This is the easiest DIY around. In fact, I almost feel guilty calling it a DIY, but here goes…
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Why use DIY bitter apple spray?
Whenever someone asks me how to get their puppy to stop chewing something, this is the recipe I pass along. It’s a phenomenal spray deterrent. But please pay attention to the instructions if you’re going to use it on any wood. I mean, pay attention to the instructions regardless but ESPECIALLY for wood.
Secondly, if your dog has a chewing/licking problem, something skin-related or a small wound that he just won’t leave alone (EMMETT) then this is the thing for you. I’ll get into the whys of it all below, but just know that chew deterrent also means for self-chewing, not just furniture/drywall (COOPER).
Why homemade? Can’t you just buy it?
Yep, you sure can. There are actually several brands on the market. But here’s the thing: You’ll spend way more money on a store-bought bitter apple spray than on a DIY version. Plus, even though most say that the ingredients are harmless, I don’t feel awesome spraying rubbing alcohol (a common commercial spray ingredient) since I know that they’ll lick it at least a few times. Also, it takes less than two minutes to make–seriously–so, why not?
Let’s make it, shall we?
Here’s what you need:
- white vinegar
- apple cider vinegar (don’t bother with the fancy kind that all the health food sites tout… seriously, that is $15+ for 16 ounces when you can get this huge one for way less)
- water
- a measuring cup
- something to put the spray in (I used this bottle that I use to spritz plants, but in my quest to swap plastic items, I’ve been dreaming of these glass bottles or these ones that have the cutest vintage labels!)
Optional:
- funnel
- lemons (effectiveness depends on whether or not your dog likes the taste of lemon EMMETT) or a dried hot pepper like cayenne for added deterring power
Here’s how to make the DIY bitter apple spray:
Decide on the quantity you want. In the case of my ingredients photoed above, my goal was to spray Emmett’s abdomen, which he’s been licking incessantly ever since his, ahem, problem.
The goal is to have a 2:1 ratio of white vinegar to apple cider vinegar.
Using the one-cup measuring cup, I poured in 2/3 cup of the white vinegar then topped it to the cup line with apple cider vinegar. Using the funnel (I’m so messy… you could do without the funnel, probably… me? not so much) I poured it slowly into the spray bottle.
Here’s where you have a couple options:
First, if you want to round out the sour taste, squeeze a lemon and pour the juice in. Shake the bottle. Apply. HOWEVER, some dogs like lemons. Emmett is one of those dogs, so I skip the lemon juice altogether. Why entice him to lick it, ya know?
Second, if you want to apply it directly to your dog–or to anything wooden that the intense acidity of the vinegar might mar–dilute with water. My go-to is to add the same amount of water as white vinegar, so another 2/3 cup here.
{{Digression re: the wood furniture question. I use vinegar to clean almost my entire house and have never had a problem with wood finishes. That said, we don’t have nice things. No antiques. No carvings or whatever, so if something DID get ruined–which can happen–I wouldn’t be upset. Test a small spot on the back or underside if you’re worried.}}
That’s seriously it! Mix it up, pour it in a bottle, shake, spray!
What does Emmett think of the scent? Well…
“What is this stuff? Is it food?”
“OH! BLECH! AH! ICK! Get away, Newt! I think this stuff’s toxic!”
“I can still taste it! It’s in my mouth! Blergh!”
“Why would you do this to me… why…”
OK, he’s actually fine, of course, but he was SO DRAMATIC with this batch. Clearly it does the trick. Just a little spray on the problem area, and chewing is deterred. You will have to reapply, of course, and if you add the lemon juice I’d go ahead and store it in the fridge.
Otherwise, happy deterring! 🙂