Dog suck on Blankets? There are many possible explanations for why a dog might suck on a blanket. One reason could be that the dog is trying to warm up or comfort itself. Another possibility is that the dog is trying to get rid of something it doesn’t like, such as a scent or fleas. Some dogs might also do this as a form of playfulness.
Key Points
- Puppies that are taken away from their moms at an inappropriate age may seek solace by sucking on blankets
- Chewing on a blanket or a plush toy is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by adult dogs of any breed
- It is not at all detrimental of the relationship unless the conduct becomes excessively compulsive
Whatever the reason, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you’re noticing your dog sucking on blankets frequently.
Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets?
Many people believe that their dog sucks on blankets because they are missing their mom. Dogs also use blankets as a way to comfort themselves when they’re feeling sad or lonely. When you leave the house, make sure to remove all of your dog’s blankets so they don’t get too used to having them around and start sucking on them!
Here are 5 strong reasons why dog suck on blankets
Missing Their Mom
In certain circumstances, a dog will chew on a blanket to mimic nursing.
Puppies instinctively suckle. Suckling in early life gives puppies comfort and a sense of security.
Weaned puppies may still need comfort sucking. They may then chew on their blanket or other soft materials.
If your puppy was separated from her mother too early, she may self-soothe by sucking. This can happen if the mother won’t let the puppy comfort-suckle.
If you bottle-fed your pet as a new born, they may suck on their blankets. Bottle feeding isn’t as soothing as suckling. In such instances, your dog may suck on their blanket to suckle.
Anxiety
When dogs or cats are anxious, they will often suck on things to try and calm down. This can include their people, other animals, or even objects. Many pet owners believe that the reason why their dog or cat sucks on blankets is that they are anxious and need a way to calm down.
Also Read: Why Your Dog Should Be On Leash In Public Areas
Some experts believe that the behavior may stem from boredom or from a desire for comfort. Regardless of the reason, it is important to help your pet manage their anxiety in any way possible.
Teething
Many dog owners are aware that their furry friends will suck on blankets during teething. This behavior is instinctual for dogs and helps them relieve the pain of their teeth grinding. The urge to suck on something solid usually peaks around four weeks into a puppy’s development but can happen as early as two weeks old. Some breeds are more likely to teethe than others and some dogs may experience more intense teething pain than others.
Some owners believe that giving their dog a soft, cuddly blanket to suck on can help soothe him or her during this time.
The Scent of The Blanket
There is something about the scent of a freshly laundered blanket that dogs love. In fact, some breeds of dogs seem to have a particular affinity for these soft textiles. While it’s not clear why, there seems to be a strong link between dog suck on blankets and the smell of fresh laundry.
In fact, many people believe that the smell of laundry has therapeutic properties that can help calm dogs down and improve their moods. Of course, there’s no guarantee that every dog will enjoy the scent of a freshly laundered blanket – but if your pup does, give it a try and see if you can coax him into taking a little snooze on one!
The soothing feel of the blanket
Dogs enjoy the tactile sensation of the fabric against their tongue and palate. Blankets offer a soothing feeling that can help to calm a dog down after being scared or anxious. In addition, some breeds of dogs (such as German Shepherds) are particularly prone to getting colds and may need extra warmth. Sucking on a blanket can help to keep them cozy and comfortable!
Canine Compulsive Disorder
Compulsive disorder in dogs is a relatively new scientific discovery that was made public in 2007. It is a condition in which dogs compulsively suck on blankets, figurines, or other objects. Some people believe that the disorder may be caused by a lack of socialization and human interaction with their canine companions.
Dogs who compulsively suck on objects often have anxiety or stress-related behaviors, including pacing, panting, and chewing. If left untreated, this behavior can lead to destruction of property and even serious health problems for the dog.
Sucking starts from puppyhood
Sometimes, sucking on a blanket is your dog’s way of seeking the comfort they would get from nursing.
Puppies have an innate need to nurse from the moment they are born. Puppy suckling isn’t just a source of nutrition; it also provides them with a sense of security and comfort in the early stages of their lives.
Puppy comfort suckling may not go away once they are weaned. These children may resort to sucking on their blankets or other soft objects when this happens.
This sucking offers them the same sensation as breastfeeding, and it develops an ingrained habit.
If your puppy was taken away from her mother too soon, she may develop a self-soothing habit of sucking. When the mother refuses to allow her puppy’s comfort to suckle, this may also occur.
Bottle-feeding is another possible explanation for a pet’s proclivity to gnaw on their blankets.
This is due to the fact that bottle-feeding does not provide the same level of comfort as suckling. Your dog may suck on their blanket to satisfy their natural desire to nurse in this situation.
