Homemade Dog Anti Chew Spray

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Our little (well not so little anymore) puppy Zoe is turning one soon. She has been an absolutely delightful addition to our family, I couldn’t not imagine having her in our lives; we kick ourselves wondering why it took us so long to get a dog…. but then I think it’s because we were waiting for Zoe. When we first got Zoe I created my Puppy Cleaning Caddy to have everything within easy reach for when she made any mess. Included in my caddy was puppy chew spray.

Chewing is also a self-soothing behaviour as it releases endorphins which help to relax and calm a dog. Some dogs may chew to receive attention (even if it is negative) or treats from the owners if knowing they are received each time they chew, therefore being inadvertently rewarded for their behaviour. Chewing and destructive behaviours may also be a response to anxiety. Dogs that are confined in areas where they are insecure may dig and chew in an attempt to escape. Dogs that are in a state of conflict, arousal or anxiety, such as separation anxiety, may turn to chewing and other forms of destructiveness as an outlet.

I did find some puppy chew spray at the pet shop; but it was rather pricey and I also wanted to create something I knew was natural. I did some researching and have been using this mix, which is super easy plus I already had all the ingredients in my pantry!

Thankfully Zoe doesn’t chew everything in the house anymore, but when she was younger this spray was amazing. As puppies like to chew on everything they can see, dining chair legs, indoor plants, pots, books, TV units, stools, you name it Zoe gave it a go. As soon as I saw her starting to chew something I sprayed it with this puppy chew spray. I sprayed the homemade concoction on the area she was chewing and she instantly ran in the other direction, usually off to rub her face on the carpet. Do remember, this is a natural spray so didn’t harm her at all. Usually she would stop chewing that area, however, she tried again a few days later, which I sprayed the area again, she soon learned to stay away from that area. This spray worked!!

Dogs really don’t like the flavor and smell of vinegar and biter apples, so this combination together works wonders.

Boredom Or Lack Of Physical And Mental Stimulation

Although chewing is a normal and natural behavior in all dogs and puppies, excessive chewing may indicate that your pup is bored. Dogs are intelligent creatures, especially those super smart breeds. But, if they don’t get to express all that pent up energy (both mental and physical), they may start to behave destructively, including chewing on objects with the sole purpose of destroying them.

Likewise, dogs are clever little beings and quickly learn what behaviors grab your attention. So, if your pup is dying for your attention, they may start to chew on objects they shouldn’t.

By the way, you’ll want to closely monitor your own behavior so you wouldn’t accidentally reward and drive bad behaviors yourself.

A simple, but extremely underrated solution for that problem is to make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and playtime throughout the day. You’ll also want to give your pup plenty of chew toys, interactive games, and puzzle toys to play with, to keep their mind in the best shape.

We’ve already established that chewing releases endorphins that help calm and soothe your pup. But did you know that sometimes dogs start excessively chewing because they feel stressed and anxious? This is especially common in dogs that struggle with separation anxiety.

Naturally, chewing can make them feel much more safe and secure in those situations. On the other hand, it’s not a healthy outlet if your dog is having trouble being by themselves or in certain situations.

As if dealing with an excessively chewy dog isn’t enough, there’s also the issue of scavenging. Some dogs are particularly predisposed to garbage raiding and chewing on anything else that’s disgusting. Not only does this leave your pup smelling awful, it can also cause some serious health issues for your beloved pet.

Can Bitter Apple Spray Hurt My Puppy?

No. Bitter apple sprays are made using apple cider, vinegar, lemon juice, and water. These sprays are non-toxic and can safely be applied to fabrics and furniture.

Usage Instructions:

  • Combine the white vinegar and apple cider vinegar in your spray bottle.
  • Shake the bottle well.
  • That’s it! Now you can spray your homemade anti-chew spray for dogs on objects and areas that your pup likes to chew.

    • FAQ

    How do you make dog anti-chew spray?

    Instructions. Add 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake bottle to combine. Spray Homemade Puppy Chew Spray onto area puppy is chewing to prevent them from continuing to chew.

    Does spraying vinegar stop dogs from chewing?

    Discouraging a few destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture can be easily prevented by using vinegar. Put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on and around furniture which you would like to become off-limits to your pooch.

    Will lemon juice Stop puppy chewing?

    All you need is lemon, water, and a spray bottle. Squeeze out the lemon in a bottle, add some water, and then spray on socks, toes, or other items that your puppy is nipping and the nipping will be more likely to stop.

    What is the best homemade dog repellent?

    How do you make homemade dog repellent? In a clean spray bottle, mix two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and 20 drops of any citrus scented essential oil into one and a half cups of cold water. Mix well and spray in the places around your home that you want the dog to stay away from.