Dogs chew on furniture for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, puppies and young dogs chew to relieve pain and discomfort from teething. Older dogs may chew due to stress, anxiety, boredom, or a compulsive behavioral disorder. Regardless of the reason, chewing on furniture can be destructive and expensive. As a dog owner, you’ll want to take steps to prevent and stop this undesirable behavior. The good news is there are many effective commercial and homemade products you can apply to furniture to deter chewing and save your belongings.
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What Causes Dogs to Chew Furniture?
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. In the wild, canines chew on bones, sticks, and foliage to relieve boredom and anxiety. Chewing also helps strengthen jaws and clean teeth. These natural urges don’t disappear when dogs become domesticated. When dogs are anxious, bored, teething, or lacking adequate mental and physical stimulation, they may redirect these impulses onto your furniture, shoes, remote controls, and other household objects. Common reasons for furniture chewing include:
- Teething – Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies teethe as their adult teeth grow in. This causes soreness and discomfort in their gums. Chewing on household objects applies pressure to their gums and brings relief.
- Separation Anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may chew and destroy items when left alone as a coping mechanism for stress.
- Lack of Mental Stimulation – Intelligent, active breeds like Labradors and Border Collies require regular mental stimulation through training, play, and social interaction. When under-stimulated, they entertain themselves by chewing destructive.
- Lack of Physical Exercise – Dogs need regular opportunities to run and play. Without enough physical activity, they have pent up energy and anxiety that they release through chewing and other destructive behaviors.
- Medical Issues – In some cases, chewing and destruction points to an underlying medical issue like canine cognitive dysfunction or gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s important to rule out health problems with your vet.
- Boredom – All dogs need entertainment, particularly when left alone for long periods. Lack of engaging toys and activities leads to boredom chewing.
- Compulsion – Some dogs, especially breeds like Labradors that are motivated by food, develop compulsive chewing habits. They may obsessively mouth and destroy household objects, even when their other needs are met.
Knowing the source of your dog’s chewing habit allows you to address the problem through training, exercise, toys, and avoiding triggers. It also guides your approach to protecting your furniture.
How to Puppy Proof Furniture
Until your puppy matures or you resolve a chewing issue with an adult dog, you’ll want to safeguard your belongings. Take these steps to puppy proof your home:
- Use crates – When you can’t supervise your puppy, place him in a wire crate with safe chew toys. Close off rooms or block access to furniture with baby gates.
- Dog-proof dangerous items – Remove and store shoes, remote controls, and anything else that would be hazardous if chewed and ingested.
- Provide appropriate chews – Give your puppy plenty of enticing Nylabones, Kongs, rope toys, and chew treats to satisfy his needs.
- Exercise daily – Take your puppy for walks, play fetch, or enroll in a puppy obedience and play group to burn off energy.
- Train your dog – Use positive reinforcement to teach “leave it” and “drop it” commands. This teaches impulse control.
- Apply commercial deterrents – Use bitter apple spray, anti-chew stickers, or pet repellants on furniture and baseboards.
- Cover furniture – Protect couches and chairs with removable furniture covers or slipcovers.
These management approaches reduce temptation and opportunity for your teething puppy. However, supervising your dog and crating when you can’t actively watch him remains the safest approach. Once your puppy matures and learns acceptable chew toys, you can discontinue crating. If destructive chewing reemerges as a habit in an adult dog, identify the cause through veterinary exams and behaviorist consultations. Manage the underlying issues with targeted training, medication, exercise, and environmental enrichment.
Top Commercial Anti-Chew Sprays
When applied to furniture, fabrics, baseboards, and other household items, commercial anti-chew sprays provide an unpleasant bitter taste that deters dogs from mouthing and chewing. These taste deterrents are safe for dogs and people, but deliver a bitter flavor when licked or chewed. They don’t harm your furniture. Anti-chew sprays provide an immediate but temporary solution until you can resolve the root cause of destructive chewing. Follow package directions closely as application technique impacts efficacy. Reapply frequently on areas your dog attempts to chew. Here are top-rated anti-chew sprays:
Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray
Grannick’s Bitter Apple is the best-selling anti-chew spray. The non-toxic formula relies on bitter apple flavoring. It’s safe if licked but deters chewing behaviors. Spray it directly on furniture, shoes, trash cans, or any object. The bitter taste lingers for up to 24 hours. Reapply daily until chewing resolves. An 8 oz bottle costs around $10.
Nature’s Miracle No-Chew Bitter Spray
Nature’s Miracle No-Chew Bitter Spray takes effect immediately when sprayed on household items and furniture. The natural formula halts destructive chewing without harming your pet if licked. Pets associate the bitter flavor with the undesired behavior. Reapply as needed. It costs approximately $7 for a 24 oz bottle.
Vetoquinol Anti-Chew Spray
Vetoquinol Anti-Chew Spray creates a seriously bitter taste that prevents destructive chewing when applied to woodwork, furniture, bandages, and household items. The non-toxic and hypoallergenic formula is safe for application around pets, children, and residences. The long-lasting formula remains effective for up to 2 weeks. Apply around the edges of household objects to create a deterrent border. An 8 oz bottle costs around $10.
Bodhi Dog Bitter Lemon Spray
Bodhi Dog Bitter Lemon Spray utilizes natural oils and lemon juice to deliver a bitter citrus taste dogs dislike. Spray it directly onto dry surfaces like furniture, carpets, doors, and molding that you want to protect from scratching and chewing. The formula dries on surfaces and the bitterness remains for up to 24 hours. It’s safe for use around kids and pets when dry. Customers like this budget-friendly option that costs around $6 for a 16 oz spray.
