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How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent

Dogs are beloved canine companions that bring joy and companionship to our lives. Sometimes, they can bring a bit of chaos to our peaceful space.

If you ever have them digging up your prized flower beds or leaving unwelcome souvenirs on your lawn, homemade dog repellent becomes handy. They are a safe, natural, and cost-effective way to deter your four-legged friends from certain areas without harming them.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to make homemade dog repellent. With this easy DIY guide, you can make dog repellents to keep your dogs at bay.

Table of contents

What is a dog repellent?

A dog repellent is a substance that is used to deter dogs from entering a particular area. They can be commercial or homemade, and they can be applied in a variety of ways, including spraying, sprinkling, or hanging.

Commercial dog repellents typically contain chemicals that are unpleasant to dogs, such as citronella, capsaicin, or denatonium benzoate while homemade dog repellents are often made with natural ingredients, such as vinegar, citrus, or chili peppers.

If you have other pets or younger children, use a natural repellent to ensure safety.

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How to make homemade dog repellent


Homemade dog repellents are a safe and effective way to keep unwanted canine visitors at bay. They are typically made with natural ingredients that dogs find unpleasant, such as vinegar, citrus, chili peppers, and ammonia.

To make homemade dog repellent, try any of these methods:

Method 1: Vinegar and water

Vinegar and water dog repellent ingredients:

  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 5 parts water

Instructions:

  1. Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well and spray the desired area.
  3. Reapply as needed.

Method 2: Citrus peel spray

Citrus peel spray dog repellent ingredients:

  • Citrus peels (from oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits)
  • Water
  • Dish soap

Instructions:

  1. Soak the citrus peels in water for 24 hours.
  2. Strain the liquid and add a few drops of dish soap.
  3. Transfer to a spray bottle and use as needed.

Method 3: Cayenne pepper powder

Instructions:

  1. Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder lightly around the areas you want to keep dogs away from.
  2. Reapply after rainfall or watering.

Method 4: Essential oil blend

Essential oil blend dog repellent ingredients:

  • 20 drops of a dog-repelling essential oil (such as citronella or lemongrass)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of dish soap

Instructions:

  1. Mix the essential oil, water, and dish soap together in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well and use as needed.

Method 5: Coffee grounds

Instructions:

  1. Spread used coffee grounds around plants or flowerbeds to deter digging.
  2. The strong coffee smell acts as a natural repellent.

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What is the best homemade dog repellent?

The best homemade dog repellent will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Homemade dog repellent can be made from different natural ingredients. You should consider your other pets and children when choosing what method to use.

For instance, if your children are allergic to strong smells, using ammonia and chili peppers may be quite harsh. Essential oils and citrus peel spray appear to be the best for you. Other best homemade dog repellents include: rubbing Alcohol and dog poop.

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What smells will keep dogs away?


Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, approximately 100,000 to 100,000 times stronger than humans. This means that they are very sensitive to certain scents, which can be used as repellents to keep them away from certain areas or objects.

The strong citrusy smell of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits is generally unpleasant to dogs. You can use citrus peels, citrus-scented essential oils, or commercial citrus-based repellents to deter dogs.

Also, the capsaicin in hot peppers like chili peppers, cayenne pepper, and jalapeños is a powerful irritant that dogs will avoid. You can sprinkle cayenne pepper powder around areas you want to protect or use a commercial pepper-based repellent.

How to make homemade flea repellent for dogs

Homemade flea repellents are a safe and natural alternative to commercial flea treatments. While there are different methods to create these homemade flea repellents for dogs, these two methods are both efficient and more cost-effective.

Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar Spray:

To make Apple cider vinegar spray homemade flea repellent for dogs, you need 1 part apple cider vinegar and 2 parts water.

Instructions:

  1. Combine the apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well before each use.
  3. Spray your dog’s coat thoroughly, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  4. Reapply every 4-6 hours or after swimming or playing in water.

Method 2: Citrus-Infused Oil Spray:

To make citrus infused oil spray for homemade flea repellent for dogs, you should gather the following materials:

  • 1/2 cup lemon or orange zest
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  • 1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place the zest in a small saucepan and cover with water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  4. Strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
  5. Add witch hazel and lavender essential oil (if using).
  6. Shake well before each use.
  7. Spray your dog’s coat thoroughly, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  8. Reapply every 4-6 hours or after swimming or playing in water.

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How to make homemade dog urine repellent

Homemade dog urine repellents can be an effective and affordable way to deter dogs from urinating in your yard or home.

To make homemade dog urine repellent, use any of the following homemade ingredients: cayenne pepper, citrus oil, baking soda, lemon juice, pepper spray, and distilled white vinegar.

Follow the steps above to prepare a homemade aggressive dog repellent.

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Do onions repel dogs?

Yes, onions can repel dogs due to their strong odor. Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell, and the pungent smell of onions is unpleasant to them. As a result, they may avoid areas that have been treated with onions.

