Perhaps your dog is urinating in inappropriate places, or one of the neighborhood canines has taken a liking to relieve themselves on 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 can be sprayed or applied around the areas where you are experiencing high urine problems. Just be sure your pup can’t lick up these mixtures, as some can be toxic if ingested. Instead, allow them to dry or absorb before letting your dog near.

These repellents 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 centimeters2, 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 Importance of Proper Cleaning

If you are looking for a pee repellant, you’ve probably had to wipe up a few accidents. Cleaning the area entirely is a great way to ensure that your dog doesn’t have repeated incidents. While they are often not detectable to humans, dogs’ sensitive noses can easily pick up on the faint urine odors, leading them to pee in the same spots. Enzymatic cleaners are designed to effectively lift stains and break down the components of urine odor that are often left behind, making it nearly impossible for your dog to track down old smells.

Our Favorite Cleaner

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is our favorite all-purpose cleaner for pet messes. It permanently lifts the very worst stains and odors, making clean-up and accident prevention a breeze. Hepper offers a 100% guarantee, which is a great bonus! Learn more about it here.

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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 can also deter 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 as well.

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. Dogs, however, can get some respiratory irritation from inhaling high concentrations of citronella, so use a diluted product and spray sparingly.

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.

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.

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.

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 won’t want to use it directly on plants.

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

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 when ingested. 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. Black pepper can be irritating, so use it sparingly.

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. This mixture can also be irritating, so use it sparingly.

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 when ingested.

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 by peeing on things to let other dogs know they have already claimed them. Dogs may urinate on new areas that no other dog has visited or try to cover another dog’s scent with their own. While it’s a natural behavior, it can make for some stinky business. So, if you’re not a fan of smelling dog urine, try training your dog to decrease their marking tendencies.

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. Provide your dog with a space for them to go pee and reward them when they do. If they are trying to pee in other areas, direct their attention to the appropriate area and reward them when they use it. 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 (or neighborhood dogs) from your landscaping, a motion-sensor sprinkler will get the point across in no uncertain terms. A veterinarian can also give you some great tips on how to keep dogs away safely.

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Final Thoughts

A dog urine repellent is one way to get control of an unpleasant situation before it becomes a problem. Fortunately, you have several commercial options when it comes to repellents. However, sometimes commercial products aren’t the best solution for a persistent or extensive issue, so we provided you with some DIY options to try. While prevention is the best way to deal with it, if you need a one-off repellent, hopefully you’ll find that any of these mixtures will help.

Related read:

• Ultrasonic Dog Repellers & Deterrents

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock