell, Bonk swears by baking soda. “Sprinkle baking soda onto fabrics that can't be washed, then let it set overnight,” she says. The following morning, wipe away excess baking soda with a wet cloth or paper towel. You can also vacuum it up depending on where it's sprinkled, like on carpet.
Something that is generally very effective is vinegar – dogs seem to hate the pungent, acrid smell of vinegar, and its application in a few strategic locations may do the job. Another popular – although sometimes controversial – option is cayenne pepper or strong chili powder.
Coffee Grounds. Coffee is yet another strong smell that can deter pets from your property and prevent your dog from digging in your garden. Despite its popularity as a dog repellent, however, not all dogs are repelled by the smell of ground coffee.
Not only will a vinegar and water solution eliminate urine odor if your dog has already peed on the rug, but it will also deter them from urinating on the same carpet again. The acidic smell of vinegar is known to repel dogs from peeing on area rugs as they do not like the smell of vinegar.
For dogs, citrus scents are the enemy. Citrus scents like lemon, lime, oranges, and grapefruit–especially in high concentrations often found in household cleaners or essential oils–can cause irritation to your pup's respiratory tract, so keep any fresh citrus fruits out of your dog's reach. You know–just in case.
Eucalyptus oil is used in aromatherapy to treat breathing problems (4). The smell of eucalyptus can be very overwhelming for dogs in both positive and negative ways. But all these benefits are for humans.
How do you make homemade dog repellent? In a clean spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and 20 drops of any citrus scented essential oil into one and a half cups of cold water. Mix well and spray in the places around your home that you want the dog to stay away from.
Vinegar can be a natural remedy for diminishing your pet's discomfort when it comes to muscle soreness, ear infections, itchiness, fleas, or other skin conditions, such as hot spots. Additionally, dogs usually tolerate vinegar well as a topical remedy for certain ailments.
Spray vinegar around the perimeter.
A roaming dog will take one sniff of your lawn and turn away, but you should keep reapplying the vinegar on a daily basis.