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.
According to the RSPCA dogs chew for the following reasons:
- playing – chewing apart a book or couch
- teething – dogs 3 to 6 months of age that chew often chew on household objects
- scavenging – for food, garbage raiding
- satisfying – a natural urge to chew and gnaw; which may serve to help keep teeth and gums healthy.
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.
You will need:
WHITE VINEGAR – a natural, inexpensive alternative to harsh commercial cleaners, used as a mild disinfectant, cuts through grease, de-scaler, glass cleaner, cleans floors etc.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – offers the same benefits as plain white vinegar with a more pleasant smell. Both white and apple cidear vinegar have a similar acidity level.
YOU WILL NEED
- 1 part white vinegar
- 2 parts apple cider vinegar
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.
Notes
Remember to shake the bottle before each use.
Do you have any great tips to help prevent puppy chewing what they shouldn’t?
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22 comments
Kat you are genius I love that you share all this advise, I’m not one to make products myself, but I didn’t even realise there was such a thing that can be purchased. But.. I do have these ingredients in my pantry so I’m going to give it a go on my old girl, see if it may stop her from chewing my sewing table legs.
Marilyn, I would love to hear how you went.
Hi, do you think this would work on cats as well? Our cat is clawing our Lounge. thanks
Lyn, I haven’t personally tried the spray for our cat but the ingredients are natural so it won’t hurt to try. Let me know how you go.
I tried this spray with our 9 week old golden retriever and she actually loved it. As a matter of fact, she runs to to spot I sprayed and licks it up like it’s a treat! Too bad, I really hoped it would work!
Oh no Laura! I haven’t heard of this before. Hopefully she grows out of her teething stage quick smart for you 😉
The same with my little westie! When he initially smelt it, he didn’t like it but after leaving it for a few minutes to “air dry” he was back at it and it was as if nothing happened!
Oh no Margaret 🙁 Sounds like your puppies are a lot more persistent than mine was.
This is wonderful! Also, what an adorable puppy! She looks so sweet! I will be trying this out when I get my puppy!
Thanks for all the information and formulas. . You have a great blog. I really enjoy it and pass it on.
Glad you find it helpful.
Would this be safe to use on floor boards, wood furniture, fabric furniture, etc?
What do u mean one part white two part cider? How much is that?
Depending how much you’d like to make Gabrielle, simply add twice as much apple cider vinegar as you do white vinegar. For example 1 cup of white vinegar + 2 cups of apple cider vinegar would work. Hope this helps. Kat x
Hi, Read you blog, is there any alternative to Apple cider vinegar?Somehow my puppy is loving that 🙁
Oh no! My puppy hated this spray. Perhaps try giving some more toys that puppy is allowed to chew (with treats inside!) and keep your dog in an area when you’re not home that means they can’t get to the furniture when you’re not looking. Good luck!!
hi my dog keeps chewing on my blinds when i go to work i have a camera that i can keep an eye on her but i cant watch all the time.i tried a spray from pet shop it didnt seem to work but i will try this spay any more tips that could help plzx
They do like to get into things they’re not allowed to get into don’t they? If you contain your pup in another area of your home when you’re out, that way you can train him not to do it when you’re home. Otherwise I’d suggest giving your dog lots of chew toys to play with – you could even put peanut butter on some to make them irresistible! Hope this helps, Kat x
Hi. Can you please respond to Morgan’s question about being safe on wood floors, furniture, baseboards, etc? Thanks
Hi Cheryl, I haven’t had any issues with using this spray on my floors or furniture, however my floors are tiles. I would suggest doing a small patch text in a corner or on the underside of your couch before using. I also wouldn’t use it on wooden floorboards that aren’t sealed well. Hope this helps 🙂 Kat x
Hello
Just wondering how often the spray will need to be applied? 1 week, 2 weeks, hopefully not daily ?
Darren I did use this spray daily back when my little girl was chewing. I didn’t need to do this for long though, as she very quickly learnt not to chew the table legs. Good luck!