Keeping your furry friends off the furniture can be a challenge, and the pet repellents in stores often are expensive and full of chemicals. Making your own dog-safe furniture repellent is easy and less expensive. You may have to try several odors before you find the one that works.
Pepper Spray
Step 1
Pour one tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper into a plastic spray bottle. Ground habanero pepper also may be used. Make sure to use a new spray bottle, since leftover residue from a previously used bottle may add chemicals or odors that will cause the spray to work less efficiently.
Step 2
Fill the bottle with water and shake well to mix.
Step 3
Test the spray on a part of the furniture that is out of view to ensure that no staining or discoloration occurs. If none does, spray lightly over the entire piece of furniture. Reapply as needed.
Essential Oil Spray
Step 1
Fill a new plastic spray bottle with water.
Step 2
Add five to six drops of essential oil to the water. Fragrances that work well to repel dogs include citrus, cinnamon, eucalyptus and sour apple. Shake bottle well to distribute the oil evenly.
Step 3
Find a hidden part of the furniture to test the spray on first, to be sure it will not stain. Spray all over the furniture and reapply as the smell wears off. If the spray does not seem to be working, add more of the essential oil to the mix and try again.
References
Tips
- Vinegar also is a dog repellent. Cotton balls soaked in white vinegar can be placed around areas you want the dog to avoid. As an added benefit, vinegar absorbs odors naturally.