How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Your Plants: A Step-By-Step Guide

PDF download Download Article
Stop Fido from eating your foliage with our easy tricks
PDF download Download Article

Dogs eating your plants may be frustrating, but there are ways to keep them from doing so. This behavior is common in dogs. Some have assumed this behavior is consistent with pica, which is an urge to eat unusual foods or non-foods. [1] Others believe that it may be a sign of stomach trouble or boredom. Plants—whether in your garden or inside your house—can be dangerous, since some plants can be poisonous to your dog. Here are some ways you might be able to keep your dog from eating your plants.

Things You Should Know

  • Move houseplants out of reach from your dog. Plants in accessible locations like on side tables or the floor pose a risk to your dog’s health.
  • Install a motion-sensitive training device on your plants to scare your dog away when they approach, reinforcing the idea that they should leave them alone.
  • Spray houseplants with a half lemon juice and half water solution. Dogs hate the smell and taste of citrus, which will deter them from your plants.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Stopping Dogs From Eating Houseplants

PDF download Download Article
  1. One way of keeping dogs from eating houseplants is simply to move them to a location that is out of the dog's reach. This can be achieved with the use of tables or plant stands. Houseplants that grow in vines should be trimmed back to stay out of reach of the dog or placed totally out of reach. [2]
    • You may also be able to build cages around the plants using chicken wire or other products that will cut off access to plants.
  2. Using a motion-sensitive repellent, you can train dogs to stay away from plants. When your dog approaches your houseplants, a motion-sensitive device will trigger, scaring the dog away from the plants, and reinforcing the idea that he should probably leave them alone. These devices come in many varieties, sometimes with an air horn or both an air horn and a chemical deterrent. Other varieties may shoot a stream of water to discourage the dog, though these may not be as desirable for use indoors. [3]
    • Consider clicker training as well. Clickers can help your dog understand commands more quickly as well as get their attention quickly. Clickers are available at pet stores, and many dog training academies will give instruction on clicker training. (See elsewhere in this article for information on clicker training.)
    Advertisement
  3. Many dogs avoid the smell of citrus, so if you dilute lemon juice half with water and use a spray bottle to mist it onto your plants, this might deter your dog from eating your houseplants. If you do not want to spray the diluted lemon juice solution onto your plants, you can place lemon slices in the pots as an effective alternative. [4]
    • Empty spray bottles can be purchase at dollar or home stores.
    • Be sure to change lemon wedges regularly so they don't spoil.
  4. If your dog tends to eat your houseplants when you are not there to discourage him from doing so, keep the dog confined to spaces where there aren't any houseplants while you aren't available to supervise. [5] This can be a room with a door you can close or a pet crate. Always be sure to keep the dog's well-being in mind when crating, as extended periods spent in crates can have adverse effects. [6]
    • If you aren't sure how to crate train your dog, read this helpful wikiHow article on the subject.
    • Many different types of crates are available, and dogs should have toys, food, and water with them inside.
    • Pay attention to your dog's behavior while confined, as some dogs may get stressed out from confinement.
    • Never use crates as punishment—dogs should only be crated if they are comfortable and happy there. You can encourage your dog to be comfortable in his crate by feeding him his meals in it and leaving its door open all the time so that he can go in and out as he pleases when you're home.
  5. Some houseplants are toxic to dogs. If you are having a hard time getting your dog to stop eating indoor plants, consider getting rid of toxic plants so that your dog does not actually ingest them and become ill. Here are some common houseplants that are poisonous to dogs: [7]
    • Castor bean
    • Daffodil
    • Elephant Ear
    • Hyacinth
    • Narcissus
    • Oleander
    • Rosary Pea
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Stopping Dogs From Eating Outdoor Plants