However, it is important to note that onions are toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests onions, it can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, onion poisoning can even be fatal.

To use onions to repel dogs:

  • Chop onions and soak them in water for 24 hours. Strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the liquid around areas you want to keep dogs away from.
  • Grate onions and sprinkle the gratings around plants or flowerbeds. The strong onion smell will act as a natural repellent.
  • Soak cotton balls in onion juice and place them around the perimeter of your yard. The onion smell will deter dogs from entering your yard.

What happens if a dog licks an onion?


If a dog licks or ingests onions, it can be harmful to their health. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs.

This is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed, which can lead to weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and even death. The amount of onion that is toxic to a dog depends on their size and weight.

A small amount of onion can be toxic to a small dog, while a larger dog may be able to tolerate a larger amount. Hence, when using onion as a dog repellent, you must use it sparingly.

Does bleach repel dogs?



Yes, bleach can repel dogs due to its strong odor. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can be harmful to both humans and animals, including dogs.

Although it repels dogs due to its strong odor, it is not a safe or effective way to keep dogs away from your property.

Inhaling bleach fumes can cause respiratory irritation and coughing, and contact with bleach can cause skin irritation and burns. Ingesting bleach can be fatal to dogs.

If you are concerned about dogs urinating on your property, there are safer and more effective ways to deter them.

You can try using a commercial dog repellent, such as one that contains citronella or lemongrass. You can also try sprinkling cayenne pepper or coffee grounds around the areas you want to protect.

What happens when you spray bleach on dog pee?

When you spray bleach on dog pee, a chemical reaction occurs that produces toxic fumes. These fumes can be harmful to both humans and pets, and they can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even skin burns.

Dog urine contains ammonia, and when ammonia comes into contact with bleach, it produces chloramine gas.

Chloramine gas is a powerful irritant that can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and it can even cause skin burns. If you have sprayed bleach on dog pee, it is important to open windows and doors to ventilate the area.

Are there homemade mosquito repellent for dogs?


Yes, there are several homemade mosquito repellents for dogs. You can make your own homemade bug spray using lemon eucalyptus essential oil, witch hazel, and other carrier oils.

You can also use essential oils like verbena, lavender, pine, catnip, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, lemon eucalyptus oil, and peppermint to repel bugs. Cinnamon oil and thyme oil are also homemade mosquito repellents for dogs.

Fennel oil and neem oil are also safe and effective homemade mosquito repellents for dogs. You can put a drop of neem oil on various places on your dog, such as on top of his head, behind his ears, on his shoulder blades, along his back and flanks, and at the base of his tail.

Are homemade dog repellents safe for pets?


The safety of homemade dog repellents depends on the specific ingredients used. Some natural ingredients, such as citrus peels, vinegar, and cayenne pepper, are generally safe for dogs when used in moderation.

However, other ingredients, such as essential oils, can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied to the skin undiluted. You should always test the repellent on a small area of your dog’s skin first to make sure that they do not have an allergic reaction.

Also, if your dog ingests repellent, rinse their mouth with water and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reapply homemade dog repellents?

Reapply after rainfall or watering, as the scent may diminish.

Can I use homemade dog repellents indoors?

Yes, you can use homemade repellents indoors on furniture, carpets, or other areas you want to protect.

Are there any commercial dog repellents that are safe for pets?

Yes, there are commercial dog repellents that are formulated with pet-safe ingredients. Look for repellents labeled as “safe for pets” or “non-toxic.”

 How long do homemade dog repellents last?

The longevity of homemade repellents depends on the ingredients and the conditions of exposure. Reapply regularly, especially after rainfall or watering, to maintain effectiveness.

Can I use essential oils directly on my dog as a repellent?

No, never apply essential oils directly to your dog’s skin. Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs when ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Conclusion

Homemade dog repellents can be a safe and effective way to keep dogs away from your yard or home.

There are a number of natural ingredients that can be used to make these repellents, such as vinegar, citrus peels, cayenne pepper, and essential oils.

However, it is important to use these ingredients carefully, as some of them can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied to the skin undiluted. This article compiles safe DIY methods to make homemade dog repellents.

References

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Nneoma is an experienced SEO content writer and the Editor-in-chief at Kiiky.com - your next stop after search. With over 5 years of experience in content writing, Nneoma has mastered the act of providing the right information to users across search engines answering their questions in simple terms. As an editor, she ensures articles are void of grammatical and vocabulary errors enhancing a beautiful reading experience for all. She is an empath who is committed to growth and excellence. Nneoma holds a B.A in English and Literature Studies from a presitigious university in Nigeria, where she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the literary unit. She is a great enthusiast of technological advancement; hence, she holds the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and is currently a student at CISCO Technology Company. Nneoma Gideon volunteers as the editor-in-chief of the biggest tech event in her city - SMFEST. She is a mother who loves writing, travelling, and reading.

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