What is Citronella Spray?
Citronella spray is a type of dog repellent and training aid made from citronella oil. The main active ingredient in citronella spray is citronella oil, which comes from a type of fragrant grass called Cymbopogon nardus.
Citronella spray is produced by extracting and distilling the citronella oil from the grass, then formulating it into a sprayable liquid or mist. It can come in different formats like sprays, collars, candles, and atomizers. The sprays are commonly sold in pressurized canisters that create a directed stream when sprayed.
Citronella oil is a natural insect and mammal repellent. It has a distinctive lemony scent that dogs dislike. When sprayed directly at a dog, the smell and sensation acts as an interruptor and deterrent.
How Citronella Spray Works
Citronella spray works by overwhelming a dog’s highly sensitive sense of smell with an unpleasant odor. Dogs have a much keener sense of smell than humans, with up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses compared to only 6 million in humans.1 The potent citronella oil creates an unpleasant scent that dogs dislike and want to avoid.
When citronella oil is sprayed directly at a dog or detected in the air from a citronella collar, it creates an undesirable smell that deters and distracts dogs from barking, jumping, or other unwanted behaviors. The unpleasant citronella odor overwhelms the dog’s nasal receptors, making it difficult for them to focus on their previous activity. This temporarily interrupts and stops the undesirable behavior.
However, it’s important to note that citronella itself does not physically prevent or punish dogs in any way. The deterrent effect comes from the dog’s aversion to the unpleasant citronella smell, which distracts them long enough to interrupt unwanted habits or actions.
Using Citronella Spray on Dogs
When using citronella spray on dogs, it’s important to spray directly at the dog’s snout or face to be most effective. The strong scent of citronella oil acts as an irritant and deters barking when sprayed near the nose. However, care should be taken not to spray citronella directly into the eyes or airways, as this could be painful or cause breathing issues (Citronella Bark Collars).
Citronella spray works best as a training aid rather than a permanent solution. The effects wear off quickly, so the spray needs to be frequently reapplied for continued effectiveness. It works by interrupting and deterring problem behavior in the moment, but does not address the underlying cause. For ongoing results, citronella spray should be paired with positive reinforcement training techniques.
While citronella can help discourage nuisance barking and other unwanted behaviors, it does not provide a long-term solution on its own. The humane society recommends using citronella spray sparingly and under supervision when training dogs, not as a stand-alone correction method.
Pros of Using Citronella Spray
One of the main benefits of using citronella spray for dogs is that it provides a more humane and cruelty-free alternative to punishment-based tools like shock or vibration collars. The citronella provides an unpleasant smell that deters dogs from barking or jumping, but it does not cause any pain or discomfort. This makes it an effective deterrent that many owners prefer over methods that physically punish the dog.
Citronella spray is also relatively affordable and easy to find. Most pet supply stores carry citronella anti-bark collars and sprays for under $50. This makes it a cost-effective solution that is accessible to most dog owners. Compared to the high prices of some shock and vibration collars, citronella spray is budget-friendly.
Overall, the humane nature of citronella combined with its reasonable pricing makes it an advantageous option for many owners looking to curb excessive barking, jumping, or other unwanted behaviors.
Cons of Using Citronella Spray
While citronella spray can be an effective deterrent for some dogs, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
Some dogs may become nose-blind or habituated to the smell of citronella over time, reducing its effectiveness. According to this article, some dogs will stop responding to the citronella smell if it is used too frequently: https://dogidogblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/citronella/
The spray sound and sensation can agitate some dogs, leading to increased stress or anxiety. This may inadvertently reinforce bad behaviors in some cases. Citronella does not address the underlying motivation for a dog’s unwanted behaviors.
Because citronella spray only interrupts behaviors, it does not teach dogs what you want them to do instead. It is considered by some to be an aversive training tool that does not get to the root cause of behavior problems. Consistent positive reinforcement training is usually a better alternative.
Is Citronella Harmful to Dogs?
Citronella is not inherently toxic or dangerous to dogs when used properly. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of.
Citronella-based sprays, collars, and other products are designed to be an unpleasant deterrent for dogs, but they don’t actually cause any lasting physical harm. The strong scent of citronella oil is irritating and dogs will usually avoid it.
