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How to Make Dog Repellent for Your Yard

Erin Ringwald

Neighborhood dogs who are allowed to wander free may find their way into your yard and cause destruction. Their urine contains high concentrations of ammonia and nitrogenous waste which can cause patches of dead grass, also known as lawn burn. Dogs can also dig up your flower garden and ruin your plants.

Make your own dog repellent to keep dogs off your property.

Tip

If you know the owners of the dog, discuss the problem with them. If the dog is a stray, consider contacting a local no-kill shelter or rescue to take the dog.

Make an inexpensive homemade dog repellents that can help keep your lawn canine free.

  1. Soak cotton balls in household ammonia. Place the cotton balls around your yard anywhere you want to discourage dogs. Ammonia is very pungent and dissuades dogs from visiting. The number of cotton balls you need depends on the size of the space you want to repel the dogs from. However, since ammonia can damage plants, do not pour the liquid onto the ground.

  2. Slice up citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes or oranges, into thin rounds. Place the rounds around areas you want to discourage canine visitors. Some dogs find the smell of citrus offensive and will move on.

  3. Sprinkle a small amount of ground cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your lawn and garden, or use a commercial dog repellent spray that contains capsaicin. Capsaicin is what makes a pepper spicy. Dogs find it irritating and will try to avoid it.

  4. Soak brown biodegradable coffee filters in white distilled vinegar for five minutes until they are thoroughly saturated. The amount of vinegar and number of coffee filters depends on how large an area you want to use them on. Place the coffee filters on a cookie sheet or piece of tarp and put them in the sun. Allow them to dry completely. Cut the filters into thin strips that are no more than a 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch long. Scatter the strips around the edge of your property and garden. Dogs dislike the smell of vinegar and will avoid it.