What Can I Spray to Keep My Dog from Peeing in the House?

Every dog owner fears the day their dog decides to pee inside the house.

To that end, homemade and commercial deterrent sprays have proven effective at keeping dogs from peeing where they should not.

These Urine stoppers are typically non-toxic and use natural ingredients. At the same time, DIY options with citrus, vinegar, essential oils, or even coffee grounds also work well to deter dogs from peeing inside.

That said, sprays alone are often not enough. They tend to work best when paired with the proper training, which we will also discuss below.

Keep reading for a complete guide to these sprays and strategies to keep dogs from peeing inside the house.

Common Reasons Why Dogs Pee Indoors

Common reasons why dogs pee indoors include territorial marking, anxiety, medical conditions, improper training, or old age. 

It is important to understand these reasons before you try to stop them with homemade or commercial sprays.

• Territorial Marking. Dogs, especially unneutered males, may pee to claim their territory when they sense an intruder or another dog. This behaviour can happen indoors if they feel their space is threatened.
• Anxiety or Stress. Stressful situations—like loud noises, new pets, or moving to a new home—can trigger anxiety-driven urination.
• Medical Conditions. Bladder stones, urinary tract infections, diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances are common culprits of involuntary peeing. These conditions can affect a dog's ability to control its bladder indoors or may lead to increased thirst and peeing that can leave you reaching for a mop.
• Improper Training. Dogs that have not been properly house-trained or are still young may not fully understand where it is appropriate to eliminate waste. 
• Ageing. Older dogs may suffer from incontinence or cognitive decline, which makes it harder for them to control when and where they urinate.

NOTE: Each reason for peeing indoors requires a different solution, though sprays can help clean up the mess regardless. To learn the root cause of their peeing, it is best to consult a dog doctor for advice.

6 Smells That Deter Dogs from Peeing Indoors

Certain smells, such as citrus, vinegar, essential oils, coffee, strong cleaning agents, and commercial pee sprays, can help deter dogs from urinating indoors.

Dogs have a super sensitive sense of smell, and the best sprays utilising these scents can make areas of your home unappealing for them to mark or use as bathrooms.

1. Citrus

Citrus scents—like those from oranges, lemons, or limes—are highly effective at keeping dogs away from specific areas. 

This is because dogs find the sharp, zesty smell unpleasant, which makes it an excellent natural deterrent. 

Simply place citrus peels or use citrus-scented sprays in problem areas to discourage your dog from marking or relieving themselves indoors.

This method is not only easy to do and safe but also has the added benefit of helping maintain a fresh-smelling home.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar has a strong, pungent smell that most dogs dislike. This makes it a great way to deter them from peeing indoors. 

To make a simple deterrent, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then apply it to carpets, floors, furniture, or spots where accidents have occurred. 

This not only discourages your dog from peeing there again but also helps neutralise lingering odours. 

Plus, it is an easy, safe solution you can find right in your kitchen.

3. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, like citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint, can be added to DIY deterrent sprays.

You can either mix a few drops of these oils with water in a spray bottle or use a diffuser to spread them across problem areas. 

This will not only keep your dog away from problem areas but also leave your home smelling fresh. 

That said, be sure to use pet-safe, diluted oils to avoid irritation.

4. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can effectively deter some dogs due to their strong, bitter smell. 

Many dogs find this scent unpleasant, which can keep them away from areas you want to protect, like your garden or furniture. 

You can spray rags with a coffee solution and place them in areas where your dog tends to pee. 

This will spread the scent without risking your dog eating the coffee grounds.

5. Commercial Pee Sprays

Urine Stopper is a convenient way to stop dogs from peeing in unwanted places. 

These sprays often use natural ingredients, like enzymes, to break down existing smells that cause dogs to return to the same spot. 

They are great for training puppies and preventing older dogs from marking indoors. Most of them are also safe for use on furniture, plants, and even outdoor areas. 

For an easy solution, look for sprays made with non-toxic, natural ingredients for the best results.

6. Strong Cleaning Agents

Dogs like to go back to places where they have peed before because they can still smell it. 

This is why it is important to clean up accidents well, as this not only removes the attraction for your dog but also keeps your home fresh and hygienic. 

Strong cleaning agents, especially those containing enzymatic cleaners, can even help break down the smell and stop your dog from peeing there again.

Just make sure the products are safe for pets, as some chemicals can irritate them.

How to Make a Homemade Dog Pee Deterrent Spray

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a homemade dog pee deterrent spray using the common scents we discussed.

1. Gather your ingredients. Choose your preferred scent from the list of effective deterrents (e.g., vinegar, citrus, essential oils). You will also need a spray bottle and water.
2. Mix the solution. In the spray bottle, combine your chosen scent with water. The ratio will depend on the specific scent and your desired strength. A general guideline is to start with a few drops of essential oil or a tablespoon of vinegar per cup of water.
3. Shake well. Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed by shaking the spray bottle vigorously.
4. Test on a small area. Before spraying the solution on a larger area, test it on an inconspicuous spot to check for any staining or damage.
5. Apply to affected areas. Spray the deterrent solution onto carpets, floors, or any other surfaces where your dog has had accidents.
6. Allow to dry. Let the solution dry completely before allowing your dog back into the area.

NOTE: If you are unsure about the safety of a particular ingredient, consult with your veterinarian.

Additional Strategies to Stop Dogs from Peeing Indoors

While sprays can be effective, they are often most successful when combined with other strategies. Below are some additional approaches to stop your dog from peeing indoors.

1. Consistent Training

Proper house training is critical. If your dog is peeing inside, it might be because they forgot how to use the bathroom outside. Teach them again where to pee and praise them when they do it right.

2. Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog with treats or praise when they pee outside. This positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the behaviour.

3. Crate Training

If your dog tends to pee when you are not around, crate training can help. Dogs usually do not pee where they sleep.

4. Managing Anxiety

If your dog is scared or stressed, they might pee inside. Try to figure out what makes them feel this way and fix it. You can also talk to a vet or a dog trainer for help.

5. Health Check-Ups

If your dog suddenly starts peeing a lot or has accidents often, it could be a sign of a health problem. Take them to the vet to check if everything is okay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here, we address some common queries related to using sprays to prevent indoor peeing.

Can Essential Oils Be Used to Stop a Dog From Peeing Indoors?

Yes, certain essential oils can be used to stop a dog from peeing indoors. Citronella oil, frankincense, and eucalyptus are some options. However, it is important to choose pet-safe oils and use them in moderation. 

Will Pee Repellents Harm My Dog if They Lick Them?

While most commercial and homemade pee repellents are generally safe, some may contain ingredients that may harm your dog if they lick them. 

This is why you must choose non-toxic, all-natural sprays that are also safe for use on furniture, plants, and other household items.

Does a Dog Pee Deterrent Spray Also Remove Odours?

Yes, ingredients like vinegar and baking soda in homemade sprays can help rid the smell of dog pee, especially on carpets. For commercial options, choose sprays with both deterrent and odour-removing properties.

Key Takeaways on What Can I Spray to Keep My Dog from Peeing in the House

Both commercial and DIY sprays can help stop your dog from peeing indoors, though they work best when combined with training and behaviour adjustments.

Here is a quick recap of what you should remember.

• DIY sprays often use citrus, vinegar, essential oils, or coffee grounds as effective deterrents.
• Commercial pee sprays should be made of non-toxic, natural ingredients.
• Potent cleaning agents can break down smells and stop dogs from peeing in the same area.
• Combine sprays with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
• Consult a dog doctor to rule out any medical conditions.

With these strategies and a bit of patience, you can guide your dog to better bathroom habits and a happier home.