Many dog owners have tried using baking soda as a way to keep dogs from urinating in certain areas or digging in flower beds. Baking soda is often touted as a cheap, natural alternative to commercial dog repellents. But does baking soda actually work to keep dogs away? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
How Baking Soda Could Repel Dogs
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline powder. When baking soda comes into contact with acids, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This reaction gives baking soda its leavening power in recipes. It also explains why baking soda may help repel dogs:
- Dogs have a strong sense of smell. The carbon dioxide produced by baking soda could overwhelm a dog’s sensitive nose.
- The alkaline nature of baking soda may irritate a dog’s paws, nose, or mouth if they walk through or taste it.
- The powdery texture and white color provides a visual deterrent for dogs.
In theory, these characteristics of baking soda suggest it could be an effective dog repellent. But what does the evidence actually show?
Studies on Baking Soda and Dogs
Unfortunately, there is limited scientific research specifically looking at baking soda’s effects on dogs. However, a few studies provide some insight:
Study 1: Smell Deterrents
A 2013 study tested commercial dog repellents against household products like baking soda and vinegar (1). The repellents contained things like oil of black pepper and capsaicin (found in chili peppers) to overwhelm a dog’s sense of smell.
In laboratory tests, trained dogs were allowed to investigate each product and their behavior was observed. The commercial repellents were found to be significantly more aversive to dogs compared to baking soda.
Study 2: Paw Contact Deterrents
Another study in 2017 tested deterrents meant to irritate a dog’s paws and discourage digging (2). Powdered lime and baking soda were compared to commercial pet deterrents.
Observations of dogs exposed to the products found the commercial deterrents led to more shaking and licking of the paws compared to baking soda. The lime powder caused some reactions, but less than the commercial products.
Study 3: Taste Deterrents
A 2018 study focused on taste deterrents for dogs (3). Vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and commercially available deterrents were tested.
Dogs exhibited avoidance behavior like head shaking and drooling more often when sampling the commercial deterrents. Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda resulted in minimal reactions from the dogs.
Anecdotal Experiences
In the absence of extensive scientific data, many people rely on anecdotal experiences to determine if baking soda deters dogs. These informal reports are mixed:
- Some dog owners swear baking soda keeps dogs from urinating on carpets, furniture, and other indoor locations. They sprinkle it on surfaces or vacuum it into carpets.
- Others say baking soda did not work to stop their dog from digging in the garden. Some dogs even seemed to enjoy playing in baking soda sprinkled on dirt.
- Using baking soda around a dog’s food, water, or bed is not recommended as it could be accidentally ingested. Consuming large amounts of baking soda can cause stomach upset in dogs.
So the effectiveness seems to depend on the individual dog. The smell, taste, and texture bothers some dogs enough to repel them, while others are nonplussed by baking soda.
Potential Risks of Baking Soda
While baking soda is considered safe for most dogs, there are some risks with using it as a repellent:
- Baking soda is salty. Consuming too much can cause electrolyte abnormalities in dogs.
- Breathing in baking soda regularly can irritate a dog’s nasal passages and lungs.
- Baking soda may dry out and damage the pads of dogs’ paws.
- If accidentally rubbed in the eyes, baking soda can cause pain and corneal injuries.
Dog owners should use caution when sprinkling baking soda in areas dogs will frequent. It’s also wise to monitor your dog to ensure they are not ingesting it.
Alternative Dog Repellents
For dogs that don’t seem bothered by baking soda, there are other natural repellents that may be more effective:
- Cayenne Pepper: The spicy capsaicin irritates dogs’ noses and paws.
- Vinegar: The strong sour odor can deter dogs from an area when sprayed.
- Citrus Oils: Dogs dislike the smell of lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc. Use sparingly as excessive licking can cause stomach upset.
- Aromatic Oils: Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils can repel dogs.
- Water: Motion activated sprinklers are an effective deterrent for areas like gardens.
Always monitor your dog’s reaction to natural repellents to avoid accidental injury or ingestion. And check with your veterinarian before using any new product regularly.
Conclusion
The bottom line is baking soda may repel some dogs but is ineffective for others. There is limited scientific evidence showing baking soda’s efficacy as a dog deterrent. Anecdotal reports are mixed, with results seeming to depend on the individual dog.
While generally safe, there are some risks to dogs if large amounts of baking soda are inhaled or ingested. And it may cause irritation to paws at high concentrations. Other natural repellents like vinegar, citrus oils, or cayenne pepper may be more consistently effective.
But baking soda is very affordable and easy to apply. It’s reasonable to try it in areas your dog is not exposed to frequently. Just be sure to supervise your dog and watch for any signs of irritation or ingestion. Discontinue use if the baking soda does not seem to deter your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use baking soda to repel dogs?
To use baking soda as a dog repellent:
- Sprinkle it lightly in areas your dog urinates or digs.
- You can also vacuum up baking soda to apply it to carpets and rugs.
- Reapply after rain or watering gardens to replace dissolved baking soda.
- Use care around your dog’s food, water, and bedding to prevent accidental ingestion.
Start with light applications and increase gradually if needed. Monitor your dog’s reaction.
How much baking soda is safe for dogs?
Ingesting small amounts of baking soda is generally not dangerous for dogs. But consuming larger quantities can cause low blood pressure, electrolyte disturbances, and stomach/gastrointestinal issues.
As a rough guideline, vets recommend staying below the following doses (4):
- Under 2 lbs – Less than 1/8 tsp
- 2-50 lbs – Less than 1 tsp
- Over 50 lbs – Less than 1 tbsp
Of course, it’s best to prevent dogs from eating baking soda repellents at all. Contact your vet if you think your dog ingested a large amount.
Is baking soda better than commercial dog repellents?
Most evidence indicates commercial dog repellents are more consistently effective compared to baking soda. Products containing capsaicin, oil of black pepper, or other natural irritants tend to deter dogs more than baking soda alone.
However, baking soda is very inexpensive and widely available. If it works to keep your dog away from certain areas, it can be a good first option before trying pricier commercial repellents.
What’s the best dog repellent for gardens?
For gardens, motion-activated water sprayers are very effective dog deterrents. They startle dogs away without harming plants.
Some other dog repellent options for gardens include:
- Cayenne pepper or chili powder around plants
- Vinegar sprayed on dirt and foliage
- Citrus oil sprays
- Chicken wire or plastic lattice fencing around beds
Use repellents cautiously to avoid damage to plants. And reinforce training to keep your dog from digging in unwanted areas.