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you let your dog near outdoor plants that you don't want him to eat, use remote punishment to condition him to avoid them as you can for indoor plants as well. This punishment could be administered by the dog's owner or caretaker standing at a distance so the dog does not know the punishment is coming from them or via the use of remote punishment products, such as motion-sensitive alarms, water sprayers or other deterrents. [8]
    • An electric fence or dog run can keep your dog in a specific space while outside.
    • Do not use any technique that will cause your dog pain or injury. Shock collars are not recommended by veterinary experts, especially not as training devices.
  2. Try clicker training . Use a clicker (available at pet stores) to let your dog know when he does what you want him to do. Make noise with the clicker at the instant your dog does the behavior you want him to do and immediately reward him with a high-value treat, such as a piece of cheese or meat or his favorite cookie. Give him lots of praise. [9]
    • To keep the dog from eating your plants outside using the clicker, bring him outside and if he approaches the plants, signal him to come to you and give a click and a treat the moment that he does so. This way, you are rewarding the recall and not the plant-eating. [10]
  3. Bitter Apple and Bitter Yuck are commercially available sprays meant to be sprayed on anything you want to discouraging your dog from chewing on. These sprays are available at pet stores and online. Other sprayable pet deterrents may be available from veterinarians or pet stores as well. You can also use chili pepper sauce diluted with water in a spray bottle to mist on plants you want to discourage dogs from eating. Vinegar and ammonia will also work to keep dogs away from areas where they are not welcome, but these substances cannot be sprayed directly on plants or they will die. Instead, spray the ground near the off-limits area to create a barrier. [11]
    • Always be sure to use non-toxic substances to keep dogs away id it is used in a manner where dogs may ingest them.
    • Be sure to follow all safety information in using deterrents.
  4. Use aluminum foil, pine cones, chicken wire, or any other items to create a barrier in front of plants the dog is eating. The dog will not like the feeling of these items underfoot, so he will be less likely to cross the barrier and eat the plants. [12]
    • Chicken wire also discourages digging.
    • Be sure that any items you spread that the dog may tread upon will not hurt him.
  5. Using something like bird netting, cover the plants that the dog tries to eat to keep him from being able to do so. This netting is easily found at home stores and farm supply stores. You can also use chicken wire or other fencing material to block access to the plants the dog tries to eat. [13]
    • Chicken wire or fencing may also help keep other unwanted animals out of your garden.
  6. If you cannot keep your dog from eating your plants, you might wish to consider getting rid of some plants that can be especially harmful to dogs. Common ornamental plants that are poisonous to dogs include: [14]
    • Azaleas
    • Daphne
    • Golden Chain
    • Jasmine
    • Red Sage
    • Laurels
    • Rhododendrons
    • Wisteria
    • Yew
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Exercising Your Dog

