The Surprising Citrus Hack That Stops Your Dog From Digging Holes In Your Yard

Digging is part of a dog's nature, but that doesn't mean you want them to be digging holes in your yard. If your dog is ruining your lawn due to boredom or heat, keeping them mentally and physically enriched or providing enough shade can help. However, some dogs just dig because they enjoy it. In these cases, it's pretty difficult to stop your dog's behavior.

However, with a little citrus, you can help entice your dog to stop leaving ugly holes in your yard. This hack is easy and simple, and just involves keeping citrus oil around your lawn and reapplying regularly. 

Note that while this trick is effective to stop dogs from digging holes in your yard, it doesn't prevent other animals from doing the same. If you need to know what to do about snake holes in your yard, for example, this citrus trick might not help as much. 

It's rather easy to make a citrus repellent. The first step is to check that your dog actually doesn't like these fruits. Simply take some citrus, whatever kind you have lying around, and cut it near your dog. If they make a face or get up and walk away, then you know it's going to be the perfect repellent for you. If they come over to get a better sniff, or enjoy the taste of the fruit, then you may need to try something else.

As for actually preventing your dog from digging holes in your yard, you can make a spray made with some sort of citrus oil or by boiling citrus peels, like grapefruit or orange, and mist it generously around the area your dog is digging or where you want to ensure your dog doesn't dig. While you can use peels, they are toxic to your pets if eaten, so if you're worried, the spray is a safer option and will last about three to four days before you have to reapply. 

Not only do citrus fruits stop your dogs from digging holes, but they can also prevent dogs from peeing where they shouldn't. If you're tired of dealing with dog pee in your garden or around your home, consider also using some of your citrus to keep the area clean. 

While not every dog hates citrus fruits, the majority of them can't stand the smell or taste. Part of it is because of the strong odor. While many people enjoy the scent of lemon, limes, and oranges, to dogs it can be overpowering. Just like when some people experience a strong smell, it can irritate your dog's nose and lead to a lot of sneezing. 

Unlike people, dogs don't need vitamin C in their diet. Some animals, dogs included, are able to create their own vitamin C in their liver. Since they don't need to find outside sources for this nutrient like people do, they don't have to eat fruits and vegetables that offer it, like citrus. This could be part of the reason why dogs don't enjoy the taste or smell much.

Dogs aren't the only animals that avoid citrus. Using rinds and spray around your yard may be one way to keep cats out of your garden. Adding orange peels to your soil has several other benefits besides stopping your dog from digging holes in your yard, including keeping some insects away and adding nutrients to the soil that your plants need to thrive.