Does Ammonia Keep Dogs Away?

Ammonia is an effective way to keep dogs away, but it should be avoided as it can also be harmful to pets. Dogs’ sensitive noses are irritated by ammonia, which is why it’s an effective repellent—but it’s not just irritating. If consumed, it can cause damage to the throat and stomach.

Safer alternatives for a dog repellent 

Would you like to keep your dog away from your garden, stop them from going to the bathroom near your car, or keep them off the new sofa? Avoid potentially harmful ammonia in favor of safer alternatives including:

Vinegar

A simple spray made from a fifty-fifty mixture of vinegar and water is often effective in keeping dogs from digging or frequenting certain areas of the yard.

Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are another effective deterrent for use outdoors. For the best results, pulse the peels in a food processor or slice them in order to release the oils. 

What if nothing seems to work?

Some dogs are more persistent than others when it comes to getting what they want. If none of the repellents you try are doing the trick, you may have to install a gated fence around your garden or install a dog run in the section of the yard you want your dog to play in. Also, your dog may respond to additional training to teach them to respond to commands like “No!” and “Leave it!”

Whether your dog is a puppy just starting to figure things out or you’re dealing with an old dog who doesn’t want to give up their old tricks, with some patience and trial and error, you’ll find an effective way to keep your dog away from forbidden areas.