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10 Best Dog Repellents 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PetSafe ScatMat Indoor Electric Training Mat for Cats & Dogs, Sofa, 60" x 12"

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,438
Type of Repellent
Coverage Area
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
1419 reviews

Type of Repellent
Multiple correction levels, including a warning tone, allow pets to learn quickly and eventually respond without needing the static correction.
Coverage Area
The mat’s placement can successfully block pets from entering restricted areas and prevent them from leaning or pounding on doors and gates.
Duration of Effectiveness
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
Ease of Use
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.

The PetSafe ScatMat is an indoor training mat designed to keep dogs and cats away from off-limit areas like couches, countertops, and doorways by delivering a harmless static correction when stepped on. It stands out with customizable correction levels—ranging from just a tone to low, medium, or high static shocks—making it adjustable for pets with different sensitivities. The mat covers a reasonably sized area (60" x 12"), which fits well for common household zones where pets might be unwanted. Its battery-operated controller has an easy-to-read display showing battery life and correction counts, helping you track usage and maintain it simply.

Safety is well-considered, with a timeout feature preventing continuous corrections and a tone-only option for more sensitive animals. It requires a 9-volt battery (not included), so there is some ongoing cost and maintenance. The static correction method might not suit all pets or owners who prefer non-electrical solutions. The mat is thin and clear, which helps it blend into home environments but might be less durable on heavy traffic floors.

This product is ideal for pet owners wanting a straightforward, adjustable indoor repellent that trains pets without sprays or chemicals. It is not suited for outdoor use or for those preferring scent- or spray-based repellents. Customer feedback is generally positive, with a good rating around 4.3 out of 5, suggesting it works well for most users. The product also comes with a one-year warranty and U.S.-based customer support, adding peace of mind.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,438
Type of Repellent
Coverage Area
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
1419 reviews

Type of Repellent
Multiple correction levels, including a warning tone, allow pets to learn quickly and eventually respond without needing the static correction.
Coverage Area
The mat’s placement can successfully block pets from entering restricted areas and prevent them from leaning or pounding on doors and gates.
Duration of Effectiveness
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
Ease of Use
The mat is easy to use with long-lasting batteries, making it a worthwhile investment for indoor pet training.
#2

Grannick's Care Dogs Bitter Apple No Chew Spray 8oz

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use
Safety

Most important from
7501 reviews

Ease of Use
The bitter taste works instantly and washes off easily with water and mild cleaners.
Safety
Not harmful to pets and they immediately stop biting and chewing upon encountering the taste.

Grannick's Care Dogs Bitter Apple No Chew Spray is designed to deter dogs from chewing on furniture, their own fur, or other items. One of its main strengths lies in its formulation, which is non-toxic and safe for dogs. This makes it a great choice for teething puppies or dogs with hot spots and wounds, as it won’t cause harm. The spray has a strong, unpleasant taste that discourages chewing, which can be effective for addressing anxious behaviors or boredom. It's also easy to use; just spray it on the areas you want to protect or directly onto your dog as needed.

In terms of coverage, the 8oz bottle provides a decent amount of spray for typical household use, but it might require regular reapplication depending on how often your dog engages in unwanted chewing.

However, there are some drawbacks worth noting. While many dogs respond well to the deterrent effect, others might not be as sensitive to the bitter taste, leading to variable results. Additionally, the spray can potentially be a short-term solution, so it might not address underlying behavioral issues in dogs that chew out of boredom or anxiety. Although the product is safe, it’s always wise to monitor your pet after application to ensure they do not have an adverse reaction.

This product is ideal for dog owners looking for a safe and easy way to reduce unwanted chewing, but it’s important to consider the individual dog's behavior and sensitivity to the spray for the best results.

Rating
9.8
Ease of Use
Safety

Most important from
7501 reviews

Ease of Use
The bitter taste works instantly and washes off easily with water and mild cleaners.
Safety
Not harmful to pets and they immediately stop biting and chewing upon encountering the taste.
#3

Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent, 128 oz Concentrate for Outdoor Pest Control, Deter Deer from Garden, People & Pet Safe

Rating
9.7
Type of Repellent
Active Ingredients
Coverage Area

Most important from
906 reviews

Type of Repellent
Effectively keeps deer away from ornamentals, even after rainfall.
Active Ingredients
Has a strong black pepper scent that lingers for a couple of hours, so windows should be kept closed shortly after spraying.
Coverage Area
The concentrate is more economical and allows for wider spray coverage with less product.
Duration of Effectiveness
Protection lasts about 4-5 days before needing a reapplication to maintain effectiveness.