That said, improper or excessive use of citronella could potentially cause skin or eye irritation for dogs. The ASPCA advises monitoring your dog closely for signs of a reaction when first using citronella products.1 Stop using citronella right away if you notice any redness, swelling, discharge or other irritation on your dog’s face or skin.
It’s also possible for dogs to have an allergy to citronella oil, just like they can be allergic to any natural substance. Look for scratching, licking or chewing at the skin, respiratory issues like wheezing or coughing, and gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea after exposure to citronella.
While citronella does have some risks if misused, it is generally regarded as safe when proper precautions are taken. Monitor your dog closely, especially at first, and don’t overuse citronella products. With careful use, it can be an effective training tool.
Citronella Spray vs. Other Training Tools
Citronella spray collars are often compared to other types of training collars like vibration collars and shock collars. The main advantage of citronella spray is that it provides a deterrent through scent, rather than an unpleasant sensation. According to research published in PubMed, citronella spray collars were found to be effective in reducing barking in 88.9% of dogs tested, while electronic shock collars were only effective in 44.4% of dogs [1]. Most owners also preferred the citronella spray collars and found them to be more humane.
However, citronella spray should not be viewed as a replacement for positive reinforcement training. While it can help curb excessive barking, citronella does not address the underlying motivation for the barking. Working with a certified dog trainer and using reward-based methods to reinforce quiet behavior is recommended. Citronella spray can be used as an aid alongside positive reinforcement, but should not be the sole training strategy.
The main benefit of citronella spray collars is providing an alternative to shock collars. While citronella introduces an unpleasant smell to deter barking, it does not cause pain or fear in dogs the way shock collars do. Citronella provides a gentler way to interrupt and discourage problem barking behaviors.
When to Avoid Citronella Products
While citronella can be an effective deterrent for many dogs, there are some situations where citronella-based products should be avoided:
Dogs with respiratory issues: Citronella can be an irritant for a dog’s respiratory system. Dogs with asthma, tracheal collapse, or other breathing issues may have adverse reactions to citronella. The spray should not be used on these dogs.
Puppies under 6 months: A puppy’s respiratory system is still developing, so citronella could cause breathing problems or other health issues. Citronella products are not recommended for puppies under 6 months old.
Dogs who become aggressive/anxious: Some dogs may become more agitated or anxious when citronella is sprayed. If a dog shows signs of increased aggression or anxiety when citronella is used, it’s best to avoid this training method altogether.
Tips for Effective Use of Citronella Spray
Using citronella spray effectively requires good timing and consistency. Here are some tips for getting the most out of citronella products:
Proper timing of the spray is crucial. You need to use the spray at the exact moment the unwanted behavior occurs in order to create an association. Spraying too early or too late will not connect the consequence to the behavior in the dog’s mind (https://dogidogblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/citronella/).
Consistency is key when using citronella spray. Dogs learn through repetition and consistency. So every time the unwanted behavior happens, the spray needs to be applied. Missing instances of the behavior will weaken the training effect.
Consider your dog’s temperament. Some dogs are more sensitive and may become fearful or anxious with citronella sprays. Pay attention to your dog’s reactions and adjust if needed. More stubborn or difficult dogs may require more diligent use of the spray.
Use citronella spray as part of a broader training program. The spray alone will not permanently change behavior. You need to reinforce good behavior through praise, treats, and training. Citronella can provide the interruption or deterrent when unwanted behavior happens.
Popular Citronella Spray Brands
Some of the most popular and highly rated citronella spray brands for dogs include:
- PetSafe – One of the most well-known brands, PetSafe makes a variety of citronella bark collars and handheld sprays. Their products can be purchased on Amazon and in many pet stores.
- Nature’s Miracle – Nature’s Miracle offers both citronella bark collars and sprays, sold at retailers like Walmart, PetSmart, and Chewy.
- Sentry Stop That! – This popular spray brand is a more affordable option that can be found at Walmart, Target, and other major retailers.
Citronella sprays and collars typically range from $10-$50 depending on the brand and features. Bulk refill bottles help make the products more economical for long-term use. Look for products containing all-natural ingredients without harsh chemicals or additives.