Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets?

 Dogs lick blankets because of Boredom, nervousness, nutritional troubles, numerous medical conditions, mineral or vitamin shortages, or just habit might all contribute to your dog's blanket licking. The vet is the best place to go if you suspect your dog is licking their blankets excessively.

Canines are known to lick their owners' clothes and covers. The only time excessive licking should be a reason for worry is if it becomes habitual. However, you should not be alarmed. Find out why your dog licks your blanket in the following paragraphs. And what you can do to end your dog's unusual behavior.

Have you ever gone to bed after a long day of work only to discover a moist spot on your mattress or blanket? Don't panic just yet, believing your dog has established a domain across your home. Alternatively, your dog might be licking their covers.

Canines have an innate need to lick. However, some dog owners find their pet's persistent licking a little concerning. Many pet owners are baffled as to why their dog is behaving in such an odd manner.

It is due to a variety of factors. Some of them are obvious, but you should keep an eye out for others.

In addition, the variety of these causes is rather remarkable. For many people, the mere fragrance or taste is a sufficient incentive to consume it.

Right? If you want to stop your dog from licking the blanket, you must first figure out what the issue is. That being said, let's get started.

 

 

Top 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Licking Blankets.

• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Compulsiveness
• Eating Disorders
• Health Issues
• Behavior
• A Dirty Blanket
• Deficiencies in Minerals and Vitamins
• Blanket smells like owner 

1. Anxiety

It is a common occurrence among dogs of many breeds. That tension is being relieved, and it is nothing to be concerned about.

Make sure it doesn't become a habit that you can't break! Even if it is only a blanket or a carpet, you want to ensure they don't become too stressed out.

When pets are under stress, they tend to act in this obsessive way. Find out what is causing this behavior in your pet and correct it.

Because of COVID-19 and other environmental shifts that have occurred, this kind of behavior is possible. Separation anxiety is a common cause, but it is not the only one. When a baby is born, it may be separated from its mother for the first time.

According to several specialists in the field, taking pups away from their mothers too early may lead to this issue later in life.

Even though an occurrence is not the root cause of anxiety, the context (such as the time and location) certainly helps. Anxiety might arise from the presence of a certain individual or loud sounds from the outside.

When scheduling, if they know you are leaving home in the morning, it is a no-brainer. That is a typical reaction to separation.

Make them exercise or give them something to eat to alleviate their anxiety. They will be too exhausted or stuffed to do anything else while you are gone, so this is a win-win situation.

 2.Nausea

You may be startled to learn that dogs often lick a blanket when feeling nauseous. Additionally, they may expand this activity to the sofa or any other piece of furniture they locate nearby.

To avoid boredom, this keeps them occupied. Dogs hate throwing up, so they will try everything to avoid doing it while it is in the air.

They may also be doing this to eliminate the extra saliva that seeps out of their mouths just before they vomit. This kind of licking is not a medical treatment.

The more frequently they do this, the more likely it is that something in their diet must be adjusted to alleviate the suffering of the unfortunate mutt.

3. Compulsiveness

Compulsion may be a driving force in certain cases. It might be an indication of OCD. They can't help themselves and stay at it for weeks on end. Take your pet to the vet instead of trying to solve this on your own.

4. Eating Disorders

A delicate digestive tract is well-known in dogs. In this case, it is not a stretch to think they've eaten anything that's making them feel sick.

It's possible that carbohydrates, wheat, or soy are to blame. Several dog breeds are intolerant or allergic to various substances. It might be because they eat a lot of meat or chicken. As a result, double-check all of the packaging materials.

Non-GMO and grass-fed beef is the greatest options for dealing with this issue, so speak to your veterinarian. Do not forget to inquire about the benefits and drawbacks of excluding gains from your dog's diet.

However, remember that these adjustments must be implemented gradually unless they are in danger. You must gradually increase the amount of the new food you're feeding your pet by gradually increasing the amount of the normal food.

5. Health Issues

If your pet's skin seems red or inflamed, it may indicate an allergy. You need to see a veterinarian if your dog has a particular allergy. Dog allergies may be alleviated by keeping your pet away from dust, pollen, chemicals, and even grains.

Excessive licking might signify a bacterial or fungal illness, which is unfortunate. Dog licking releases endorphins into the body, which acts as a natural painkiller for the dog. Technically, your pet may be licking to alleviate their discomfort.

If your dog is infected, there is no avoiding it. The sooner a canine's underlying disease is addressed, the less likely it will worsen and become untreatable. Check your dog's body for any lumps, lesions, or wounds.

6. Behavior

To be clear, you do not have to worry about a medical ailment if you feel that your dog has no separation anxiety and that it just enjoys licking its blanket. When people sleep, they leave behind many dead skin and cells.

When it comes to dogs, their tongues are their most sensitive organs. Thus it is no surprise that they keep licking your blanket since it reminds them of you. Licking stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins in dogs, which is why they want to do it.

Thanks to this feel-good enzyme, your dog will be in a cheerful and contented attitude. As a result, while you are not home, your dog may use licking both himself and your blanket to pass the time.

