We’ve had our dogs go into surgery a few times. We’re confident in our vet, so the actual surgery didn’t worry us, but I’ll tell you what did. It was the stitches and the licking that comes after.
We’ve dealt with small cuts and scrapes turning into a big deal simply because our dogs don’t know how to stop licking! We’ve taken great measures to make sure our dogs don’t lick and chew their own wounds.
It happens. So what can you do?
There are actually quite a few options out there, but one that seems to work is to use a formulated bitter spray that acts as a deterrent to make your dog stop licking its wounds and stitches.
Table of Contents
Best Bitter Spray For Dogs
- Discourages fur biting, hair chewing and hot spots
- Can also be used to discourage chewing on shoes, clothing, pets beds, furniture, etc.
- Beware of copies as pets often acquire a taste for them; only Grannick's Bitter Apple keeps working
This is our go-to answer for anything to do with deterring our dogs from licking and chewing. As puppies, they avoided this stuff and it did the job for us just fine.
We found the effectiveness of this spray to last for different amounts of time. Sometimes it would last hours while other times it would only last about 10 minutes.
This spray helped our dog to stop licking his paws and legs. We kept an open mind because we know that some itches just need a good scratch. It doesn’t matter how bitter or nasty you can make something tasty, if the itch is bad enough your dog will go for it. This will just help you.
There is a bit of debate around whether or not this stuff actually works. The truth is, every dog is different and all you can do is try. Some dogs will actually be attracted to it while other dogs stay away from the sprayed object as intended.
There is no perfect solution, but there are options. There are actually a few different brands that use their own recipe. It’s a good idea to buy a few different flavors/recipes.
Best For Stopping Chewing
- EFFECTIVELY DISCOURAGES CHEWING Stops pets from licking and chewing skin, fur, bandages and wounds.
- TWICE AS BITTER The super bitter taste pets hate, thanks to our double-strength extreme bitter formulation. LONG-LASTING ALCOHOL-FREE FORMULA Works longer than alcohol-based formulas which evaporate...
- WITH CALMING COPAIBA OIL FOR SOOTHING HOT SPOTS Spraying on rough, tender skin? Stop the aggravating behavior—AND help soothe and heal hot spots thanks to tea tree essential oil.
It’s definitely interesting to read the reviews of all these sprays. People are either really happy about how well it worked or upset that it didn’t work as they intended.
As we said before, there are different recipes/formulas out there. You should try using at least two different no-lick sprays and alternate them based on your dog’s mood and appetite.
This was actually a pretty solid tip we got from a pet store owner. It was definitely worth listening to.
Bodhi Dog 2-in-1 Bitter Spray And Hot Spot Spray
- DETER CHEWING & BITING OF SKIN IRRITATIONS: Our all-natural Bitter 2 in 1 No Chew & Hot Spot Spray is a safe and humane alternative to help train your dog from chewing and biting on wounds, skin,...
- 100% STEROID FREE: Our all-natural safe, lemongrass scented formula is hand-crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality and made in the USA. Made with botanical-based and all-natural...
- SAFE TO USE INDOORS AND OUTDOORS: Our non-staining, cruelty-free anti-chew spray is safe to use on things you want your dog to stop chewing on both indoor and outdoor. It can be safely be sprayed on...
This bitter spray doubles as a hot spot spray. What exactly does that mean? Well, hot spot spray is intended to help your dog with healing a hot spot wound that is already troublesome and your dog can’t leave alone.
While the other sprays are intended to be sprayed on objects, this spray is intended to be used on your dog. Using Vitamin E, eucalyptus, and menthol, it is one of the few bitter sprays that also includes natural remedies for hot spots in dogs.
We use a separate spray specifically for vitamin E in combination with a bitter spray. So having a 2-in-1 solution is a neat idea.
What Bitter Spray Works Best For Dogs
The honest answer to this question is to test which bitter sprays will work best for your dog. We have two different kinds of bitter sprays and adjust them accordingly based on the dog’s mood and appetite.
If you asked us what the best bitter apple spray is, then we’d definitely recommend using grannicks. They sell the bottles in different volumes, but we’ve only had to buy one bottle and it’s lasted for a long time.
You also need to ask yourself what the reason is for using the bitter spray. Are you trying to get your dog to stop licking their wounds? Are you trying to prevent them from chewing wires, shoes, or furniture?
If your dog is really itchy, then you can also try grooming them. Whether you’re doing it yourself or have a groomer to go to. A clean coat is a good way to help with itchy skin. See what shampoo do dog groomers use and then apply some bitter spray.
Can I Spray Bitter Apple On a Dog’s Incision After Surgery
Spraying bitter apples on a dog’s incision after surgery is an acceptable way to get him to stop licking his wounds. Most bitter apple sprays are made with natural ingredients that would not cause infection in your dog’s incision.
That being said, it is always wise to double-check the ingredients on the products and look out for any warnings to only use the product externally. Considering covering up the wound if you can, there are DIY post surgery recovery shirts for dogs that would prevent them from licking their incisions.
Home remedies to prevent your dog from licking its wound
If your dog has a habit of licking their wounds, you may be looking for a way to get them to stop. One home remedy that you can try is to spray the wound with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar.
The acidic properties of the vinegar will make the wound unpleasant for your dog to lick, and over time they should learn to leave it alone. To make the spray, just mix together equal parts of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
Be sure to secure the spray nozzle before using, and shake well to mix. If your dog continues to lick the wound, you may need to consult with a veterinarian for additional treatment options.
- Add 2 parts apple cider vinegar
- Add 1 part white vinegar
- Mix in your spray bottle and apply to your dog’s wound
Introduce The Problem Of Chewing And Licking Habits In Pets
Pets can develop chewing and licking habits for a variety of reasons, including boredom, stress, Separation Anxiety, and hunger. Chewing and licking can also be a way for pets to self-soothe or seek attention. While these behaviors may seem harmless at first, they can quickly become destructive and even dangerous. Chewing and licking can lead to broken skin, which can become infected.
In extreme cases, pets can even injure themselves by chewing or licking excessively. If you notice your pet engaging in these behaviors, it is important to take action. There are a number of products available that can help deter chewing and licking, and behavior modification training may also be necessary. With some patience and effort, you can help your pet break these harmful habits.
Describe How The Miracle Bitter Spray Can Help Resolve This Issue
The Miracle Bitter Spray is a new product that can help resolve the issue of dogs chewing on furniture. This bitter-tasting spray can be applied to any area that you do not want your dog to chew on, and it will immediately make the area unappealing to them. The Miracle Bitter Spray is safe for both humans and animals, and it is completely non-toxic. This makes it an ideal solution for families with small children or pets who are prone to chewing on furniture.
In addition, the Miracle Bitter Spray is very easy to use; simply spray it onto the affected area and let it dry. Within minutes, your dog will no longer be interested in chewing on that piece of furniture. The Miracle Bitter Spray is a fast, safe, and effective way to stop dogs from chewing on furniture.
Provide A Few Tips On How To Properly Use The Bitter Spray
The bitter spray is a safe and effective way to deter animals from chewing on furniture, electrical cords, and other household items. The active ingredient in the bitter spray is Denatonium Benzoate, which is safe for both humans and animals. When applied to a surface, the Denatonium Benzoate creates a bitter taste that animals will avoid. Bitter spray can be purchased at most pet stores or online.
When using a bitter spray, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually, the spray can be applied directly to the item that you wish to protect. For best results, reapply the bitter spray every few days or as needed.
