When dogs lick blankets, it is not always a bad thing. Because dogs licking blankets is normal, like how people have different habits. Sometimes, they are just exploring or feeling comfortable. But it is important to notice how often they do it and why. if your dog licks blanket a lot or seems really into it, it could mean something else is going on.
There are lots of reasons that might cause dogs to lick blankets. This blog will use science and expert advice to help you understand. If you are a dog owner, this info can help you bond better with them. So, are you ready to figure out why dogs do this?
11 Reasons of Dogs Licking Blankets
If your dog is licking blankets or furniture, it is necessary to understand the context in which your dog is behaving like that. For example, if your dog licks blankets only when they are left alone. It could mean they are feeling bored or anxious, just like humans can feel lonely or stressed when they are by themselves for a long time. Licking blankets might be their way of coping with those feelings or keeping busy.
But if your dog licks blankets while you are petting them, it could mean something else. They might just enjoy the physical touch and want more of it. Dogs use licking to communicate, so when they lick blankets in this situation, they could be trying to connect with you and have a positive interaction.
Basically, the way your dog licks blankets tells you a lot about how they are feeling and what they need. By paying attention to these moments, you can better understand and take care of your furry friend, strengthening your bond with them.
Here are the 11 reasons that could help you easily understand your dog’s behaviour especially why a dog licks a blanket
Early Separation and Self-Soothing:
When puppies leave their mother too early, they miss out on learning important things from her. One thing they miss is how to soothe themselves. Puppies learn this from their mother by being licked and groomed. When they are young, their mother licks them to make them feel better and relaxed. It is like getting a hug for a puppy. But if a puppy leaves their mother too soon, they might not learn this soothing behaviour. So, they might start licking other things, like blankets, to feel better. This helps them cope with stress or feeling scared.
Comfort:
Dogs sometimes lick blankets because it makes them feel good, just like how people feel better when they hug a favourite teddy bear or do some familiar activities they really like. This licking thing can come from wanting to feel safe and secure themselves, especially when they are in a place that is strange or scary.
Exploration:
Dogs love to sniff and taste things to explore their world. When they lick blankets, it is like they are checking out all the smells and flavour stuck on the fabric. It is just their way of being curious and finding out about their surroundings.
Anxiety or stress relief:
When people feel worried or stressed, they might bite their nails or fidget. Dogs do something similar when they are anxious. They lick blankets. It is like a way for them to calm down and take their mind off things.
Boredom alleviation:
When dogs feel bored because they’re not getting enough playtime or things to think about, they might start licking blankets just to entertain themselves. Giving them enough exercise and things to do can help stop this behaviour.
Attention-seeking behaviour:
Some dogs lick blankets because they want attention from their owners. If the owner reacts when the dog does this, it encourages the dog to keep doing it.
Grooming instinct:
Dogs naturally like to keep themselves clean, so they might lick their fur or things like blankets. This helps them feel comfortable, even if the blanket isn’t dirty.
Hunger indication:
Dogs have a strong sense of smell and might notice food smells on blankets, especially if they are hungry. Licking the blanket could be their way of checking if there is food around.
Medical issues:
If your dog licks blanket a lot, it might mean they have medical problems or allergies. Keep an eye on them and talk to a vet if you see any worrying signs.
Pica:
Pica is when dogs eat things that are not food. If they lick blankets a lot, they might swallow fabric, which can be bad for them. It is important to figure out why they are doing it and get help to manage it.
Comforting scent association:
Blankets often carry the scent of their owners. Dogs find comfort in blankets because they smell like their owners. This makes them feel close to their humans, even when they’re not around. Licking the blanket is like getting a hug from someone they love.
How To Stop Dogs from Licking Blankets
To stop a dog from licking a blanket it is necessary to understand the reason behind it. To understand the reason, you just have to take a look at what is happening around them. Paying attention to the situation can help figure out why they are doing it.
Provide Distractions:
Give your dog other things to do to keep them busy and happy, like toys or puzzles. These can keep their minds busy and stop them from licking blankets.
Increase Exercise:
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day by taking them for walks or playing with them. A tired dog is less likely to do things like licking too much. Exercise also helps keep dogs healthy and happy.
Use Positive Reinforcement:
When your dog doesn’t lick the blanket, give them praise and a yummy treat. This helps them learn good behaviour and makes them want to do it again.
Create a Safe Environment:
Make sure the area where your dog stays do not have anything that might make them want to lick blankets, like food crumbs or spilled drinks. Keeping the place clean and free from distractions can help stop this behaviour.
Provide Mental Stimulation:
Keep your dog’s brain busy with activities like training, games, or hiding treats for them to find. This can stop boredom and make them less likely to lick blankets just because they’re bored.
Use Bitter Sprays or Deterrents:
Try using a special spray or something dogs don’t like on the blankets to stop them from licking. These sprays have a taste or smell that dogs find yucky, so they won’t want to lick the blankets anymore.
Provide Chewing Alternatives:
Give your dog things to chew on that are good for them, like chew toys or dental treats. Chewing is natural for dogs and can help stop them from licking blankets too much.
Consult a veterinarian:
If your dog keeps licking blankets and you cannot stop it, talk to a vet. They will help figure out if something is wrong with your dog’s health or behaviour. Then, they will give you advice on what to do next.Top of Form
Maintain Consistency:
Always handle blanket licking the same way. Make clear rules for your dog and make sure everyone in your family follows them. Consistency is important for changing behaviour.
Be Patient and Understanding:
Changing behaviour takes time and patience. Be patient with your dog as they learn new habits, and show understanding if there are setbacks. With love, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog stop licking blankets.
When To Worry: Signs of Problematic Blanket Licking
It is important to know when to worry if your dog licks blankets. While sometimes it is usually harmless and normal behaviour for many dogs. But sometimes it could mean something to be worried about. Here are some certain signs that may indicate when you may have to be concerned.
Excessive Licking:
If your dog keeps licking blankets a lot, so much that it stops them from doing normal things or they just cannot quit, it could be a problem. This kind of non-stop licking might mean they are worried, stressed, or have health problems.
Accompanying Symptoms:
Watch out for any other changes in your dog’s behaviour if they are licking blankets a lot. Notice if they seem more tired, do not want to eat, throw up, have diarrhoea, or look uncomfortable. These signs could mean your dog needs to see the vet.
Damage to the Blanket or Themselves:
If your dog keeps licking their blanket so much that it damages the fabric or causes harm to themselves like skin irritation or sores, that is not good. It can lead to skin problems or even them eating bits of fabric, which is risky for their health.
Impact on Quality of Life:
Think about how your dog’s habit of licking blankets affects their overall happiness. If it makes them upset, stops them from eating, sleeping, or behaving normally, or if it causes problems in your home. It is a good idea to get help from a professional.
Persistent Behaviour:
If your dog keeps licking blankets even after you have tried to stop them, and nothing seems to work, it might mean there is a bigger problem. It is a good idea to talk to a vet or a dog expert to figure out what is going on.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to talk to a vet. They will check for any health problems and help with any behaviour issues. Getting help early can stop things from getting worse and keep your dog healthy.
Final Words
So, why do dogs lick blankets? It’s important to know because it helps us take good care of our furry friends. Some dogs do it because it is something they have always done since they were puppies. Others do it when they feel stressed or anxious, as a way to cope. And for some, it is just a way to get attention or stay busy.
By paying attention to when and why your dog licks blankets, you can understand how they are feeling. This helps you address any issues they might have, like stress or boredom. There are ways to help them, like giving them other things to do or comforting them in different ways.
Remember, every dog is different, so it might take some trial and error to find what works best for yours. But with love and patience, you can keep your furry friend happy and healthy, and strengthen your bond with them along the way.
