We all know that dogs like to chew on things. But why do they seem to love biting and licking blankets so much?
Is it a behavior problem, or is there something else going on here? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the possible reasons your dog might be nibbling on blankets and offer some tips for dealing with it. So read on.
Dogs nibble on blankets for various reasons. If you think it is just a harmless habit then you should be thinking about factors like any residue in your blanket after it has been washed such as soap, bleach, or fabric conditioner which can be harmful to your dog. Dogs nibble on blankets for various reasons such as anxiety, separation, frustration, for comfort, and even as instinct or a sheer habit.
Reasons In The Case Of Puppies (Why They Nibble Blankets)
When you bring a new dog into your home, one of the first things you may notice is that they love to chew on blankets, clothes, and pretty much anything else they can get their teeth on.
It’s natural for puppies to suckle on things – it’s an instinctual behavior that helps them feel secure and safe. Even if your dog is already past the puppy stage, it may still have a strong urge to chew on things.
Pro Tip: If the puppy has been weaned from the mother very early the puppy will instinctively continue to suckle. Under the circumstances, you could think of providing the puppy with baby dog milk in a feeding bottle or slowly distracting the puppy with the toy.
All puppies go through a teething phase, and during this time they can get an urge to nibble on just about anything. For some puppies that means blankets.
It is actually completely normal for puppies. In fact, puppies teeth quite a bit as they are teething and exploring their new environment.Â
Pro Tip: If your puppy is going through teething, all he needs is something to chew and you could provide him with calcium chewies which will help him grow as well as satisfy his chewing and nibbling urge.
Reasons In The Case Adult Dogs (Why They Nibble Blankets)
Do you ever come home to find that your dog has been chewing on your favorite blanket? If so, you’re not alone. Many dogs enjoy nibbling on fabrics, and there are several reasons why this behavior might occur.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common explanations for why dogs chew blankets and provide some tips for how to help curb this behavior. Stay tuned!
The Puppy Feeling:
Chances are if you’re a dog owner, your dog has at some point taken a liking to gnaw on your blankets. It might seem like an odd thing for a grown dog to do, but there’s actually a pretty good reason for it.
Dogs often nibble on blankets because they’re trying to suckle – similar to how puppies nurse from their mothers.
The might have been weaned early or it just enjoys being a pup. In any event, the dog feels good while nibbling at the blanket.
Natural Instinct To Chew:
Dogs instinctively nibble on blankets because, in the wild, they would rip apart their prey with their teeth to eat it.
Blankets provide a similar sensation to the fur of their prey, so dogs tend to chew on them as a way to satisfy their instinctual need to chew.
Blankets are also a great way for dogs to keep their teeth healthy by scraping off plaque and tartar. Another theory is that they are trying to understand the smell the scent of their human companions.Â
Frustration:
Dogs nibble on blankets out of frustration. When a dog is in a confined space, such as a crate or kennel, it can feel trapped and start to chew on anything within reach.
Dogs often like to have something in their mouths to keep them occupied, and when they’re frustrated, a blanket is an easy target.
It will be well worthwhile to ascertain the reason for frustration in your dog and alleviate the frustration of your pet so that your dog can have a better quality of life.
Anxiety:
Dogs may nibble on blankets to soothe themselves when they are anxious. The texture of a blanket can be soothing, and it might provide a sense of security for the dog.
A dog will typically show signs of anxiety, such as panting, tremors, or even drooling when it’s feeling anxious. A calming agent can be offered in the form of a chew toy or treat-dispensing collar to help alleviate these feelings.
Chewing also helps relieve tension in dogs which is another reason why they do it – not just because there’s something satisfying about destroying your favorite blanket!
Boredom:
Boredom may also play a factor, for a dog to chew a blanket. A dog who isn’t given enough exercise or mental stimulation may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing, licking and digging in order to entertain itself.
In some cases, a dog may simply be seeking comfort from a soft blanket. If your dog seems to nibble on blankets frequently, make sure he gets plenty of exercises and try providing him with some toys or puzzles that can stimulate his mind.
Hungry:
Dogs are known for being voracious eaters, but sometimes their appetite can manifest in strange ways. One of the most common behaviors is blanket nibbling – when dogs gnaw on bedding or other soft objects.
Dogs nibble on blankets is because they’re trying to find something to eat. Dogs will chew on anything when they’re hungry because their natural instinct is to find food.Â
Pain Or Underlying Medical Condition:
Dogs may nibble on blankets because they are in pain, or they may be experiencing some kind of underlying medical condition. If the dog is persistently nibbling the blanket, you might want to take him to the vet for an exam and possible treatment.
If you think he’s just playing with his blankie, try leaving it out of reach and watch him. If he exhibits changed behavior, it means he is uneasy without the blanket.
You might then want to observe for any other symptoms that he may exhibit. Some dogs will also chew on blankets if they’re experiencing pain, such as from toothaches or arthritis.
Soothing & Relaxing:
Dogs nibble on blankets to soothe and relax. For dogs, a soft, fuzzy blanket feels just like being a momma dog’s warm belly.
