For dog owners, keeping the backyard fresh and free from lingering pet odors can be an ongoing challenge. Instead of turning to artificial solutions or heavy-duty cleaners, consider enlisting the power of nature. Aromatic herbs that are dog-safe offer a natural and effective way to neutralize odors while enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. These fragrant herbs provide more than fragrance — they’re natural air purifiers that work to restore freshness and create an inviting atmosphere for both you and your pets.
If you’re new to growing herbs, a herb garden starter kit can make it easy to plant fresh, odor-neutralizing greenery in your yard. Here’s a closer look at some of the best dog-safe herbs for fighting outdoor odors, along with tips on how to grow and use them.
Lavender: The Calming Scent of Freshness

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is often celebrated for its calming properties, but it’s also an effective odor-buster. The herb’s strong floral scent acts as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing unpleasant smells and replacing them with a clean, soothing fragrance. Lavender’s odor-fighting abilities make it a top choice for pet owners looking to keep their yards smelling fresh. The scent lingers in the air, creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation while effectively pushing back against urine odors or other unpleasant smells.
Lavender is a tender perennial plant that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9 and prefers temperatures between 60-80°F. It requires full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, and grows best in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH. While lavender is drought-tolerant, overwatering can be harmful. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Lavender ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are the most cold-hardy and least likely to be killed back to the ground in zone 5.
To harvest lavender, cut the stems just before the buds fully open for the most potent scent. You can use dried lavender in potpourri, sachets, or even make homemade lavender oil for natural air freshening. It’s also a great addition to floral arrangements, offering both fragrance and visual appeal.
For an extra boost, you can also use dried lavender sachets to keep outdoor storage areas or dog beds smelling fresh.
Rosemary: The Woodsy Odor Patrol

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a bold and aromatic herb known for its robust woodsy scent, which makes it an excellent natural deodorizer for outdoor spaces. The strong aroma of rosemary doesn’t just mask odors, it actively overpowers and neutralizes them, creating a clean, earthy scent that lingers. Whether it’s combating the smell of urine or other pet-related odors, rosemary’s fragrance acts as a reliable, odor-busting patrol for your yard.
Rosemary thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10 and prefers temperatures between 55-80°F. In colder climates like here in Zone 5, rosemary can be grown as an annual or kept in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter. It requires full sun and grows best in well-draining, sandy soil. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, as rosemary is sensitive to overwatering.
To harvest, simply snip off the top 2-3 inches of growth. Fresh or dried rosemary can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, or in potpourri for a natural air freshener. You can also steep rosemary sprigs in water to create a fragrant, homemade household cleaner.
If you’d rather skip the growing phase, you can get a live rosemary plant delivered to your door and start enjoying its benefits right away.
Thyme: The Fresh Cover-Up Artist

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is more than just a culinary herb, it’s a powerful ally in the fight against unpleasant odors. This low-growing herb releases a clean, herbaceous scent every time it’s brushed against or walked on, acting like a natural cover-up artist for areas prone to pet-related smells. The fresh aroma of thyme works like a barrier, sealing off odors before they have a chance to linger. This makes thyme particularly effective for high-traffic areas in the yard.
Thyme is a hardy perennial that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, preferring temperatures between 60-75°F. It requires full sun and grows well in well-draining, sandy or rocky soil. Thyme is drought-tolerant, so it’s best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. In Zone 5, adding a layer of mulch around thyme plants during winter can help protect them from harsh freezes.
To harvest thyme, snip off sprigs as needed, cutting just above the leaf nodes to encourage new growth. Fresh or dried thyme can be used in soups, stews, and savory dishes. It’s also an excellent addition to homemade cleaning sprays for a natural antibacterial boost.
Lemon Balm: The Bright Citrus Defender

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) brings a bright, citrusy aroma to your yard that naturally deodorizes unpleasant smells. The cheerful fragrance acts like a blast of sunshine, neutralizing odors and leaving behind a fresh, clean scent. Lemon balm’s odor-fighting properties make it an ideal choice for pet owners who want to keep their yards smelling pleasant without relying on artificial scents.
This perennial herb thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, with ideal temperatures ranging from 70-80°F. Lemon balm grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, well-draining soil. The plant requires consistently moist soil, but it’s important to avoid waterlogged conditions. In Zone 5, planting lemon balm in containers can help prevent it from spreading too aggressively.
To harvest lemon balm, pick leaves as needed or harvest whole stems before the plant flowers for the best flavor and scent. The leaves can be used to make tea, infused into water for a refreshing drink, or dried for use in sachets or potpourri to freshen up indoor spaces.
Pineapple Sage: The Fruity Fragrance Enforcer

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) offers a unique, fruity aroma that can mask unpleasant odors while attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The sweet scent of pineapple sage stands out among traditional herbs, making it an effective odor-busting enforcer that brings a touch of unexpected charm to your yard.
This tender perennial thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11 and prefers temperatures between 65-80°F. In colder climates like Zone 5, it’s best to treat pineapple sage as an annual or grow it in containers that can be brought indoors before frost. Pineapple sage grows best in full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
To harvest pineapple sage, pick leaves and flowers as needed, cutting just above leaf nodes to encourage new growth. The leaves can be used in teas, fruit salads, and cocktails, while the flowers make a beautiful edible garnish. Dried leaves also add a pleasant, sweet fragrance to potpourri.
Most pop-up nurseries and seasonal plant suppliers will have pineapple sage available. Here in the Midwest, we have found it most reliably at Kaw Valley Greenhouses.
Anise Hyssop: The Licorice Lawmaker

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) neutralizes odors with its distinct licorice-like scent. This herb’s strong aroma acts as an odor-fighting lawmaker that takes a no-nonsense approach to keeping your yard smelling fresh. Anise hyssop’s fragrance is powerful enough to combat even the most stubborn odors, making it a must-have for pet owners.
Anise hyssop is a perennial herb that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10 and prefers temperatures between 65-75°F. It grows best in full sun and well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The plant requires moderate watering, and it’s important to avoid waterlogged conditions. In Zone 5, mulching around anise hyssop plants in winter helps protect roots from extreme cold.
To harvest anise hyssop, cut stems before the flowers fully bloom for optimal scent. The leaves can be used to make licorice-flavored teas, while dried flowers are a pleasant addition to potpourri. You can also infuse anise hyssop in honey for a unique culinary experience.
Grow a Natural Solution for Backyard Pet Odors
These fragrant herbs that are safe for dogs offer a natural and effective way to control odors in outdoor spaces. While generally non-toxic, it’s important to supervise pets around new plants and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns. By incorporating these herbs into your yard, you can create a more pleasant environment that’s both functional and beautiful.
To release their scent and maximize their odor-fighting power, regularly trim your herbs with a pair of garden pruning shears and scatter the cuttings around pet areas.
At Paw & Order Sanitation, we’re on a mission to keep local yards clean, safe, and odor-free. From routine pet waste removal to expert odor control solutions, our team is ready to take on the dirty work so you don’t have to. Let us handle the mess! Schedule your first cleanup today and enjoy a yard that’s always fresh and ready for fun!