PDF download Download Article
  1. Dogs may exhibit unwanted behaviors due to a lack of exercise. [15] If you make it a point to play with your dog regularly to expend his excess energy, he will likely be less interested in eating plants in the yard or in the house. Games that force the dog to move around a lot while you mostly stand still are best. They include fetching, frisbee catching/fetching, chasing a toy on a rope or stick that you move, catching bubbles, and many more. [16]
    • Be sure dogs have access to water during play.
    • Always keep safety in mind when playing with your dog.
  2. [17] Walking your dog not only gives him some great exercise, it also stimulates his mind because of unfamiliar sights and sounds you may encounter on the walk. Use an extendable leash that is retractable, giving the dog lots of room to investigate what he encounters. During the walk, try to walk faster than your normal pace for 30 minutes. Older or out-of-shape dogs may need to start with a shorter walk and work up to a faster, longer walk. [18]
    • Pay attention to signs that display rules for walking dogs in public areas.
    • Be sure to clean up after your dog when when walking.
  3. For a more significant workout that will expend more of your dog's energy and hopefully discourage him from eating plants, try running your dog. You can run the dog by taking him with you on the leash while you are in-line skating or bicycling. [19]
    • Always be careful when running your dog—he may have to learn to pay close attention to you during the run instead of stopping to smell things or relieve himself. Take regular breaks to allow him to relieve himself.
    • Younger dogs whose bones are not fully formed may need some time to develop before a run is appropriate.
    • Enlist the help of a dog trainer for leash training if your dog has trouble getting used to running.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is there an alarm I can put on my fence for the garden?
    Community Answer
    Spray bad-tasting and bad-smelling stuff (such as vinegar) that's nontoxic to plants or dogs, and let the dog figure out the rest.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 19
  • Question
    How can I stop a neighbor's dog from pooping on my lawn?
    Community Answer
    You could put up a fence, or you could talk to the neighbor about not letting their dog on your property. You could also put some dog repellent such as Halt! or Keep Off! on your lawn.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How can I know if my dog is eating plants if I'm not home? Can another dog convince one dog not to eat plants?
    Community Answer
    Keep an eye on your plants and notice if parts of them are going missing. It would require some pretty complex training to teach your dog to 'guard' your plants from the other dog, and would be an unusual approach. It would really be best to just follow the guidelines in the article. if you train your dog well, then it shouldn't eat your plants, whether you are home or not.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 5
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Wash your hands well after using Bitter Yuck or Bitter Apple or similar products—you don't want to accidentally taste it on your hands later.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Some plants could be toxic to dogs. You can find an extensive list of commonly toxic plants for dogs at the ASPCA website here . Common plants that are toxic to dogs include aloe, holly, lilies, tulips, azaleas, English ivy, crocuses, and yew. [20] Many other varieties can cause stomach upset and other medical issues. [21] Be sure to remove or cut off access to such plants to ensure dogs do not hurt themselves eating these varieties.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Train or Help a Puppy Stop Crying when Locked up or Outside
      How to
      Find a Lost Dog
      How to
      Walk a Dog
      How to
      Play with Your Dog
      How to
      Communicate with Animals
      12 Simple, Effective Home Remedies to Stop a Dog from Licking Its Paws
      How to
      Discipline a Dog
      How to
      Stop a Dog from Eating Poop with Pineapple
      How to
      Stop Your Dog From Waking Up at Night
      How to
      Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed
      How to
      Stop a Dog from Digging Under the Fence
      How to
      Handle a Mother Dog Refusing to Stay with Her Puppies
      How to
      Stop a Puppy from Eating Stones
      How to
      Stop Dogs Licking You
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://pets.thenest.com/dogs-eat-house-plants-5418.html
      2. ↑ http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-eating-plants_1471.html
      3. ↑ http://www.imustgarden.com/repel-dogs
      4. ↑ http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-eating-plants_1471.html
      5. ↑ http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-eating-plants_1471.html
      6. ↑ http://www.peta.org/about-peta/why-peta/crating-dogs
      7. ↑ http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/dogs/house.html
      8. ↑ http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/using-punishment-effectively/133
      9. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/clicker-training-your-pet
      1. ↑ http://www.clickertraining.com/node/237
      2. ↑ http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/stop-dog-eating-digging-outside-plants-1108.html
      3. ↑ http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/stop-dog-eating-digging-outside-plants-1108.html
      4. ↑ http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/stop-dog-eating-digging-outside-plants-1108.html
      5. ↑ http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/dogs/ornamental.html
      6. ↑ Ty Brown. Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.
      7. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/exercise-dogs
      8. ↑ Ty Brown. Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.
      9. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/exercise-dogs
      10. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/exercise-dogs
      11. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/17-poisonous-plants
      12. ↑ http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/dogs/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stop your dog from eating plants, spray the plants with diluted lemon juice since dogs don't like the smell of citrus. You can also use bitter apple or diluted chili pepper sauce. Another way you can deter your dog from eating plants is to place some aluminum foil or chicken wire around them, which your dog won't want to walk on to get to the plants. If your dog only eats the plants when you're not home, consider confining it to a crate or room without any plants in it whenever you leave. To learn how to clicker train your dog not to eat plants, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 301,439 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Zonia Camacho

        Feb 27, 2017

        "My German shepherd pulls my trees when he does not get his morning's exercise. But I will put lemon or ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement