It could be that they’re bored and looking for something to do, or they could be teething and trying to relieve some pain.
If your dog is chewing on blankets regularly, it’s best to consult a vet or behaviorist to figure out the root cause of this problem.
There are also certain health issues that can lead to blanket chewing, such as diabetes or liver disease, so if you notice any changes in your pet’s eating habits, seek medical attention immediately.
Here’s what we know about canine blanket chewing:
Canine blanket chewing is usually caused by boredom. When dogs chew on objects, it often means they’re bored with their current situation or environment, which can be very frustrating and upsetting for owners who want their pets to be happy and content.
Young puppies tend to chew on everything, including their own paws, and sometimes even their toys. This habit is called “playing hard” and it’s normal, but once they get older, it can become problematic if they don’t have other activities to occupy their time.
Dogs who are teething will chew on anything they can get their teeth into, including their blankets. Their gums hurt when they bite down on something hard, like a toy or bone, and they’ll chew on things to relieve the discomfort.
Some breeds are more prone to chewing than others. Some breeds, such as bulldogs, are known for their strong jaws and large molars, which make them more likely to chew on their blankets.
If you suspect your dog has been chewing on his or her blankets, check with the vet first. Your veterinarian may recommend a behavioral specialist to help you determine the source of your dog’s problem and provide solutions.
The Causes of Canine Blanket Chewing
Blankets can be great to chew on when your dog is happy, but if your dog has been chewing them up regularly, it’s time to take action!
Boredom
If you have noticed your dog is chewing on their blankie more often than usual, it could be because they are bored.
This happens most often in the fall and winter months, as dogs naturally want to keep warm during cold weather.
This doesn’t mean that your dog is depressed, just that they need to get outside and run around a bit.
If they don’t like being outside, then you may need to bring them inside more often so they can exercise.
Teething Pain
Your dog may also be chewing on their blanket because they are teething.
They may not realize how painful this can be, but it is important that you help them through it.
You should give them chew toys instead of blankets, which will allow them to gnaw away at them while relieving some of the pressure that comes with teething.
If they continue to chew on their blanket, you should seek professional advice from a vet or behaviorist.
Separation Anxiety
Blankets can sometimes be used as a security blanket by anxious dogs.
Some dogs may be afraid of leaving their homes or going outside, so they use their blankets as a way to feel safe and secure.
If your dog is using their blanket this way, make sure that they get plenty of exercise and attention every day.
If your dog is chewing on their blanket because they are anxious, you can try giving them chew toys instead.
Try to teach them that the toy is better than the blanket, but if this still isn’t working, you may need to get professional help from a behaviorist or trainer.
Is Chewing a Sign of Anxiety or Separation Issues?
A new puppy’s first instinct is to chew everything in sight, including their own crate.
That’s because puppies are teething, which causes them to gnaw on anything they can find.
They’ll also chew on toys, shoes, bedding, and other objects they can get hold of.
This is normal for puppies, but it can become problematic if you don’t stop them from doing this.
As time goes by, though, most dogs will grow out of this habit and stop chewing on things.
The problem arises when they continue to chew on things like blankets and even furniture, especially if they have any separation anxiety issues.
If you notice your dog chewing on blankets, then there’s a good chance they may have separation anxiety issues.
You should take note of the times they do this so you can work on getting rid of these behaviors before they become too severe.
If your dog has separation anxiety issues, they’ll often chew on items like ropes, shoelaces, and belts to prevent themselves from being left alone.
This can lead to serious health problems if they start biting at their own paws or legs.
Your vet will likely advise you to cut all those items off your dog’s leash to avoid any injuries.
However, if you want to help your dog with their anxiety, you can try using a rubber band around his neck or a choke chain collar instead of cutting off those items.
These methods will still allow your dog to feel safe, but won’t cause him to bite himself.
Why Do Some Dogs Chew More Than Others?
First, let’s look at what can cause dogs to chew on things like blankets, rugs, shoes, and other items.
The most common reason for this is boredom.
When you have an active dog, he may find himself getting restless when left alone in the house.
His mind and body need stimulation, so he may start chewing on anything within reach.
This includes his toys, bedding, and even furniture.
He may also try to get attention by barking or growling, which can drive you crazy!
If your dog has been chewing on items like blankets, there are a couple of ways to address this issue.
First, make sure he has plenty of exercise time during the day.
This will help him burn off extra energy.
Second, if possible, keep him busy with games or playtime while you’re home.
You should also consider giving him some treats to reward good behavior.
Another reason why dogs may chew on blankets is because they’re teething.
As your dog grows older, she will begin to show signs of teething.
For instance, her gums may become red and painful, and she may whine and cry as she tries to gnaw on something.
