Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets?

Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets?

Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets? Dogs will chew on anything and everything, but sometimes they’ll get fixated on an object that’s not theirs and suck on it like they’re trying to extract juice from an orange. 

When your dog sucks on blankets and other soft objects, it can be cute at first, but if you allow this behavior to continue unabated, you risk your dog swallowing the object whole and developing dangerous blockages in its intestinal tract. 

Here are some reasons why your dog might suck on blankets (and what you can do about it).

Why Does My Dog Gnaw On Blankets?

It’s difficult to say definitively why your dog is gnawing or sucking on blankets, but it may be because he’s teething and needs a comfort object. 

Alternatively, he may want to feel something in his mouth or teeth. If you notice that your pup is licking the blanket instead of biting it, this may be a sign that he has an itch or wants to clean himself. 

If he has been chewing up things other than the blanket, such as shoes or furniture, these items might have a scent that attracts him. 

If your pup seems stressed by other dogs or people while you’re out on walks, consider getting some time with them by bringing them home for alone time with their favorite blanket. 

A few dogs have been known to chew up their favorite blanket when they sense they’re going to get left home alone for long periods of time and are anxious about being lonely.

Why Does My Dog Knead And Bite The Blanket?

Dogs have a natural need to chew and bite things, and this is usually seen in puppies when they are teething. It can be very frustrating to have your blanket chewed up and see your puppy’s teeth marks all over it. 

This behavior is not a sign of dominance or aggression, but instead, it is just their way of releasing the anxiety from being away from their mother for too long. 

The same principle applies to people who like to rock in chairs or squeeze stress balls; we use objects as coping mechanisms because they make us feel safe. 

The only other explanation is that he’s trying to mimic nursing, which is something that puppies do with their mothers as well. If you’re concerned about him biting your clothing, try making him wear a muzzle so he can’t reach his mouth at all. 

If you don’t want to buy a muzzle, simply put socks on both of his paws so he can’t use them to grab onto anything either. 

If the issue persists, consider buying some puppy pads for him to play with instead (just don’t leave them around for more than an hour).

Why Do Dogs Nurse On Stuffed animals?

It is believed that dogs get comfort from the warmth and texture of nursing, which is why they often nurse on stuffed animals. 

Dogs are also naturally attracted to milk because it smells like the milk they get from their mothers in the first few weeks after birth. 

In addition, it has been suggested that dogs may be drawn to this type of milk because it’s easier for them to digest than cow’s milk, which contains lactose and can cause stomach problems for some canines. 

Sucking on a toy or blanket may be a way for the animal to self-soothe, as well. 

There are three theories about why dogs nurse on other things: 

  1. Comfort from warmth and texture
  2. Easier digestion 
  3. 3) Self-soothing 
  4. 4) Motherly instinct

Why Is My Dog Obsessed With a Certain Blanket?

Dogs love to explore the world with their mouths, which is why they like to chew and lick so much. There are a few reasons why your dog may be sucking or chewing on a blanket:

  • The smell of the blanket is comforting to them. Dogs often take comfort in items that smell like us, especially after being mistreated or abandoned. This smell can remind them of safety and stability, so they return to it when stressed out or feeling insecure. They might also enjoy the taste or texture.

 

  • The blanket feels good on their teeth. Sucking on things is how dogs clean their teeth, so if they have dental problems then this could be a way for them to get relief from toothaches and other problems related to oral health. 

 

  • They need something to do while alone at home all day long. Some dogs may use a blanket as a kind of toy, licking and chewing on it as if they’re playing with themselves. Dogs aren’t necessarily bored; they just want something to occupy themselves since they’re not getting enough mental stimulation during the day. 

 

  • My dog only sucks his blankie when he’s tired or wants attention. My pup starts whining, nudging me until I pick him up off the floor so he can snuggle into his favorite blankie.

How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Nursing on Blankets?

To stop a nursing dog from sucking on a blanket, you’ll need to find something else for the dog to nurse from. 

This can be difficult if the nursing behavior is due to being separated from the mother or other dogs in the litter. 

You may want to try using a stuffed animal toy that smells like its mother or other dogs in the litter. A mother’s milk replacer can also work. 

However, it’s important to note that this will not resolve the underlying cause of the problem, which is most likely separation anxiety. 

If your pup seems overly attached to certain objects and there’s no logical explanation for this behavior, consult with a vet and a qualified pet professional.

Read Also: WHY DO DOGS PEE ON MY CLOTHES?

Why Do Adult Dogs Nurse In Their Sleep?

Adult dogs nurse in their sleep for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the nursing behavior is linked to separation anxiety where the dog is re-enacting the comforting behavior from when they were a puppy and were bottle fed. 

The most common reason for an adult dog to be sucking on something in their sleep is teething pain. 

When your pet’s teeth are growing and being replaced, there can be discomfort that causes them to suck on anything they can get their mouth around. 

Other signs of dental problems include drooling, gasping or choking when eating or drinking, red or bleeding gums, and a foul odor coming from the mouth. Some signs are easy to see but you will need to inspect closely with your veterinarian to detect any problems that could arise. 

The best way to prevent dental disease is by brushing daily with toothpaste made specifically for pets and treats made specifically for pets as well.

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