If your dog is chewing on blankets, it is important to understand the underlying cause for the behavior. It could be a sign of physical discomfort or anxiety, so addressing the root cause is key.
Look for signs of stress or pain, such as overly trimmed nails or signs of tooth or gum pain. Other signs of anxiety could include separation anxiety or other stress responses. It’s worth exploring the reasons why your dog is chewing on blankets in order to help them feel more comfortable and reduce the unwanted behavior.
Teeth and gum pain
If your pup is chewing on blankets, it may be because of tooth or gum pain. Take a look at your pup’s teeth and gums and check for any signs of injury or infection.
If you find any discoloration or swelling, make an appointment with your vet to get it looked at. It’s also worth having your pup’s teeth checked regularly, as dental pain can be the cause of blanket chewing.
If your pup’s teeth and gums are healthy, there could be other causes of discomfort. Make sure that you are regularly trimming your pup’s nails and keeping them short. Long nails can dig into the paws and cause pain, which may make your pup chew their blankets for comfort.
It’s also worth checking whether your pup’s bedding is comfortable enough. If it’s old, lumpy, or too thin, it might be making them uncomfortable, which is why they’re chewing. Investing in a comfortable and supportive bed for your pup might just solve the problem!
Anxiety
If your pup is exhibiting blanket-chewing behaviour, it may be a sign of anxiety. Separation anxiety is one of the most common causes of stress-related chewing in dogs.
If your pooch is left alone for too long, they may become so distressed that they turn to blanket-chewing as an outlet. If your pup is feeling overwhelmed or anxious in a new environment, they may turn to chewing as a coping mechanism. If you’ve noticed your pup exhibiting these behaviours, it’s important to try to figure out why your pup is feeling stressed and alleviate the source of anxiety.
Blanket-chewing can also be sign of physical discomfort. Are their nails too long?
This can cause your pup to chew blankets in order to give their paws some relief. Is your pup suffering from tooth or gum pain?
This can be a common cause of blanket-chewing too. If you notice your pup excessively licking or chewing their paw after chewing on a blanket, it may be a sign that their nails are too long or their teeth are causing them discomfort. It’s important to check these things in order to address the behaviour.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can be a very real problem when it comes to dogs and blanket chewing. If your pup is left alone for too long, they may start to chew on their blanket as a way to deal with the stress.
If your pup is displaying signs of anxiety when they’re left alone, it’s important to make sure that you’re providing them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when they’re not with you. Providing them with toys, taking them on walks, and playing with them can help to keep their mind off the stress of being alone.
You can establish a routine for when you are away. Make sure to always leave them with a blanket, as this can be a comfort item for them. If you think your pup may be experiencing separation anxiety, it’s important to consult with a professional who can give you advice tailored to your individual pup’s needs.
This may involve behavior modification techniques, medication, or other forms of therapy. Regardless of the route you choose, it’s important to make sure that your pup is getting the help they need to manage their anxiety and stop them from chewing their blanket.
Stress responses
If your pup is doing a bit of blanket chew-chew, it may be a sign that they’re feeling a bit of stress. Dogs often resort to blanket chewing when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It’s important to identify the root cause of this kind of behaviour and take steps to help them cope.
Certain situations can cause a dog to feel stressed. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or being left alone can all lead to feelings of anxiety, which can manifest itself in blanket chewing.
To mitigate this, create a safe, comfortable environment for your pup. Provide them with a quiet spot to retreat to, and introduce any new people or pets gradually. You can also give them toys to chew on as an alternative to the blanket, such as a hard rubber toy.
Conclusion
If your dog is chewing blankets, it might be for one of two reasons: physical discomfort or anxiety. To address the behaviour, it’s important to find out which of the two is causing it.
When it comes to physical discomfort, check that your dog’s nails aren’t overly trimmed, as this can lead to them chewing blankets for relief. Examine your pup’s mouth and gums for any signs of infection or inflammation. If it’s anxiety, look out for signs of separation anxiety, such as barking or restlessness when you’re out of the house.
If your pup is stressed, it may also chew items to self-soothe. No matter the cause, it’s important to stick to positive reinforcement techniques if you want to discourage the blanket chewing.
Provide plenty of toys and chews to give them something else to do, and reward them with treats and praise when they’re exhibiting desired behaviour. If your dog’s chewing becomes destructive, it’s a good idea to seek professional help to ensure that it’s managed appropriately.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