The Bonide Repels-All Animal Repellent is a liquid concentrate designed to keep various animals, including deer and small pests, away from your garden and yard. It uses natural, biodegradable ingredients that create a strong scent to discourage animals without causing them harm. This makes it safe to use around people and pets when applied as directed, which is a big plus if you have a busy household. You mix the concentrate with water and apply it using a spray bottle or sprayer, so it’s fairly easy to use but does require some preparation before application.

The product works as a perimeter spray to protect plants, structures, and outdoor areas. Since it is scent-based, heavy rain or strong winds might reduce how long it lasts, so frequent applications might be needed. Users can expect to reapply according to weather and pest activity.

This repellent is a good choice for gardeners and homeowners looking for a humane and plant-safe way to deter a variety of animals, not just dogs. If you're specifically targeting dogs or need a repellent with a longer-lasting effect or larger coverage area, you might want to consider other options. It balances safety and natural ingredients with ease of use, but regular reapplication is necessary to maintain protection.

Rating
9.7
Type of Repellent
Active Ingredients
Coverage Area

Most important from
906 reviews

Type of Repellent
Effectively keeps deer away from ornamentals, even after rainfall.
Active Ingredients
Has a strong black pepper scent that lingers for a couple of hours, so windows should be kept closed shortly after spraying.
Coverage Area
The concentrate is more economical and allows for wider spray coverage with less product.
Duration of Effectiveness
Protection lasts about 4-5 days before needing a reapplication to maintain effectiveness.

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Repellents

Choosing the right dog repellent can be crucial for keeping unwanted dogs away from your property or ensuring your own dog's safety in certain situations. The key is to understand the different types of repellents available and how they work, so you can select the one that best fits your needs. Here are some important specifications to consider when choosing a dog repellent.
Type of RepellentDog repellents come in various forms, including sprays, granules, ultrasonic devices, and natural remedies. Sprays are easy to apply and can be used on specific areas, while granules are spread over larger areas and provide longer-lasting protection. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to dogs but inaudible to humans. Natural remedies often use ingredients like vinegar or citrus, which are safe but may be less effective. Choose the type based on the area you need to cover and your preference for chemical versus natural solutions.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in dog repellents determine their effectiveness. Chemical repellents often use ingredients like methyl nonyl ketone or capsaicin, which can be very effective but may cause irritation to pets and humans. Natural repellents use ingredients like citronella, eucalyptus, or vinegar, which are safer but may need more frequent application. Consider the safety of the active ingredients, especially if you have pets or children, and balance it with the level of effectiveness you need.
Coverage AreaThe coverage area of a dog repellent indicates how much space it can protect. Sprays typically cover smaller, targeted areas, while granules and ultrasonic devices can cover larger spaces. For small gardens or specific spots, a spray might be sufficient. For larger yards or properties, granules or ultrasonic devices might be more appropriate. Assess the size of the area you need to protect and choose a repellent that can cover that space effectively.
Duration of EffectivenessThe duration of effectiveness refers to how long the repellent remains active after application. Sprays may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain, while granules can last several weeks. Ultrasonic devices provide continuous protection as long as they are powered. If you need a long-term solution, consider granules or ultrasonic devices. For short-term or occasional use, sprays might be more convenient.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially if you need to apply the repellent frequently. Sprays are generally easy to use and can be applied directly to specific areas. Granules require spreading over a larger area, which can be more labor-intensive. Ultrasonic devices need to be installed and powered, but they require minimal maintenance once set up. Consider how much effort you are willing to put into applying the repellent and choose one that fits your lifestyle.
SafetySafety is a crucial consideration, especially if you have pets, children, or sensitive plants. Chemical repellents can be effective but may pose risks if ingested or touched. Natural repellents are generally safer but may be less effective. Ultrasonic devices are safe for humans and most pets but may not be suitable for households with small animals like hamsters or guinea pigs. Evaluate the safety of the repellent based on your household and choose one that minimizes risks while providing the protection you need.

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