There are a variety of reasons why your dog may be chewing on things they shouldn’t. Maybe they’re teething, maybe they’re bored, or maybe they’re just curious. Whatever the reason, it can be frustrating for you as the owner. Chewing can lead to damage to your belongings and can be unsafe for your dog if they’re chewing on something that’s poisonous.
One way to help stop your dog’s chewing habits is to use a bitter apple spray. Bitter apple spray is a safe, non-toxic way to deter your dog from chewing. There are many different brands of bitter apple spray, and in this article, we’ll help you choose the best bitter apple spray for dogs.
How does bitter apple spray work for dogs?
Before we get into the different brands of bitter apple spray, let’s discuss how it works. Bitter apple spray is made with bitter compounds that are safe for dogs but taste unpleasant.
When your dog bites or chews on something that’s been sprayed with bitter apple spray, they’ll experience an unpleasant taste. This will help deter them from chewing on that item again in the future.
Because of their strong sense of smell, dogs eventually associate the smell of bitter apple spray with the unpleasant taste. (1) This can help deter your dog from chewing even if they haven’t tasted the spray directly.
It can be a very effective deterrent tool if used correctly. However, it’s important to note that not all dogs will be deterred by bitter apple spray. Some dogs may find the taste unpleasant but continue to chew anyway. So, you have to test it out to see if it works for your dog.
What is the best bitter apple spray for dogs?
There are many different brands of bitter apple spray on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the best one for your dog. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a bitter apple spray: make sure the ingredients are safe for dogs, look for a spray with a strong bitter flavor, and choose a spray that’s easy to use.
By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to find a bitter apple spray that will work well for your dog. Let’s take a look at some of the best bitter apple sprays for dogs on the market.
1Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray for Dogs
Grannick’s is one of the most popular brands of bitter apple spray, and for good reason. Their spray is made with safe, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for dogs. It has a strong, bitter flavor that dogs dislike, and it’s very easy to use.
The apple spray is that it can be applied to furniture without damaging it. So, if your dog likes to chew on furniture, this is a great option to help deter them.
It also is the most affordable option on our list. If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable bitter apple spray, Grannick’s is the way to go.
What we like the most: It can be applied to furniture. It’s also safe to use around children and other pets.
Pros
- Strong, bitter flavor
- Very easy to use
- Can be applied to furniture without damaging it
- Made with safe, non-toxic ingredients
Cons
- Some dogs may not be deterred by the taste
2Blue care labs bitter apple spray
If you’re looking for a bitter apple spray that doesn’t have a strong smell, Blue care labs is a great option. This spray has a strong, bitter flavor that dogs hate, but it’s completely odorless. So, you don’t have to worry about the spray being too overpowering.
It’s also non-toxic, so it’s safe to use around children and other pets. And, it’s very easy to use. Just spray the surface you want to deter your dog from chewing on, and walk away.
What we like the most: It’s odorless, so you don’t have to worry about the spray being too overpowering.
Bonus
Pros
- Odorless
- Strong, bitter flavor
- Alcohol-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some dogs may not be deterred by the taste
- A bit more expensive
3Bodhi Dog Premium Bitter Apple Spray
If the other 2 options didn’t work for you, give Bodhi Dog’s Spray a try. It’s made with natural ingredients and is safe to use around children and other pets. The bitter taste will deter your dog from chewing, but it won’t hurt them.
Their packaging is made with recycled materials and is biodegradable, so you can feel good about using their product. And, if you’re not satisfied, they offer a money-back guarantee.
What we like the most: A well-made bitter apple spray that is environmentally friendly and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
How to use bitter apply spray to stop your dog from chewing?
Now that you know which bitter apple spray to choose, let’s talk about how to use it.
When using any type of deterrent spray, you want to be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first. This will help you determine if the spray will damage your furniture or not.
Once you’ve determined that the spray is safe to use, simply spray the surface you want to deter your dog from chewing on. Be sure to thoroughly cover the area that your dog typically chews on.
The first few days your dog may try to chew on the sprayed surface as usual. This is normal, as they still need to experience the bad taste to be deterred from chewing. Once they realize that the taste is unpleasant, they’ll stop trying to chew on the sprayed surface.
Eventually, they will associate the smell of the bitter apple spray with the unpleasant taste, and they’ll avoid chewing on anything that smells like it.
How to make your own bitter apple spray?
Maybe you want to save money by making your own bitter apple spray. Or, maybe you just want to know what’s in your dog’s bitter apple spray. Either way, it’s easy to make your own bitter apple spray at home.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 2 cups of Apple cider vinegar
- Spraybottle
Simply mix the ingredients together and put them in a spray bottle. That’s it! Your homemade bitter apple spray is ready to use. Like the commercial bitter apple spray’s, be sure to use this on an inconsequential area first to test for any adverse effects.
Do’s and Don’ts when using a bitter apple spray
So, you ‘ve decided to use a bitter apple spray to stop your dog from chewing. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using this type of spray.
Do's
- Test the spray in an inconspicuous area first
- Spray the surface your dog typically chews on
- Be consistent with using the spray
- Reapply the spray as needed
Don'ts
- Use the spray as a punishment
- Spray your dog directly with the bitter apple spray
- Use the spray near your dog's face or eyes
- Use the spray on yourself or other people
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Packaging is eco-friendly
- Bitter taste deters chewing
Cons
- Seems to be a bit less effective as the first 2 options
Final thoughts – Best bitter apple spray for dogs
If your dog is a chewer, then you know how frustrating it can be. But, with the right bitter apple spray, you can deter them from chewing on your belongings.
We hope that our reviews and buyer’s guide have helped you choose the best bitter apple spray for your dog. And, we’ve also included a recipe for making your own homemade bitter apple spray.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and find the best bitter apple spray for your four-legged friend. Your belongings will thank you!