Every time you go to bed, you may be confronted with a blanket saturated with dog spit. However, this is not an issue that cannot be solved. You can easily teach your dog not to do this in a short amount of time. If you are unfamiliar with the fundamentals of dog training, you may always seek the assistance of an animal behaviorist or a professional dog trainer.

7. A Dirty Blanket

It's a mystery to many dog owners why their dogs would occasionally lick their blankets. The problem is that they do not seem to realize that they may be the true cause of their terrible conduct. Sometimes, pet owners want to cuddle up with their dogs and watch films while snacking on a few snacks.

It is now possible for your dog to detect your favorite food if you manage to spill some on the blanket while you are munching on it.

Dogs have been known to suck out minute food particles embedded in the blanket's fabric to acquire a taste of the tasty material. Your dog will joyfully lick your blanket for hours even if no food is adhered to, and the aroma of your doggo's favorite snack is all that is left.

Hygiene is the only answer to this issue. Your pet's self-hygiene habits may teach you a lot about managing your hygiene. There is no harm in watching a movie with your pet, but you must clean up the sofa and wash the blanket you used during movie time if your pet has nibbled on snacks.

8. Deficiencies in Minerals and Vitamins

It is also highly likely that your dog is deficient in vitamins or minerals if he engages in excessive licking behavior. When it comes to feeding their doggies, many pet owners go beyond the call of duty. Some breeds, however, may be deficient in calcium or other vitamins due to genetics.

You can only be sure that your dog does not have a deficit in minerals or vitamins if you see a veterinarian. In addition, starting your dogs on vitamins without seeing your veterinarian is always a bad idea.

9. Blanket smells like owner

It is a no-brainer and a little endearing.

There is a good chance that the blanket they are stuck to smells strongly like you. For whatever reason, your dog is licking this specific blanket because they want to be close to you, and you are not around.

The aroma on the blanket may soothe them since they are dealing with separation anxiety. It is worth noting, though, that this does not just occur when you are away.

If they are well versed in your routine, and it is almost time for you to leave home, they could do this (perhaps for work in the morning).

 

Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Liking Your Blankets

Some of these issues may not seem to be significant at first glance. Nonetheless, you will want to ensure that's the case first and foremost.

Even if you cannot break them from this behavior, you should still strive to do so since it's not good for them. Here is how it is done.

1. Get Rid of Them

It is possible you'd like the concept of your dog removing lint off the couch or blanket. It is bad for the dog and is not a smart method to keep your belongings clean, so why do this?

The things your dog will ingest by licking the blanket or furniture should also be obvious. Hair, fiber, the dog's fur, and other garbage may be found in these goods.

If your dog eats any of these foods, it might cause intestinal obstruction. It means that your first order of business must include getting rid of that smelly blanket your dog keeps licking.

To begin, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary to ensure that there has been no harm done before this point. You may consider bringing your dog to a trainer to help them break this bad behavior.

Trainers are frequently familiar with techniques that will keep the dog occupied. 'However, they can tell you if you have unintentionally been encouraging this behavior by any of your actions or inactions.

Identifying and removing everything the dog thought was a reward for licking the blanket is possible.

Instead of punishing the dog for licking the blanket, try rewarding him for not doing so. It will not take long for them to realize that licking the blanket will lose their reward. Training will take care of everything.

2. Make A Change In Their Eating Habits

To ensure that your dog's intestines are in good condition, you should also inquire about the dog's food when you see the veterinarian.

A well-balanced diet may be all that is needed to solve a condition. Make a commotion and don't-do list for your trip.

3. Socialize Your Stimuli by Increasing Them

A variety of factors might cause the licking of the blanket. It is possible to tackle more than one of these issues at once by providing your dog with something to do.

Therefore, if you want to discourage your dog from licking the blanket, you will need to give it additional activity or playtime. By doing this, they are both entertained and socialized.

Go to the park more often, or get them some new playthings. Another option is to enroll your dog in doggie daycare.

Boredom or loneliness may cause compulsive licking, which these activities may alleviate.

4. Veterinarians can help you

Problems might arise that do not fit into any general patterns seen in other dogs. Conversation with a veterinarian will provide you with the most accurate information.

When you do not have to play trial and error, you will obtain a clear solution that benefits your dog and your blanket.

5. Take the Blanket Away From Your Dog

There are instances when a straightforward and forthright approach is the best course of action. It is a good idea to remove the blanket.

In other words, please do not make it easy for your dog to locate the blanket. Spraying the blanket with a dog-repellent spray is another option.

Citrus, vinegar, pepper, and ammonia may be combined to make it at home. This method works equally well on both furniture and carpet.

You may try offering them things like bones, puzzles, or toys to lick, but the best thing is to break the behavior altogether.

Conclusion:

Do not ignore that your dog has been licking the blankets. Is there anything on their mind that is making them restless or anxious?

It would help if you took them to the vet to ensure they have not had any injuries from licking the blanket. Ask your veterinarian to assist you in finding out what is causing the problem and come up with a solution.

Finding out what is causing the issue and solving it is a wonderful thing to do.