5 Smells Dogs Hate: Keeping Your Home Odor-Free

As a dog owner, you may have noticed that your pet wheezes and scratches when it comes across an odor it doesn’t like. But what smells can repel dogs and make them uncomfortable? Here are 8 smells dogs hate that you should be aware of to create a more pleasant environment for your furry friend.

1. Vinegar Vinegar tops the list of smells that dogs hate. Even the strong sour smell of vinegar is unpleasant for dogs. Dilute vinegar in water and use it as a spray to keep your dog away from your furniture or plants. Dogs don’t like the smell of apple cider vinegar either.
2. Citrus Scent Nearly every dog isn’t too keen on any kind of citrus smell. Using lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit scents is a safe way to keep your dog away from unauthorized parts of the house. Place an orange peel on the ground, or mix concentrated orange oil with water in a spray bottle, and your dog will be happy to stay away.
3. Fresh Herbs Many dogs aren’t really fans of the smell of fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, or mint. Place these plants in strategic places in your garden to keep your dog away. Alternatively, dip some leaves in boiling water and use them as a spray.
4. Alcohol Many dogs will stay away from the smell of rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and place it in areas where you don’t want your dog to go. Rubbing alcohol products come in different concentrations. Products with a higher concentration will have a stronger aroma. Remember to avoid spraying alcohol directly on your dog’s skin as it can cause possible irritation.
5. Spices Dogs definitely can’t stand the smell of chilies and spices. Pour dried chili powder or cayenne pepper onto surfaces that you want your dog to avoid. Alternatively, mix ground spices with water and use it as a spray.

To protect your dog’s health and keep your home odor-free, avoid smoking indoors or around your dog. And if you have guests who smoke, ask them to do so outside and away from your dog. You can also use air purifiers or open windows to help reduce smoke odors and improve indoor air quality.