Dog’s like chewing on things – and that’s normal. But sometimes this behavior can be extreme and even detrimental to their health (and your stuff!). For this reason, it’s important to be able to recognize normal, healthy chewing versus unhealthy, destructive chewing.
In this article we’ll discuss why dogs chew, and how to tell normal chewing from excessive chewing. We will also cover what problems can lead to destructive chewing, and ways to alleviate the cause.
Sometimes it is necessary to step in and use anti-chew sprays as a training tool to help keep your pup from causing destruction, so we will go over our top three picks for best dog anti-chew sprays as well.
See our best dog chew spray quick guide below, or read below for more detailed reviews!
You can apply anti-chew sprays directly to your dog
During our review, we came across many owners who used an anti-chew spray to stop their pups from chewing on injuries.
Grunt, a snuffly Bulldog, recently had surgery to remove a foxtail that was deeply embedded in his leg. His owner used an anti-chew spray to stop him from biting his stitches.
Another owner used an anti-chew spray to stop a Golden Retriever from licking at an itchy hotspot.
When used on injuries, an anti-chew spray can be a great alternative to the cone of shame.
Best Overall: Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray
Developed by a pharmacist back in 1960, Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray is the real deal. Six decades later, it continues to be the best-selling and overall most effective anti-chew spray on the market. Grannick’s has no odor for humans, but dogs dislike the smell and taste. Made in the USA, this sour apple spray is non-toxic and doesn’t stain fabric or furniture. It gets consistently higher customer ratings compared to any other anti-chew spray. Still, there are mixed reviews about how effective this product is in deterring pets from licking and chewing.
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray ingredients include water, isopropanol 20%, bitter principles, and extractives. If you’re thinking about spraying Grannick’s directly on your dog’s skin or fur, contact your vet to make sure the isopropanol is safe to use directly on your dog’s skin. Alcohol can dry out skin, making your dog’s itchiness worse. And it can also cause stinging.
#1 Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Chew Dog Training Spray
Our top choice is this Anti-Chew Dog Training Spray made by Pets Are Kids Too. We believe this is a great product to prevent your pooch from licking and chewing your rugs, carpets, curtains, and furniture at home.
Featuring a bitter apple flavor, this anti-chew dog spray will appear unpleasant to the taste buds of your pup and will deter it from ever chewing again.
Eventually, your dog will learn never to chew any of your precious stuff ever again, which breaks its bad behavior. What’s great about this product is that a portion of the sale is given to Pets Are Kids Too, an organization that takes care of pets with cancer.
It’s also alcohol-free and therefore lasts longer as compared to alcohol-based sprays.
FAQ
Does bitter apple spray work for dogs?
What works better than bitter apple?
- Rocco & Roxie Extreme Bitter Spray. 90% Success Rate. See on Amazon.
- Fooey! Ultra-Bitter Training Spray. 80% Success Rate. See on Amazon.
- Emmy’s Best. 78% Success Rate.
- Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray. 76% Success Rate.
- Pets Are Kids Too Bitter Spray. 70% Success Rate.
What is the most effective anti chew spray for dogs?
What can I spray so my dog doesn’t chew?