Keeping the house free from dog and cat pee is a major part of hygiene. However, this is not always easy for people with dogs that manifest a housebreaking problem. Whether the challenge stems from lack of proper training, accidental incidents, old-age, behavioral or health issues, it is always important to find a solution that lasts.
Dog Training Tips and Tricks
Before thinking about an effective spray product, getting in the view of your dog’s behavior and seeking a more effective solution is fundamental. The first step is making the dog understand that peeing and defecating are businesses saved for outside.
As for dog owners that prefer the use pee pads or litter boxes for their puppies, the key is realizing that having a designated location for the business makes things a lot easier.
Since dogs are unlike humans, making them adapt to these solutions can prove to be an uphill task. Consequently, it is necessary to employ some tactical measures that have the potential to effect behavior change.
If you find that the dog has already peed in the house, scolding it is pointless because there is no way it will connect the punishment to the action. Instead, just clean out the area. Maybe you can frown or put up a sad face to make it realize that the experience is not amusing.
If you catch your dog in the act, use a command to make it realize that it needs to finish the business elsewhere. For example, tell it to go outside. Although this is not always effective, it might make the pet realize that it was peeing in the wrong place. Do not shout at it or make a fuss out of the whole situation. Such measures are mostly counterproductive.
As for dogs that prefer to hold and mess around when no one is looking, try to keep a close watch on them for some few weeks until they begin to adapt to a different way of doing things. Preferably, take your dog outside after every few hours so that it can pee. The period can be one hour, two hours or more depending on the age of your dog and your understanding of its lavatory habits.
Once the dog pees in the right place, emphasize positive behavior by rewarding it. Give it a snack and cuddle it. You can also rub it excitedly. After this happens repeatedly, it will realize that you are affirming behavior.
If your dog does not seem to get it even after taking it outside or for short walks on several occasions, try to keep it in the company of another dog that is already properly trained. Reward the trained dog after every pee so that your dog can learn and copy the behavior.
What Can I spray to keep my dog from Peeing in the House?
If you try these measures without success, then the next course of action is to spray a solution that will keep your dog from peeing in the house. Alternatively, you might decide to spray and implement the training techniques at the same time. Whatever the approach, the goal is achieve a positive outcome.
Dog deterrent sprays range from DIY natural solutions to commercial enzymatic cleaners that promise incredible results. Overall, a good spray should neutralize the smell so that the dog does not return to the same spot to pee again.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Although this might be a temporary solution, it works as a quick fix when you have nothing else in the house. Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that has the ability to clear the smell of dog pee. On the other hand, baking soda will clear the smell of vinegar and any other odor coming from nearby areas.
What you will need
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Clean rag
- Baking Soda
Instructions
Step 1: Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle in the ratio of 1:1.
Step 2: Shake well and spray generously on the affected areas.
Step 3: Scrub well and blot dry with a clean rag.
Step 4: Spread a layer of baking soda and leave it for at least 30 minutes before using a vacuum to clean up.
Vinegar and Lime/lemon Juice
Both lemon and lime have a distinct citrus aroma that you most likely find appealing. However, the experience is not the same for your canines. Besides irritating them, it clears the smell of their urine, making it difficult for them to identify old peeing spots.
What you will Need
- 1 Cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Step 1: Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well
Step 2: Add freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice and shake well
Step 3: Spray generously to the affected areas
Step 4: Let the solution absorb into the sprayed surfaces so that it can eliminate the pee odor
Vinegar and Essential Oils
The home uses for essential oils are vast and varied but clearing dog pee odor might turn out to be your favorite. You simply need to use one or more of the common citrus essential oils or eucalyptus essential oil.
What you will Need
- 1 Cup white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 20 drops citrus essential oil of choice
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Step 1: Combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well
Step 2: Add 20 drops of essential oil and shake well
Step 3: Spray generously to the affected areas
Step 4: Let the solution absorb into the sprayed surfaces so that it can eliminate the pee odor
Water and Pepper Powder
Chili pepper powder works as a great option for discouraging dogs from peeing on the same spot. You can as well use cayenne pepper in its place.
What you will Need
- 2 cup water
- 1 Teaspoon
- Spray bottle
Instructions
Step 1: Combine water and chili powder in a spray bottle and shake well
Step 3: Spray generously to the affected areas
Step 4: Let the solution absorb into the sprayed surfaces so that it can eliminate the pee odor
Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer
If you are unwilling to go the DIY route and instead would prefer a store bought product, we recommend Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer. The enzymatic urine odor eliminator has a solid reputation of over 30 years among dog and cat owners. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and sit back.
Frequently asked Questions
What scents deter dog from peeing?
Citrus scents are the most common dog peeing deterrents. Examples include lemon, orange, lime and grape fruit. You can use fresh oranges, limes and lemons to squeeze out the juice and mix it with water or vinegar to make a spray solution. Alternatively, you can use essential oils made from these fruits to make a spray solution that works.
Does spraying vinegar stop dogs from peeing?
Spraying vinegar or a solution of the same stops dogs from peeing on your carpet, upholstery and any other spot that you are determined to deter it from. However, a dog that has a behavioral or accidental peeing problem might identify another spot in the house for the same old business.
What is the best dog urine deterrent?
The best DIY dog urine deterrent is a solution of water and vinegar. You can later sprinkle the surface with baking soda after spraying the solution generously. Other useful solutions comprise of water, freshly squeezed citrus water, citrus based essential oils and vinegar. If you are looking for a store bought product, then Nature’s Miracle is most likely your best bet.
Does lemon juice stop Dogs from peeing?
Lemon juice stops dogs from peeing on carpet, bare floors and upholstery because they do not find the scent friendly. Further, the smell acts as an odor eliminator. It gets rid of dog pee smell thereby preventing your dogs from going back to the same spot to urinate.
What does vinegar do to pet urine?
Vinegar is a cheap and effective neutralizer for dog pee. However, you might need more than just vinegar for cat pee. The latter’s urine lingers for a long time and it can hard to eliminate.
What can I mop my floor with to stop my dog from peeing?
Mix water and vinegar in the ratio of 1:1 to form a solution to mop floors contaminated with dog urine. You can also add 20 drops of two or more citrus essential oils to the solution.