Her teeth are growing in very quickly, and she needs relief from this uncomfortable sensation.
She may chew on any item that provides comfort, including her favorite blanket.
Make sure to watch her closely for any changes in behavior, such as whining or crying more often.
If you notice these symptoms, give her something soft and cozy to chew on until the teething process slows down.
A third possibility is that your dog may be anxious about going outside.
If he’s nervous about leaving the house, he may choose to chew on things instead of explore the world around him.
Keep in mind that dogs who are afraid of being left alone indoors may try to stay close to you whenever you leave the house.
If you suspect your dog is chewing on blankets because he’s bored or anxious, contact a professional trainer or behaviorist to discuss alternative solutions.
They may recommend using a toy instead of a blanket, playing games or running around before you go to work, or making sure your dog gets enough exercise throughout the day.
How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Chewing?
If you think your dog might be chewing on blankets, there are a few things you can try first. Try to reduce their boredom by introducing new toys and activities into your daily routine. Make sure to keep them active with lots of exercise, especially if they’re old enough to start chewing on furniture. Make sure they have adequate dental care. A clean mouth will help prevent your dog from chewing on items like your clothes or bedding. Keep an eye out for changes in their eating habits. Your dog may be chewing on blankets because he’s hungry, so make sure they have plenty of food available at all times. If your dog has been chewing on blankets for a long time, chances are they have sensitive teeth that need to be checked by a veterinarian. Another reason why your dog might be chewing on blankets is because they’re teething. This is common for puppies as well as older dogs. Teething usually happens during the first year of life and usually affects the upper front teeth. You can give your puppy chew toys to gnaw on until the tooth starts coming through the gums. The same goes for older dogs who experience pain when they chew on anything. Finally, your dog may be chewing on blankets because they’re bored. If your dog is chewing on blankets frequently, it’s possible they just want to get away from you and find something else to do. Try to introduce new games, toys, and activities into your daily routine to keep your dog entertained.
Conclusion
It could be that they’re bored and looking for something to do, or they could be teething and trying to relieve some pain.
If your dog is chewing on blankets regularly, it’s best to consult a vet or behaviorist to figure out the root of the problem.
If you suspect that your dog is chewing on blankets due to boredom, try using a different method to keep them occupied.
You can also try making sure they have plenty of fresh water, toys, and treats available.
While this may not fix the problem immediately, it will prevent your dog from getting into trouble in the future.
If your dog is chewing on blankets due to teething, there are several things you can do to help ease their discomfort.
First, make sure that they get frequent baths, even if it’s just once per week.
You can also give them a warm bath with Epsom salts mixed in.
As soon as you notice that they’ve started chewing on blankets, take them to the vet right away.
They’ll need to be given an antibiotic to help treat any infections that may have occurred.
In addition to consulting a vet, you should also consider talking to a behaviorist about how to stop your dog from chewing on blankets.
Behaviorists can help you figure out what triggers your dog’s behavior, so that you can make changes to your home and environment that will help curb their undesirable behavior.
If your dog has been chewing on blankets for more than a day, it’s time to see a veterinarian.
The longer they chew on blankets, the worse the damage to their teeth and gums will be.
It’s important to note that while dogs can chew on all kinds of things, especially when they’re bored, blanket chewing is among the most dangerous types of chewing because it can lead to serious health problems.
Resources
To start, make sure that the blanket you have in mind is safe to chew on.
Many things can cause dogs to try to gnaw through objects like this, including toys made of hard plastic, rawhide bones, and other potentially dangerous materials.
Make sure the blanket you choose is safe for dogs to chew on.
If you decide to get an alternate type of cover instead of a traditional blanket, make sure it’s not going to be too difficult for your dog to chew through.
For example, if you’re thinking about getting one of those thick, fuzzy fleece blankets, consider that they don’t usually last very long before being chewed up by your dog.
Another option is to look at different types of dog beds that are designed to be more durable than a typical blankie.
There are several different kinds of bedding options available, so check around to see what kind of covers are available for your pet.
One thing to keep in mind when considering any sort of blanket or bedding for your dog is that some of these items are often used as chew treats.
If you think that your dog might be having trouble with their teeth, it’s probably best to avoid using anything that will be chewed up and eaten by your dog.
Some people also recommend putting down towels on top of your dog’s bed (or even just laying them across the floor) so that he won’t be tempted to chew them up.
This can prevent them from accidentally swallowing pieces of cloth or stringing themselves up into knots.
Of course, another option is to simply put your dog outside once in awhile.
This will give him a chance to experience the world around him without having to worry about whether or not he’ll destroy his favorite couch cushion.
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.
