Is there a spray to keep puppies from chewing furniture?

Quick Answer

Yes, there are sprays designed to deter puppies from chewing on furniture. These sprays often contain bitter tasting extracts or scents that puppies find unpleasant. They provide a safe and humane way to discourage unwanted chewing behaviors. Some popular and effective anti-chew sprays for puppies include Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray, Nature’s Miracle Bitter Spray, and Chew Guard Spray.

What Causes Puppies to Chew?

Chewing is a normal behavior for puppies. They chew for a variety of reasons:

• Teething – Chewing helps relieve sore gums and teething pain as adult teeth come in.
• Exploration – Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and new objects.
• Boredom – Chewing provides mental and physical stimulation.
• Attention Seeking – Puppies may chew to get attention from their owners.
• Stress Relief – Chewing releases endorphins that help puppies feel calm.

Although it’s normal, destructive chewing on furniture and other inappropriate items needs to be discouraged. Providing plenty of chew toys can help redirect a puppy’s chewing instincts. But sometimes a deterrent like a no-chew spray is needed as well.

When to Use an Anti-Chew Spray

Anti-chew sprays can be useful for:

• New puppies – Spraying items you don’t want chewed helps set boundaries.
• Teething puppies – The soreness of teething makes puppies want to chew more.
• Bored puppies – The spray gives them something unpleasant to chew on.
• Separation anxiety – The spray deters chewing from stress.
• Stubborn chewers – Some puppies are more determined and need the extra deterrent.

Start by spraying items that your puppy seems most attracted to chewing on. Focus the spraying in areas the puppy can access when unattended. Don’t use the spray as a punishment, just as a gentle training tool.

How Anti-Chew Sprays Work

Anti-chew sprays utilize taste and smell to curb chewing behaviors. Most contain bitter tasting extracts or strong scents that are unpleasant to puppies, but harmless. Common deterrent ingredients include:

• Bitter apple – Extract of bitter apples discourages chewing.
• Bitrex – Extremely bitter tasting but safe substance.
• Alcohol/citronella – Unpleasant strong odors repel puppies.
• Chili pepper – Adds a mild sting and bitter taste.
• Mint/citrus – Strong scents puppies dislike.

When a puppy chews on an object treated with an anti-chew spray, they get an immediate unpleasant sensation. This teaches them to avoid chewing on that object in the future. With repeated applications, puppies learn which items are off-limits for chewing.

Are Anti-Chew Sprays Safe?

Anti-chew sprays are considered very safe when label instructions are followed. Ingredients and concentrations are designed to be unpleasant but not harmful. Safety precautions include:

• Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and genitals – Only apply to intended surfaces.
• Do not use on puppies under 12 weeks old.
• Start with small amounts to check for skin/stomach irritation.
• Monitor puppy after first use in case of reactions.
• Do not spray near food, water bowls, or toys.

Immediately rinse off the spray if significant drooling, coughing, or irritation occurs. Discontinue use if reactions persist. Anti-chew sprays should never be used as punishment, only as a preventative measure.

How to Apply Anti-Chew Spray

Follow these steps when using an anti-chew spray:

1. Read label and follow all precautions.
2. Pick appropriate objects to spray – Focus on commonly chewed items.
3. Clean surfaces so the spray adheres well.
4. Apply spray evenly according to directions.
5. Allow to dry fully before puppy accesses the area.
6. Reapply as needed, usually every 1-2 weeks.

Target corners, legs, and edges of furniture in puppy-accessible areas. Also spray outdoor objects like decks, fences, and landscaping if needed. Test fabrics and finishes in an inconspicuous location first to check for discoloration or damage. Reapply regularly since the spray can wear off over time.

6 Best Anti-Chew Sprays for Puppies

Here are 6 top-rated anti-chew sprays to consider for puppies:

1. Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray

• Top selling anti-chew spray
• All-natural bitter apple formula
• Alcohol-free
• For dogs over 12 weeks old
• Discourages licking, biting, chewing

Grannick’s Bitter Apple is veterinarian recommended and the #1 best selling anti-chew spray. The natural bitter apple scent and flavor deters destructive chewing behaviors. It can be sprayed directly in the mouth to stop licking and biting as well.

2. Nature’s Miracle Bitter Spray

• Fast-acting bitter deterrent
• Contains natural lemon scent
• Safe for puppies over 8 weeks
• Trusted dog care brand
• Use for furniture, baseboards, more

Nature’s Miracle is a popular pet care product line. Their bitter no-chew spray quickly modifies destructive chewing with safe but unpleasant tasting extracts. The lemon scent provides additional repellent properties.

3. Chew Guard Spray

• Works on leather, wood, more
• Contains chili pepper extract
• Long-lasting protective coating
• Discourages dogs from licking also
• Can use around food bowls

Chew Guard Spray provides a safe yet unpleasant tasting coating. Natural capsaicin from chili peppers gives added bitter flavor. The long-lasting formula adheres well to wood, furniture, painted trim and more. It can even be used around dog bowls to prevent licking.

4. Bodhi Dog Bitter Spray

• All-natural plant-based formula
• Contains bitter aloe and green tea
• No alcohol, chemicals, or soap
• Deters chewing and licking
• Money-back guarantee

Bodhi Dog Bitter Spray offers a gentle and effective all-natural deterrent using bitter aloe, green tea extracts, and lemongrass. The plant-based ingredients are safe if licked or ingested. There’s no irritating soap or chemical taste. It’s made in the USA with a satisfaction guarantee.

