What Can I Spray On Carpets To Keep Dogs From Peeing?

There are both commercial and DIY sprays that can help stop your dog from peeing on the carpet. Of course, not all will be effective with every dog, and some dogs will continue to urinate on the carpet no matter what you spray. In those cases, you may find that retraining your dog is a better option.

Commercial and DIY Sprays 

A quick internet search will yield all kinds of options for DIY sprays including everything from lemon juice and water to essential oils. Unfortunately, some of the suggestions include items that could be harmful or irritating to your pet, such as ammonia and certain essential oils. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your vet before exposing your pet to any ingredients you’re not sure about.

Another option is commercial sprays. Some quality commercial sprays work in two ways: they contain enzymes that completely eliminate the urine odor, and they also contain ingredients, such as cinnamon and lemongrass, that discourage further urination in that spot. 

These commercial sprays are often quite effective not just because of the ingredients the dogs find unpleasant, but also because they eliminate the urine scent. If that scent remains, dogs are much more likely to urinate there again. It can even attract your other household pets to urinate in that spot.

That’s why, no matter what kind of spray you choose, it’s important to thoroughly clean any accidents and use an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the scent. It can be difficult to do this with carpet since the odor can become trapped in the fibers. If the rug has been saturated, you may have to replace it to fully get rid of the scent.

What about retraining? 

If your formerly housebroken dog has started urinating in the house, retraining may be an option, but first you need to figure out if there is a medical reason for the behavior. Diabetes, kidney disease, and bladder stones are examples of medical conditions that can cause inappropriate urination.

Once a medical condition has been ruled out, try going back to the beginning with house training. Start feeding your dog on a regular schedule and letting them out every thirty minutes. Remember that it can take up to six months to fully house train a dog.

Also worth noting: if the accidents only happen when you’re at work—especially if you work long days—it could be because your pet has trouble controlling their bladder for that long. Consider hiring a dog walker, installing a doggy door, or asking a neighbor to let your dog out at some point during the day.