At the top of the list? Citrus. Most dogs can't stand the taste and smell of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Here's why — plus, how to use their dislike of citrus to your advantage.
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.
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.
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.
Citrus. The citrus smell is arguably the best dog repellent there is. You do not have to do a lot. Simply peel an orange or a lemon next to your dog and you will observe it leaving the spot immediately.
STOPS STOOL EATING – Cayenne pepper imparts an offensive taste to stop dogs from eating poop. BITTER TASTE – Glutamic acid makes stools taste very bitter to the dog when mixed with stomach acids. This combined with cayenne pepper act as natural stool eating deterrents.
Vinegar is another household item that dogs stay away from due to its strong smell. You can use vinegar straight from the bottle to sprinkle or spray.
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.
Since dogs have a very good sense of smell, the lavender oil should always be diluted, otherwise, it is too potent for any dog to enjoy. Although most dogs seem indifferent to the aromatic smell of lavender, some dogs appear to actually like it a lot even though it is quite rare.
You can use vinegar to keep dogs away from your lawn by spraying it around the perimeter of the area you want to be canine-free. Dogs don't like the strong smell of vinegar and thus will be deterred by it.
Dogs tend to avoid scents that make them uncomfortable. For example, most dogs hate the smell of ammonia-based cleaning solvents, vinegar, and chili peppers. If your house smells strongly of scents that are unpleasant to your dog, the dog may feel uneasy and act aggressively.
Eucalyptus essential oil is also toxic to dogs. Steer clear of using any in your home, whether in a diffuser or rubbed on your dog's skin. The oils may also cause contact dermatitis on the skin, and the diffused oils may cause adverse effects if your dog breathes it in or ends up ingesting it somehow.
The smell of Vicks is a strong smell coming from the use of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. All these chemicals and oils are toxic to dogs. Vicks is used for treating nasal congestion and other ailments in humans.
Does the smell of peppermint bother dogs? Yes. Peppermint oil has a strong scent for humans, and dogs have a stronger sense of smell than humans. So, the smell of peppermint can be very high for dogs and it might irritate them and bother them.
Dogs not only have millions more scent receptors than humans do, they are also polar opposites from us when it comes to choosing scents that attract rather than repel. Though we like aromas that are fresh, floral and fragrant, our dogs prefer the dirty, dead and disgusting, or the rank, rancid and revolting.
1. Citronella Oil. Dogs hate the smell of citronella, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray form to break aggressive behavior and persistent barking habits. In fact, just a whiff of citronella could very well keep your dog away from your garden.
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.
Citronella Dangers for Dogs
If a dog ingests citronella, stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological abnormalities may occur. Sprays and oils can cause skin irritation if they touch your pet's skin or paws for an extended period of time, and they may cause eye irritation if contact occurs.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant. Yes, certain things are unavoidable, like vet visits or grooming.
This Dont Pee Here Spray is a 100% pet friendly way of keeping your pets away from peeing in a certain area. Containing a natural, strong mustard smell this non staining spray can be used around the house to convince pets to go to the loo elsewhere.
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.