It’s comforting and soothing, especially for puppies who are weaning away from their mothers and need that extra bit of comfort.
Blankets also help dogs feel safe and secure while they’re resting or sleeping. It also helps them in cases of anxiety.
They Just Like It:
Dogs just like it. It’s a habit that they get into, and it’s something that they enjoy. Similar to how humans might enjoy watching television or reading a book, dogs enjoy chewing on blankets because it relaxes them and provides them with some enjoyment.
Dogs have sharp teeth and when they bite down on something, it feels good for them.
Attention seeking:
Dogs nibble on blankets for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons is that they want your attention. Dogs often nip at things as a way of getting humans to interact with them.
They may do it because they’re bored and need some stimulation, or they may do it because they want you to pet them or give them a treat.
Have you been in the same room as your dog working on your computer and engrossed with what you doing? Then your dog is definitely going to ask you for your attention by doing something different so that you pay attention to it.
Taste:
Dogs are thought to be drawn to blankets because they can feel the texture of the fabric and it provides them with a sense of comfort.
Some dogs nibble on blankets because they enjoy the taste. There are also some dogs who simply enjoy the taste of fabric, and will nibble on blankets and other textiles indiscriminately.
Separation:
It’s common for dogs to experience separation anxiety when their owners leave them alone.
This can cause a range of destructive behaviors, including chewing on furniture, scratching at doors, and now you know, chewing on blankets!
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to help your dog overcome his anxiety, such as leaving him toys or treats to keep him occupied, hiring a pet sitter to keep him company while you’re away, or even enrolling him in a doggy daycare.
Is It Safe To Let Your Dog Nibble Blankets?
Do you ever wonder why your dog likes to nibble on blankets? It might seem like a harmless habit. However, after reading further, and assessing the following factors, you may not be of the same opinion.
Is there a Residue: (soap or fabric softener):
Dogs may chew the blanket because they love the taste in the blanket. It may be due to the residue of soap, bleach, or fabric softener.
So, they’ll often nibble on blankets and clothes that have been washed in it. These chemicals can be harmful to your dog. So, do check the blanket by dipping it in plain water and testing it for any discharge.
What Is Your Blanket Made Of:
Most blankets are made of some kind of synthetic fiber, such as polyester or acrylic. They are often coated with a waterproof layer to keep you warm and dry.
Some blankets are also treated with an anti-microbial agent to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. If this fiber goes into the dog’s system, it can be harmful over a period of time.
This apart the anti-microbial agents can be harmful as well.
Dirt & Bacteria:
Blankets can be unsafe for dogs to chew on because they can accumulate dirt and bacteria, which can make the dog catch an infection.
A Spill:
A blanket could even have a spill of something harmful like a nail polish remover or a perfume which could be harmful. It could even be a simple coffee spill but caffeine is toxic for dogs.
Threads:
It’s unsafe for dogs to chew blankets because they might eat a thread and get a piece of it lodged in their intestines. This can cause serious health problems, including potentially fatal intestinal blockages. More so, if your blanket has tussles.
What Can You Do About Your Dog Nibbling Your Blanket?
Ascertain The Reason:
If you’re a dog owner, you know that at some point your beloved pet is going to start nibbling on your blanket. It’s just one of those things they do! But what can you do about it? Is there any way to stop your dog from nibbling on your blanket?
Well, the answer depends on why your dog is doing it in the first place. This is important because the solution will depend upon the reason. For example, if it is because of anxiety then the way you handle it will be totally different.
In the event you detect it is anxiety then it is appropriate that you consult a professional.
Distract With A Toy Or Treat:
If you find your dog chewing on a blanket, you can give it a treat or its favorite toy and distract the dog’s attention away from the blanket.
Then you can take the blanket away and keep it out of the dog’s reach. This will slowly help your dog get over the habit.
Take The Dog Away:
You can also take the dog away from the blanket and tie the dog for a few minutes so that the dog knows that it is being taken away and tied for chewing on the blanket.
If you do this a few times, the dog is going to realize that if it tries chewing the blanket you may tie it away and eventually stop doing it.
Admonition:
If you’re a dog owner, then you know that at some point your furry friend is going to start nibbling on your blankets. It’s just something they do!
But what can you do about it? You can start by telling your dog ‘no’ in a firm tone for your dog to realize that it is doing something wrong.
Reward Method:
Another thing you can try doing is rewarding the dog for not chewing on the blanket. So you can put the blanket next to your dog, and when it doesn’t Nibble the blanket you give the dog a treat.
But the day it nibbles the blanket, you don’t give your dog the treat. Eventually, your dog will understand that it won’t get a treat if it chews the blanket.
Wrapping Up:
Dogs nibble on our blankets for a number of reasons. It may be to feel relaxed, overcome boredom or anxiety. It may not be safe to chew them in view of any residue or spills on the blanket.
You can try distracting them with their favorite toy in bed with them or take him away from the bedroom when he nibbles. You may need a combination of solutions too.
Do let me know which one worked for you or if you used any other method.
