Being a dog owner, you have probably noticed that your dog sometimes doesn’t like certain smells, and is trying to avoid some things, places in your house, etc. You have probably wondered if smells that dogs hate even exist.
We all know that our sense of smell and a dog’s sense of smell are very different.
A dog’s nose possesses more smell receptors, and their olfactory sense is 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than ours. So, it is not strange that our preferences differentiate concerning fragrances.
While you may adore your perfumes, it is highly possible that some of them are repellent smells to dogs.
Those smells dogs hate are most likely the things you have in your house and kitchen cabinet. So, let’s not waste time – keep reading to find out what smells repel dogs and cause them great discomfort.
1. Cleaning Products
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First on the list of smells that dogs hate are cleaning products. To be honest, we may understand why dogs don’t like household cleaners – I mean, not that we like them due to their unpleasant strong scent.
Household cleaners are full of ammonia and chlorine, besides the awful smell, which can be dangerous, and dogs can inhale it causing irritation in their respiratory tract.
My advice is to use these products when your dog is not around, and after cleaning, make sure to open the windows in order to clear the air. A good option would be to buy pet-friendly cleaning products in order to save your dog from harmful chemicals.
2. Mothballs
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Although you want to keep moths away from your clothes, you should also keep your dog away from mothballs.
Mothballs are some form of pesticide, and not only do dogs hate them, but they are also very dangerous for your dog, especially if he eats one. They are poisonous even for us.
3. Alcohol
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Did you ever ask yourself why your dog isn’t keen on cuddling with you when you come home after a few drinks?
Well, the reason for that is that dogs find the smell of alcohol highly unlikable. They don’t like being near areas where there is even a small amount of the smell of alcoholic beverages or rubbing alcohol.
If you want to keep your dog away from something, don’t spray alcohol as it can irritate the skin, but use soaked cotton balls and put them in areas where you don’t want your dog to be.
4. Nail Polish Remover And Nail Polish
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Some of your favorite and essential products have smells that dogs hate. Your nail polish and nail polish remover consists of chemical compounds such as acetone, acetate, formaldehyde, isopropyl alcohol, and nitrocellulose.
All of these smells find a way to bother your dog’s sensitive nose. These products shouldn’t be used as dog-repellent solutions as they can cause your dog to sneeze and itch.
5. Ground Spices
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Ground spices like nutmeg, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, mustard, allspice, ginger, paprika, and cardamom are all smells that dogs hate, but they are not harmful to them.
So, if you don’t know what to use in order to keep your dog away from your garden, this could be the solution. Ground spices bother a dog’s sense of smell, but they won’t do a dog any harm if they are used outdoors.
6. Fresh Herbs
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While you are cooking, you may notice that your dog is not around you. Why is that so? Well, dogs also don’t like fresh herbs.
The aroma found in rosemary, thyme, and basil is a great dog-repellent smell. If you haven’t planted those herbs in your garden, now you have a reason to do so.
7. Citrus Scents
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I think that we all would agree that the smell of citrus fruits resonates with something clean and fresh. However, dogs find the strong smells of limes, grapefruit, lemons, and oranges irritating.
Citrus fruits, however, are great natural repellent smells that you can use to keep your dog away from specific areas.
You can use a spray bottle and fill it with oil from citrus peelings, or cut up citrus fruits and use the juice from it to spray the area you want to protect from the “intruder”. That way, the strong scent of citrus will keep your dog at a distance.
8. Garlic And Onions
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Well, dogs aren’t fans of the smell of onions and garlic, and to be honest, neither am I, but many dog owners love to sense these smells while cooking.
However, the smell of onions and garlic is neither dangerous nor harmful, and dogs will simply have to get used to their owner cooking with garlic and onions from time to time.
9. Chili Peppers
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Your dog’s sensitive nose is not a fan of any kind of hot pepper, chili pepper, jalapenos, chipotle pepper, habaneros, or Thai chili, and it will irritate your dog’s nose 100%.
We all know that these scents are very strong and spicy – now, imagine what it’s like for a dog to sense it 40 times more than us.
The chemical compound, capsaicin, is very responsible for the peppers’ smell, hot flavor, and burning sensation that dogs find so repelling.
It can cause intense sneezing, and if you use it as a repellent, make sure not to exaggerate it because too much capsaicin can cause a serious reaction.
