Essential oils can be an effective way to keep your dog away from certain areas without harming them. Their strong scents are often unappealing to canines’ sensitive noses. But you must take care to use dog-safe oils correctly. Read on to learn why dogs hate certain smells and how to use essential oils as humane dog repellents.
Why Do Some Scents Repel Dogs?
Dogs have incredibly powerful senses of smell that are much more sensitive than ours. Their noses have up to 300 million scent receptors, while humans only have about 6 million. This means dogs experience scents on a totally different level.
Many essential oils give off strong citrus, floral, herbal or peppery smells that dogs find unpleasant or overwhelming. The potent fragrance triggers their instinct to avoid those areas.
Dogs also associate scents with past experiences and form “smell memories.” If they’ve had negative encounters with certain smells, they’ll remember to avoid those scents in the future. Their strong sense of smell allows dogs to detect repellent oils from far away. Just a whiff of the pungent fragrance is enough to make most dogs steer clear.
How Can Essential Oils Safely Repel Dogs?
You can use essential oils as a humane way to keep dogs away from certain spots. The key is using dog-safe oils correctly:
- Dilute oils in water – Essential oils should always be diluted before use around dogs. Add a few drops of the repellent oil into water in a spray bottle.
- Use dog-safe oils – Stick to gentle oils like citronella, orange, lemon and others that won’t harm dogs. Avoid oils like tea tree which can irritate.
- Don’t let dogs ingest oils – Never apply oils directly onto your dog. Keep concentrated oils out of their reach to prevent ingestion. Ingesting oils can be toxic.
- Spot test for sensitivity – Try diluted oils on a small area first to check for skin irritation before widespread use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Use oils sparingly – A little goes a long way for dogs. Use the minimum amount of diluted oil needed to repel them from problem areas.
7 Essential Oils That Deter Dogs
Here are some of the best essential oils for repelling dogs safely:
1. Citronella
The smell of citronella is offensive to many dogs. It’s commonly used in commercial dog repellent products. Dilute a few drops of citronella oil in water and apply around furniture or houseplants dogs are nibbling.
2. Orange & Lemon
Most dogs strongly dislike the zesty scent of citrus fruits. Diluted lemon or orange essential oils can help deter dogs from trash cans, countertops or other off-limit areas.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a strong medicinal aroma that will send most dogs running the other way. Use it diluted in areas where your dog tends to urinate inside. The smell helps deter repeat accidents.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint oil gives off a sharp minty smell disliked by dogs. Spritz diluted peppermint oil around furniture, doors or outdoor areas dogs try to access. The smell drives them away.
5. Lavender
Though humans find it calming, most dogs hate the perfume-like odor of lavender. Dilute it well and apply to deter dogs from furniture, carpets or bedding.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
While not an essential oil, apple cider vinegar is another dog-safe scent deterrent. The tart smell helps prevent accidents and deters chewing when dabbed on furniture or mopped onto floors.
7. Rosemary, Parsley & Herbs
The scent of fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, dill, basil and oregano can repel dogs too. Rub or sprinkle them around areas dogs are trying to access, like houseplants, garbage cans or gardens.
Top 5 Uses for Dog-Repelling Oils
There are lots of useful applications for essential oil dog repellents around your home and yard:
- Keep dogs off furniture they try to lay on by spritzing diluted citrus or herb oils onto upholstery.
- Stop dogs from raiding trash by dabbing citronella oil around cans’ lids and sides.
- Deter digging in flower beds and gardens by placing orange peels around them. The citrus scent stops doggy digging.
- Prevent accidents and submissive peeing indoors by using diluted eucalyptus or lavender oil around problem spots.
- Keep dogs from chewing household items like table legs, doors or baseboards by applying diluted lemon or apple cider vinegar oil to them.
How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent Sprays
You can easily whip up some homemade dog repellent sprays with essential oils and common household ingredients:
Basic Repellent Spray
- In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, and 5-10 drops of citronella, lemon or orange essential oils. Shake well before each use and spray around off-limit areas. Reapply every few days.
Herbal Repellent Spray
- Add 1 tablespoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, basil and crushed parsley to 2 cups boiling water. Let cool completely, then strain the herbs out. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and add 5 drops lemon essential oil. Shake before use and spray around unwanted digging or chewing spots in your yard.
Furniture Repellent Spray
- In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 3-5 drops lavender or lemon oil. Lightly spritz the solution onto upholstery, carpets and wooden furniture to keep dogs off.
Using Oils to Deter Dogs Outside
Essential oil repellents work well outdoors too. Here are some tips:
- Spray diluted lemon or citronella oil around the perimeter of yards or gardens to keep dogs from entering. Reapply after rain.
- Place cotton balls with several drops of peppermint oil around outdoor trash cans. Toss and replace them weekly.
- Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme or crushed citrus peels around flower beds, trees or lawn edges you want to protect from dog urine.
- Use essential oils cautiously in outdoor spaces dogs share with other pets to avoid repelling non-target animals.
How to Use Oils Safely Around Dogs
While using essential oils as dog repellents can be very helpful, you must be careful. Follow these precautions when using oils around dogs:
- Always dilute oils properly in water before applying them in areas dogs can access. Using undiluted oils risks skin irritation.
- Keep concentrated oils out of dogs’ reach. Ingesting oils could be toxic. Securely cap bottles and store up high.
- Limit diffusion of repellent oils in enclosed spaces like rooms. Opt for targeted application via sprays instead.
- Spot test diluted oils on your dog’s fur before widespread use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Avoid getting oils into dogs’ eyes, nose or mouth. Use cotton balls as barriers when applying oils near the face.
- Don’t rely solely on repellent oils for training. Use positive reinforcement too.
- Monitor your dog’s reaction closely. Discontinue oil use if signs of respiratory distress or nervous system issues appear.
The Takeaway
Using essential oils is a smell-based way to safely deter dogs without harming them. With proper dilution and application, citrus, herbal and peppery scented oils can help keep dogs away from problem areas around your home and yard. This odor-based method avoids risky chemical dog repellents while still protecting your belongings. Just remember to educate yourself on dog-safe oils and proper usage. With some smart planning, essential oil dog repellents can make life easier for both you and your pup!
Essential Oil Safety Resources
- ASPCA’s Guide to Essential Oils and Dogs – Covers safe vs. unsafe oils for dogs and proper dilution.
- Pet Poison Helpline on Essential Oils – Provides safety tips for using oils around dogs.
- AKC on Essential Oil Toxicity – Discusses potential risks and how to use oils safely.
DIY Dog Repellent Recipes
- Humane DIY Dog Repellents – Instructions for making sprays, balms and more with essential oils.
- Citrus Dog Repellent Sprays – Recipes using orange, lemon and grapefruit oils.
- Herbal Dog Repellent Ideas – Covers repellent uses for rosemary, thyme, lavender and more.
Oils to Repel Dogs
- Citronella Oil – How to use citronella oil and products safely around dogs.
- Lemon Oil – Tips for using lemon oil and juice as a dog repellent.
- Peppermint Oil – Using peppermint oil as a smell-based dog repellent.
