How to best use bitter sprays to stop your bunny chewing everything

Taste deterrents or bitter sprays can help stop your bunnies unwanted chewing. Most people find they help but don't stop the problem completely and some people's bunnies don't seem to mind the taste.

If you do think it will help then follow this guide where we show you how best to apply the bitter stray and where to use it to get the most from it.

We also have suggestions on what to use and not use as some home remedies can be harmful to your bunny.

What is the best bitter sprays to stop my rabbit chewing everything?

  • Only use sprays made for pets. Chilly oil, perfume and soap are not suitable.
  • Avoid the spray going everywhere by spraying it onto a cloth first then wiping it on where its needed.
  • Remember to reapply it regularly to stop it wearing off.

How to use bitter spray to stop your bunny chew your carpet, wallpaper, and furniture

Taste deterrents can be a helpful tool if you are trying to teach your bunny to stop chewing your furniture. To get the most from it the first thing to do is identify all the areas where you think your bunny is going to chew and cover them all in spray so that you don't simply move the problem along to another spot.

bunny sticking tongue out
Taste deterrents can help stop your bunny chewing

Doing this proactively will also help prevent habit forming from the start.

If you want greater control over what is covered then it can be helpful to spray the liquid on to a cloth first, then wipe it on the areas you want.

Do not use the spray around electrical cables or TV screens and try and avoid saturating surfaces with the spray.

Remember it is important to reapply the spray regularly so it remains effective and keep a close eye for damage as some bunnies are more than happy to put up with the taste.

Where to use bitter spray to stop bunny chewing damage

  • The corners and edges of wooden furniture
  • Wooden table and chair legs
  • Doors, door frames and baseboards
  • Curtains and blinds
  • Areas of carpet that are being chewed
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Bitter spray

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What is the best way to apply bitter spray to stop my bunny distroying everything?

  • Avoid home made remidies which can be harmful. Only use shop bought sprays
  • Avoid the spray going everywhere by spraying it onto a cloth first then wiping it on where it's needed
  • Remember to reapply it regularly to stop it wearing off
  • Apply the bitter spray to wooden furniture, table and chair legs, doors and door frames, carpet and baseboards
  • Apply the spray where you first notice damage and in areas where you think it may start

What's the best taste deterrent to use for my bunny?

We would only suggest using a bitter spray designed specifically for bunnies or small animals and we would not recommend using home-made alternatives you may have heard about such as chili, clove oil or perfume.

Bitter sprays can be purchased from most pet stores or on-line and typically come in the form of a pump spray or aerosol containing a liquid that is designed to have an unpleasant taste.

Although bitter sprays can help prevent some chewing, the natural urge for a bunny to explore its environment by nibbling a bit here and a bit there can be very hard to stop.

It's always best to do some bunny proofing as well and provide lots of alternative chewing toys alongside areas that may be chewed to keep your bunny out of trouble.

What NOT TO USE as a taste deterrent for bunnies

  • Soap, perfume or scented oils, these are all unsuitable
  • Double sided sticky tape, this can get stuck in your bunnies fur
  • Chilly oil can make you bunny very uncomfortable and not necessarily stop them

What is the best bitter spray to stop my bunny chewing everything?

  • Only use bitter sprays made for small pets purchased from a pet store
  • Avoid homemade remedies such as chilly oil or clove oil, scented oils ,vinegar or vodka, they are not suitable for bunnies
  • Do not apply perfume or soap or anything else that is not edible as these can be harmful if eaten
  • Do not cover surfaces with tape, this can get stuck in your bunnies fur and hurt them