10. Perfumes Or Colognes
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You are getting ready to go out, and you put on a little bit of your favorite perfume, but then you wonder why your dog won’t say goodbye to you.
The thing is, although we adore the smell of perfumes, and we use them quite often, your dog is not a fan of them because even a little drop of fragrance can mask the odor that your dog is used to sensing every day.
Along with that, there are aromas and alcohol in perfumes and colognes that we have already mentioned as not being their kick.
11. Essential Oils
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I’m sure we all love using essential oils to make our home smell fresh and beautiful. Guess who doesn’t like them? Our furry companions, of course.
When using essential oils, you should know that it can lead to changes in your dog’s behavior, and some essential oils can be harmful to dogs.
According to the American Kennel Club, harmful oils for dogs that can affect their nervous system and respiratory tract are oils of citrus, peppermint, cinnamon, tea tree, pennyroyal, sweet birch, pine, ylang-ylang, and wintergreen.
For example, eucalyptus oil can irritate your dog’s eyes and cause a burning sensation. Surely, you don’t want your dog to suffer, so make sure to avoid such oils. As for your essential oil, try lavender and see if your dog likes it.
12. Vinegar
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With the smell of vinegar, I think that both dogs and humans could agree that this smell is very off-putting. Even though vinegar is used in many home remedies, we can’t quite get used to the smell, and neither can dogs.
Any type of vinegar like white vinegar, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and so on has a smell that your dog hates. But, on the other side, as vinegar consists of acetic acid that is non-toxic and safe, you can use it as a repellent.
You can put a little bit of white vinegar and more water in a spray bottle to spray areas that you want to keep your dog from, or you can soak cotton balls with it. Don’t use too much of it indoors because it can leave a bad smell.
13. Cigarette Smoke
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Dogs really dislike the smell of cigarette smoke, and for good reason. Their sense of smell is much stronger than ours, so the scent of smoke can be overwhelming and irritating to them.
Not only is it unpleasant, but secondhand smoke can also be harmful to their health, causing breathing problems, coughing, and even lung disease over time. It’s best to keep your dog away from areas where people are smoking to help protect their sensitive noses and overall well-being.
14. Mint
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Dogs often dislike the smell of mint, and it’s not just because it’s strong—it’s actually too intense for their sensitive noses. The menthol in mint can be overpowering and irritating, sometimes even causing them to feel nauseous or dizzy.
While mint is safe in small amounts, ingesting too much can upset their stomachs or lead to digestive issues. So, while minty-fresh air might be pleasant for us, it’s not something most dogs enjoy sniffing around!
15. The Smell Of Peanut Butter Makes Their Tails Wag
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Dogs absolutely love the smell of peanut butter because it’s rich, creamy, and packed with scents that stimulate their powerful noses. The combination of fat and protein in peanut butter is irresistible, and it’s a great treat for rewarding them during training.
While it’s safe in moderation, too much peanut butter can lead to weight gain or upset stomachs due to its high-fat content. So, as long as you keep it to small amounts, peanut butter is a tasty and fun way to pamper your pup!
16. Dogs Also Love The Smell Of Cinnamon
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Dogs are often drawn to the smell of cinnamon because it’s warm, sweet, and comforting, much like the spices in the air around holiday time. The aroma is strong and spicy, which piques their curiosity and gets their noses twitching.
Cinnamon is generally safe for dogs, however, consuming too much can cause an upset stomach or irritation. It’s okay to share a cinnamon-flavored treat occasionally, but it’s best to keep the spice limited to avoid any tummy troubles!
17. Lavender
Lavender is a scent that many dogs love due to its calming and soothing properties. Known for its gentle floral aroma, lavender can help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, making it a popular choice for pet owners during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Some studies even suggest that lavender may promote relaxation and improve mood in dogs. However, it’s important to use only pet-safe lavender products and avoid direct ingestion to ensure their safety while enjoying the benefits of this pleasant scent.
18. Vanilla
Vanilla is a sweet and comforting scent that many dogs find appealing. Its warm, inviting aroma can create a sense of calm and contentment in dogs, making it a great choice for use in calming sprays or as an added scent in their toys.
Vanilla’s association with baked goods and treats might also contribute to its allure. While dogs enjoy this scent, make sure any vanilla products you use around them are free from harmful ingredients like alcohol or artificial additives.