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.
Although man's best friend tends to have a pretty incredible ability to sniff things out, dogs cannot smell though airtight, vacuum sealed containers.
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.
Use dog-repelling scents
Commercial dog-repellent sprays, which you can find online. Citrus trees, fruits, or juices. Rue plants. Citronella plants or oil.
Bleach is one such scent that can overpower a dog's sense of smell, causing them to lose it completely. This leaves them unable to process other scents around them. Even though they have lost their sense of smell, their primary sense, they still attempt to rely on it.
Synthetic material is usually superior to natural fabric, except leather. If you want pet-friendly, you want high polyesters and acrylics, and other stuff like nylon is a good option. They stand well against everyday wear and tear in life, and they work very well against dirt and stains.
While dogs seem immune to bad smells, there are plenty of scents that most dogs tend to hate. These smells, like citrus and vinegar, are known for being strong and overpowering. Pungent odors can overwhelm your dog's strong sense of smell, which leads to your dog avoiding areas where the smell is present.
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.
Vinegar. 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.
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.
Scents like citrus, pepper, ammonia, mothballs, cayenne, red pepper and vinegar help repel dogs and keep them at bay. Set up a scent deterrent near the area you don't want you dog to go near using a plastic cup or bowl filled with these ingredients.
One of the gentlest pet-safe essential oils, lavender oil could quickly become your dog's new BFF (and yours). It can not only quiet a nervous and agitated pooch, but also help them sleep better - and can even cheer up a depressed pet.
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.
Bitter apple sprays and spicy or hot sprays are commonly used deterrents. When you first introduce a bitter apple spray to your cat or dog, apply a small amount to a cotton ball or piece of tissue. Place this directly into your pet's mouth.
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.
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.
A dab of Vicks VapoRub will stop a dog returning to a spot — and stop it chewing rugs, chair legs and curtains.
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.
You can use either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV), both of which are edible and completely non-toxic. Your pup might not appreciate the smell, but don't worry—the strong vinegar scent fades once it dries.