DIY Homemade Anti-Chewing Solutions
In a pinch, you can whip up homemade chew deterrents from ingredients in your pantry. They provide a budget-friendly, non-toxic alternative to commercial sprays. Most recipes rely on a sour, bitter, or spicy taste. Reapply these frequently as they don’t last as long commercial products. Test them on small inconspicuous areas first to ensure the ingredients don’t stain or damage your furniture or fabrics. Here are effective options:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water and spray it directly on furniture and belongings. You can also saturate cotton balls and place them around your home. The vinegar smell dissipates once dry. Dogs dislike the sour taste.
Citrus Odors
Dogs tend to dislike citrus smells. Rub lemon or orange rinds where dogs are chewing. You can also try lemon juice diluted with water. The scent of citrus peels also deters cats from chewing houseplants.
Vicks Vapor Rub
Dab a small amount of Vicks Vapor Rub, Tiger Balm, or another mentholated cream near chewing sites. Dogs avoid the strong menthol smell and taste. Never apply these ointments directly to your dog.
Cayenne Pepper Spray
Mix 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Transfer to a spray bottle. Spray onto furniture, baseboards, plants, or problem areas. The spice deters chewing while the citrus flavor strengthens the repellent smell. Avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin and eyes.
Pepper and Vinegar Spray
Add 2 teaspoons of black pepper and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray fabrics, furniture, rugs, and belongings to repel destructive pets. The pepper smell dissipates once dry.
Commercial Anti-Chew Deterrents
In addition to sprays, many products available at pet stores and online provide a physical deterrent that prevents destructive chewing. These humane tools apply an unpleasant texture, sensation, aroma, or flavor to discourage mouthing or biting household items. Here are smart options:
Anti-Chew Pet Strips
These clear, flexible strips adhere to furniture edges with adhesive backing. Embedded spikes or bumps make chewing uncomfortable. Strips don’t damage furniture. When affixed to chairs, tables, sofas, and woodwork, they effectively block access since dogs don’t like the feel or taste. Replace strips about once per month or when they appear loose.
Anti-Chew Pet Tape
Similar to double-sided tape, anti-chew pet tape sticks to furniture and belongings to prevent destruction. Dogs dislike the sticky sensation on their tongues and paws. Place sheets of the bitter-tasting tape around furniture edges, appliances, walls, doors, and anywhere your dog chews. Replace monthly.
Scat Mats
Scat mats attach to furniture or across doorways to prevent access. When stepped on, they emit a 3-second static pulse that surprises dogs without harming them. The shock mats run from batteries or an outlet. They effectively startle dogs away from couches, counters, trash cans, and other forbidden zones.
Deterrent Balms
Apply anti-chew balms and gels directly onto furniture surfaces. The unpleasant taste prevents oral fixation and mouthing behaviors in dogs. These balms contain natural ingredients that are safe for pets if ingested in small amounts. Reapply after cleaning or when the taste seems to wear off and chewing resumes.
Remote-Controlled Deterrents
Some devices allow you to remotely correct your dog’s chewing habits. When triggered by mouthing, they emit an ultrasonic frequency, compressed air, or other startling deterrent. This disrupts and deters destructive behavior through surprise, not pain. They’re most effective when you’re home to administer the remote corrections.
Protective Furniture Covers
Slipcovers and removable covers protect furniture from all sorts of dirt, wear, and damage – including chewing dogs. These cost-effective products safeguard expensive sofas, chairs, cushions, and mattresses. Covers designed for pets often feature extra-strong construction to withstand determined teeth. Look for durable fabric, chew-resistant features, and a tight, slip-resistant fit. Match the cover size to your specific furniture dimensions for the best protection.
For optimal protection, use furniture covers in conjunction with taste deterrents. Spray commercial repellents or homemade chew deterrents right onto the cover fabric. The unpleasant taste prevents mouthing and chewing behaviors even if your dog attempts to bite.
Here are smart options to shield furniture from canine destruction:
Couch Covers
Fitted couch covers protect every surface of your sofa – the fabric, cushions, arms, back, and bottom decking. Water-resistant covers with dense stitching and reinforced seams prevent damage from liquid, dirt, nails, and teeth. Remove them when company comes over to maintain your decor. Look for machine washable fabrics like cotton, canvas, denim, or twill for easy care.
Recliner Covers
Protect reclining armchairs and loungers with a tailored cover. Ideal for pet owners, these covers shield all sides and surfaces from fur, dirt, and chewing damage. Look for water-resistant, machine washable materials with chew-proof seams and perimeter edging for maximum durability.
Chair and Ottoman Covers
Dining room chairs, bar stools, office chairs, and upholstered ottomans require protection too. Find chair and ottoman covers in stretchy fabrics that contour tightly to furniture curves and legs. Durable fabrics with dense weaves prevent chewing penetration.
Cushion Covers
Protect loose seat cushions from pet destruction with cushion covers designed to wrap around inserts. Look for the slightly oversized sizing to accommodate cushion thickness. Durable cotton duck, denim, or canvas stands up to scratching and chewing. Remove covers to launder.
Conclusion
When you invest in nice furniture, you want it to last and maintain its beauty over time. Persistent chewing dogs can quickly destroy upholstery, wood finishes, and other surfaces unless the behavior gets addressed. While training and exercise can resolve underlying causes down the road, take immediate action to protect your belongings. Determine the source of your dog’s destructive chewing habits, whether it stems from teething, anxiety, compulsion, or boredom. Then apply commercial anti-chew sprays and covers to safely deter damage until chewing issues resolve. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and removing chewing triggers will get the undesirable behavior under control so your home remains intact. With some smart planning, you can keep both your furniture and furry companion safe and happy.