Perhaps your dog is urinating in inappropriate places, or one of the neighborhood canines has taken a liking to your shrubs and landscaping. A dog urine repellent is one solution you can try to get the problem under control once and for all. These mixtures rely on a pup’s sensitivity to specific smells. However, they vary in how offensive they may perceive the scents.

One reason lies in the size of a dog’s olfactory epithelium. That’s the nasal tissue that contains the animal’s scent receptors. It can vary between 18–150 cm², depending on the breed. Hounds are well-known for their sense of smell and may react differently to specific scents than other breeds. However, if one solution doesn’t work, you have plenty of options to try to find the one that turns away the offending canine.

The Top 12 Homemade Dog Pee Repellents

1. Citronella Oil

Citronella oil does an excellent job of repelling, whether it’s mosquitoes or other insect pests. It also deters dogs. The reason is the intensity of its scent. Canines typically sniff out a spot before they mark it. A whiff of citronella can make them move away, especially for pups with sensitive noses. However, it can have a similar effect on people.

Therefore, we suggest using it outside to avoid offending anyone in the household. The good news is that it’s non-toxic to people and wildlife.

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2. Sour Apple Essential Oil Spray

You can mix sour apple essential oil in a diluted solution with a neutral oil or water. Just a few drops will do. It’s not an unpleasant smell for people, but it’s not as appealing to dogs. Dilution is imperative, and you must ensure the dog doesn’t lick the undiluted oil. We also recommend not spraying it directly on plants. Instead, you can apply it near them on the ground.

You can find apple essential oil online or at health food stores. It’s one of the more reasonably priced products of its type.

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3. Hot Chili Powder

If you have a bird feeder, you’re probably familiar with using hot chili powder to repel squirrels. It has the same effect on dogs. We suggest using it on inconspicuous spots because it can stain lighter-colored surfaces. You should also use it sparingly as it can irritate sensitive canine noses.

On the positive side, it will probably get the message across quickly and solve the problem with one application.

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4. Cinnamon-Citrus Spray

The cinnamon-citrus combination has two scents that many dogs might not like. Because of the possible irritation it can cause, it’s essential to dilute it before using it. Like other essential oils, this volatile mix can dissipate quickly, especially after precipitation.

While it can be effective, it’s also essential to use as few drops as necessary because citrus has the potential to be toxic to canines and other pets.

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5. Vinegar and Citrus Spray

This solution uses vinegar as the carrier agent to create a scent bomb that will deter most dogs. It combines two ingredients with strong smells, especially when using white distilled vinegar. However, you can also use apple cider vinegar to get similar results. The high acidity means that you can’t use it directly on plants.

Vinegar is volatile, too, and will dissipate quickly. Nevertheless, we suggest not spraying it downwind of any open windows.

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6. Lemongrass-Peppermint Solution

This combination is so pleasing that you won’t think it is a repellent. The peppermint oil is easy to find, and the lemongrass is a bit pricier but still readily available. As with all our recipes, it’s simply a matter of adding a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water or a neutral oil.

Nevertheless, there is a risk of stomach upset. We also suggest not using lemongrass if you have cats. Their self-grooming may increase the chances of a reaction if they ingest too much.

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7. Vinegar Solution

Using a simple 1:4 solution of vinegar and water cuts to the chase. White distilled varieties are the least expensive, and they will likely cause a dog to look elsewhere once they inhale the strong aroma. Nonetheless, you should avoid direct plant contact because of its acidity. You’ll also have to apply it frequently because of its volatility.

We suggest applying it in different spots for these same reasons, particularly on bricks or patio stones.

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8. Rubbing Alcohol Mixture

A diluted rubbing alcohol mixture works similarly to vinegar by creating an intense scent that will keep dogs from your yard. Like many of our solutions, it must not be sprayed directly on pets because of its potential toxicity if ingested. After all, the purpose of these repellents is to keep dogs away from your yard and not to encourage them to return to it.

Since it’s water-based, you’ll have to reapply it after any precipitation.

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9. Citrus Water Spray

You can use any kind of citrus essential oil, such as orange, lemon, or lime, and you only need a few drops. Many dogs and cats dislike the scent, making it an effective solution. However, it also depends on the sensitivity of the animal. Remember that citrus can cause stomach issues and skin irritation in pets.

The great thing about this solution is that you’ll likely find it pleasant and refreshing. Essential oils linger longer, too. Nonetheless, the reapplication advice still applies.

Another good option—if you’re willing to go for a commercial product—is an enzyme spray. These products are specifically designed to deal with dog and cat pee smells and stains. What pet owner doesn’t need that?

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10. Black Pepper Oil

Black pepper will likely cause the same reaction in a dog as it does for you if you get a good whiff of it. This one takes some prep. You’ll have to simmer a tablespoon of crushed black peppercorns in ½ cup of neutral oil for a few minutes and let it cool. Then, strain it. The solution is effective and will deter a curious pup. However, the oil can go rancid quickly unless you keep it in the fridge.

We suggest spraying it someplace inconspicuous where a dog can’t get near it. It can stain some surfaces.

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11. Chili-Black Pepper Oil

This solution combines two effective ingredients to ramp up the repellency factor. Both work well on their own and together. You can follow the instructions for the black pepper oil and add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Be careful not to let the oil boil. It will release irritating fumes that you certainly don’t want in your house.

The chili adds a staining element to the mix, so be careful where you spray it.

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12. Citrus Peels

You can use any kind of citrus peel. We suggest tying the peels in a cheesecloth and hanging them near any trouble spots. The effectiveness depends on the animal’s natural aversion to these scents. It must be out of the reach of any pets because of the toxicity of citrus fruits.

We recommend placing it somewhere away from your home since it can attract other pests, such as ants and rodents.

How to Correct the Behavior

Dogs will mark their territory as part of becoming sexually mature. If you’re not planning on neutering your pet, it’s a matter of diligent training to ensure your pup knows where they can and cannot urinate. We’re big fans of exercising our pets a lot to wear them down for sleep in the house.

Positive reinforcement is the best teacher, and giving a treat to your pup when they do what they’re supposed to do is a powerful motivator. Crate training is also an effective way for your pet to learn to keep their space clean. It draws on their instincts not to soil the place where they sleep.

If you want to keep your dog from your landscaping, a motion-sensor sprinkler will get the point across in no uncertain terms.

If you are curious about your pet’s behavior or are looking for training tips, your vet can help.

Conclusion

A dog urine repellent is one way to get control of an unpleasant situation before it becomes a problem. Fortunately, you have several options for making a DIY spray to correct it. However, even commercial products aren’t the best solution for a persistent or extensive issue. Prevention is the most intelligent way to deal with it. If you need a one-off repellent, you’ll find that any of these mixtures will help.

• Related read: Ultrasonic Dog Repellers & Deterrents

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Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock