Dogs and puppies love to chew on everything they can get their teeth on. From shoes to furniture legs, this natural behavior can quickly become a costly problem for pet owners.
Commercial bitter sprays work well, but they can be expensive and contain chemicals many pet parents prefer to avoid.
This blog promises a simple solution. Making homemade bitter spray is easy, safe, and costs much less than store-bought versions. The ingredients are probably already in most kitchens.
Readers will learn which ingredients work best and how to apply the spray properly. Plus, they’ll find harmful ingredients to avoid.
Why Do Dogs and Puppies Like to Chew Everything?
Dogs and puppies chew everything for several natural and behavioral reasons.
For puppies, chewing helps relieve the discomfort caused by teething, similar to human babies. Adult dogs chew to keep their jaws strong and teeth clean, fulfilling an instinctive need.
Chewing also acts as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress, anxiety, or boredom, especially when dogs are left alone or under-stimulated. Some dogs chew to seek attention or because they are hungry, especially if their diet is calorie-restricted.
Additionally, chewing is a way for dogs to learn about their environment, learning what is edible or interesting through their mouths. Bitter Spray can help dog owners control their furry friend’s chewing habits and save the expensive things they own.
Step-by-Step Homemade Bitter Spray for Dogs
If your dog has developed a habit of chewing furniture, cords, or shoes, a homemade bitter spray can help deter this behavior safely and naturally. This DIY solution uses safe ingredients easily found in most households.
The following are the steps for homemade bitter spray for dogs.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make bitter spray for dogs, you’ll need apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, lemon, and water for a non-toxic bitter spray.
You’ll also need a clean spray bottle for storage. Each ingredient plays a role; vinegar repels with its scent, lemon adds bitterness, and apple cider vinegar introduces a bad taste.
These elements combine to create an unpleasant taste that deters dogs from chewing household items. Always avoid harsh chemicals and essential oils (like tea tree) that might be toxic to dogs.
2. Mix the Ingredients Thoroughly
Pour 2/3 cup of white vinegar and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar into a clean spray bottle, or mix 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with 5 tablespoons water for a gentler formula. If desired, you can add a few drops of lemon juice for an even more unappealing taste. Shake the bottle vigorously to ensure everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
3. Test the Spray and Apply
Before widespread use, spray a small, hidden area of your furniture or intended surface to ensure it won’t discolor or damage the material. Wait and inspect after a few minutes.
If safe, lightly mist the areas your dog likes to chew. Reapply daily or after cleaning, taking care to avoid eyes and sensitive skin.
4. Store and Use Safely
Store your bitter spray in a cool, dark place, ideally in a labeled spray bottle. Keep out of reach of children and pets when not in use.
For best results, continue regular application and combine with positive training strategies, redirecting your dog’s chewing to safe toys and rewarding good behavior
5. Monitor and Reinforce Training
Watch how your dog reacts after spraying the treated areas. If they avoid chewing, praise and reward them with treats or affection to reinforce good behavior.
If your dog continues to chew, supervise closely and reapply the spray as needed.
Combining the bitter spray with positive reinforcement and regular physical and mental stimulation helps reduce chewing habits altogether more effectively.
Ingredients to Avoid for Bitter Spray for Dogs
Certain ingredients should always be avoided when making homemade bitter spray for dogs, as they can be harmful or irritating. Selecting safe, pet-friendly components is crucial to prevent accidental poisoning or discomfort.
| Ingredient | Why to Avoid | Potential Effects on Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Oils (tea tree, clove, cinnamon) | Many are toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin. | Vomiting, skin irritation, and organ damage |
| Cayenne Pepper | It can cause severe irritation to a dog’s nose, mouth, and eyes. | Eye watering, sneezing, and burning sensations |
| Citrus Oils or Peels | Citrus is irritating and sometimes toxic to dogs in concentrated forms. | Drooling, vomiting, depression (in severe cases) |
| Onion or Garlic Extract | Highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. | Anemia, lethargy, and digestive upset |
| Rubbing Alcohol | Toxic even in small quantities when inhaled or licked. | Disorientation, respiratory issues, coma |
| Hot Sauce | Overwhelming to a dog’s senses and may cause inflammation. | Oral pain, gastrointestinal distress |
| Ammonia | Extremely harsh chemicals and dangerous when inhaled. | Lung irritation, aggression, and fear response |
Additional Dog Chewing Prevention Tips for Pet Owners
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and puppies, but when it becomes destructive, it can be frustrating for pet owners.
Fortunately, there are several other effective strategies beyond homemade bitter spray for dogs to help prevent unwanted chewing and protect your belongings while keeping your dog happy and engaged.
- Dog-proof your home: Keep shoes, clothing, and valuables out of reach to reduce temptation.
- Provide plenty of chew toys: Offer a variety of size-appropriate and durable toys, rotating them regularly to maintain your dog’s interest.
- Ensure sufficient exercise: Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation reduce boredom and excess energy, common causes of chewing.
- Supervise and redirect: Closely watch your dog and gently redirect chewing to approved toys, praising positive behavior.
- Create a safe space: Use crate training or a dog-proof room when you cannot supervise to prevent destructive chewing.
- Use positive reinforcement training: Reward your dog for chewing on appropriate items to build good habits.
- Monitor teething puppies: Provide teething-specific toys and prevent access to harmful items to ease discomfort.
- Remove or cover furniture legs: Use double-sided tape or protective covers to make them unappealing to chew.
NOTE: If chewing persists despite your efforts, consult a certified trainer or behaviorist.
The Bottom Line
Creating homemade bitter spray for dogs is one of the smartest moves dog owners can make. It saves money, uses safe ingredients, and works better than many expensive alternatives.
Dogs respond well to these natural deterrents when applied consistently.
Remember to reapply the spray every few days for maximum effectiveness. Beyond stopping destructive chewing, this approach builds a stronger bond between pets and their families.
Owners take control of training without harsh chemicals or expensive products.
Ready to protect your belongings and help your dog develop better habits? Mix up a batch today and watch the chewing problems disappear within days.
FAQs
How Often Should I Reapply Homemade Bitter Spray?
Reapply homemade bitter spray at least once a week or whenever the scent fades, and potentially daily if your dog continues to chew the treated area.
Is Homemade Bitter Spray Safe for All Dog Breeds and Puppies?
Homemade bitter spray is generally safe for all dog breeds and puppies when using non-toxic ingredients, but always do a small test for allergies or sensitivities first.
Will the Spray Stain Furniture or Fabrics?
The spray is usually safe for furniture or fabrics, but test on a small, hidden spot first to ensure it won’t stain or damage the material.
How to Store Leftover Bitter Spray?
Store leftover bitter spray in a cool, dry place, preferably out of reach of pets and children, and ensure the bottle is tightly sealed.