5. Pet MasterMind Stop That! Spray

• Fast chewing deterrent
• Mint and lemon scent
• Stops destructive chewing
• Discourages puppy jumping
• Can spray in air to distract

Stop That! spray by Pet MasterMind pairs a minty scent with bitter lemon extracts to quickly deter puppies from chewing on off-limit items. A light mist can also be sprayed in the air to distract jumping and nipping behavior. It’s made in the USA with natural ingredients.

6. Four Paws Keep Off! Indoor Spray

• Works on furniture, drapes, more
• Contains natural citronella and lemongrass
• Repels chewing and scratching
• Alcohol-free formula
• Highly rated brand

Four Paws Keep Off! Indoor Spray uses the strong scents of citronella and lemongrass to repel destructive chewing and scratching. The alcohol-free formula is safe to use on wood, upholstery, drapes and other household items. Four Paws is a top choice brand among pet owners.

Tips for Using Anti-Chew Spray

Follow these tips to get the most success when using an anti-chew spray with your puppy:

• Pick a dedicated chew toy to redirect your puppy’s chewing urges towards.
• Praise and reward your puppy when chewing on appropriate toys and items.
• Try different sprays if one doesn’t seem effective for your puppy.
• Be patient – It can take weeks of consistent use to work.
• Focus spraying on problem areas but don’t go overboard.
• Reapply the spray regularly since the taste and smell fade over time.
• Make sure your puppy has enough exercise, socialization, and activities.
• Address anxiety, boredom, or other root causes of destructive chewing.

Having realistic expectations will help both you and your puppy stay positive through the training process. With time, consistency, and praise your puppy will learn good chewing habits.

Additional Ways to Puppy-Proof Your Home

Using an anti-chew spray is one way to deter puppies from chewing household objects. Consider these other puppy-proofing tips as well:

• Keep shoes, remote controls, eyeglasses, and anything enticing out of reach.
• Block access to electric cords and poisonous houseplants.
• Use baby gates to restrict access to parts of the home.
• Crate train your puppy to confine them when unattended.
• Apply masking tape or double-sided tape to surfaces puppies want to chew.
• Consider bitter tasting gels, powders, or tapes made just for pet training.
• Remove temptation by covering furniture legs or putting away rugs.

Taking preventative measures will help manage destructive chewing behaviors until your puppy matures. Keep tempting items out of reach and provide plenty of appropriate outlets for their chewing instinct.

Signs Your Puppy is Chewing Too Much

While some chewing behavior is normal in puppies, excessive chewing can be problematic. Watch for these signs of destructive chewing:

• Chewing that causes damage, like torn upholstery or broken objects.
• Chewing despite correction or anti-chew sprays.
• Eating non-food items that can cause intestinal blockages.
• Aggressive chewing accompanied by growling.
• Chewing that seems obsessive or anxious.
• Chewing when left alone, indicating separation anxiety.

Excessive chewing to the point of destruction requires more training and management. It also warrants a veterinary visit to check for pain, anxiety, boredom, or other issues leading to the behavior. Address the underlying cause along with using deterrents.

When to Call the Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if:

• Your puppy has sensitivity or adverse reactions to anti-chew spray.
• Chewing seems excessive or obsessive despite training efforts.
• Your puppy eats pieces of household objects.
• Chewing is accompanied by aggression or other behavior changes.
• You suspect underlying pain, illness, or stress causing the chewing.

Destructive chewing can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Puppies also sometimes swallow pieces of rawhide, fabric, stuffing, or other dangerous objects while chewing. Call your vet if you have any concerns about your puppy’s chewing habits or health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about anti-chew sprays for puppies:

Are anti-chew sprays safe for puppies?

Anti-chew sprays are considered safe for most puppies over 8-12 weeks old. Read labels carefully and monitor your puppy’s reaction. Avoid spraying in eyes, nose, or genitals. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

How long does anti-chew spray last?

Depending on the formula, anti-chew sprays typically last 1-2 weeks before wearing off. Reapply on a regular basis for continued chewing deterrence.

Where should anti-chew spray be applied?

Focus on objects and surfaces your puppy tries to chew that you want them to avoid. This includes furniture legs, baseboards, wood trim, floors, and other household items within reach.

What surfaces can anti-chew spray be used on?

Anti-chew sprays are safe for most wood, leather, plastic, metal, upholstered furniture, painted surfaces, concrete, and outdoor plants. Avoid fine furnishings. Always test an inconspicuous area first.

Can anti-chew spray be used for adult dogs?

Yes, anti-chew sprays can be used to modify destructive chewing behavior in adult dogs. Focus spraying on problem areas and reapply regularly for training.

Conclusion

Anti-chew sprays provide a safe, effective deterrent against destructive chewing behaviors in puppies. Look for formulas containing natural bitter extracts or strong scents to discourage puppies from chewing on furniture, woodwork, plants, and other household items. Apply regularly to problem areas and reinforce good chewing habits. Along with puppy-proofing your home, anti-chew sprays give puppies appropriate boundaries while their adult teeth come in. With patience and consistency, puppies learn appropriate vs. inappropriate chewing thanks to anti-chew training sprays.