When bringing a puppy home, you may find it adorable when it holds and sucks the blanket.
If a puppy adopts this tendency, it may not go away.
An adult dog may continue sucking on a blanket for years.
Why does my dog suck on blankets?
If your dog is sucking on blankets, they probably miss puppy comfort suckles. The mother may have refused to allow comfort suckling when she opted to wean her puppies. Most humans bottle-feed their puppies, so they become blanket suckers. This habit is later compelled during teething.
This is merely a preview. We’ll go into deeper specifics regarding these details right now.
Let’s move forward!
6 Reasons Why Dogs Suck on Blankets
Like their mothers, blankets are cuddly and cozy. Puppies who rely on blankets for comfort and security don’t usually grow out of them. They continue to do so throughout their entire lives.
Stuffed toys, pillows, or even a piece of their owner’s clothes can help. Some dogs may even knead the blankets in a friendly manner. They do this to get them closer to lay to them.
Here are some probable reasons why your dog has been behaving this way.
Reason 1: Puppy Misses His Mother
Puppies are mammals and used to nurse before they came to you. They do it after a long day of nursing. Sucking on a blanket is merely your puppy’s method of calming down.
Puppies are born with a suckling instinct. But they don’t just suck for food. Puppies, like human newborns, are sucking for comfort and security.
Weaned puppies who still crave comfort can be found sucking on blankets. Also, they cry at night for their mother’s affection. That time you might find them sucking on blankets. Sometimes a case of it, dogs lick their lips too.
Also, separation anxiety can cause this sucking behavior in puppies. The same thing happens when the mother refuses to comfort-suckle the puppies. It’s a calming strategy for them to cope with separation.
Also, bottle-fed puppies can suck on blankets. In this case, the blanket provides comfort, as the bottle satisfies hunger.
Reason 2: Anxiety
If you know anything about dogs, you know they can be anxious. Noisy environments, unfamiliar people, and unfamiliar places can cause anxiety.
A distressed dog constantly tries to soothe itself, leading to blanket sucking. Anxiety is clearly shown by the dog licking its lip.
Sucking on a blanket is one of the various ways dogs self-soothe. They do it when you leave or meet new pets or people. If your dog has separation anxiety, he may suck on blankets.
Reason 3: Teething
Teething can cause a dog to suck on blankets. Teething is a painful process that cannot be avoided. If you have a young puppy, It may be teething and sucking on a blanket. Sucking on other items, like your slippers, is another indicator.
It might stop as soon as your puppy has new teeth. But, to be safe, buy some chew toys. Also, your dogs can chew gummy bears.
We’ve recommended two chew toys here to help you with this issue. Check them below:
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These are cruelty-free products. You can buy these from your nearest super shop. Just make sure the dogs like them.
Reason 4: Blanket Odor
Dogs have an acute sense of smell. It nibbles on blankets to feel near to you when you’re not around. Puppies that spend much time alone at home will naturally suck on blankets for comfort.
Anxious puppies will always suck on blankets. You were allowing it to seek solace while at work will do no damage. After all, you desired a particular bond with your puppy.
Reason 5: Blanket’s Taste
After cleaning a blanket, a puppy stops sucking it. It simply loved the unwashed blanket’s taste. They enjoy the peculiar taste of sweat, smells, and skin cells.
If your dog is sucking on blankets, wash them. If it quits sucking, you’ve solved the problem.
Reason 6: Canine-Compulsive Disorder
Repetitive grooming, flank chasing, and sucking on blankets are signs of these diseases.
Canine-compulsive disorder in dogs is inherited. That is, some dog breeds are more prone to this than others.
Consult your veterinarian if you feel your dog has OCD. If untreated, these conditions can cause violence or self-injury.
Sucking on a dog’s blanket can be caused for various reasons. However, if you know your dog’s actions, you may quickly correct him.
6 Methods to Stop Dogs from Sucking on Blankets
Your dog’s habit of sucking on a blanket is annoying, but it’s not dangerous. This habit may irritate or worry you, but there are ways to stop it.
Here are some ways to stop this behavior. Let’s learn them below:
Solution 1: Keep Puppies with Their Mother
Blanket sucking is a habit that begins at birth. It’s a substitute for nursing. If a breeder weans puppies too early, they will seek out other sources of comfort.
Keep the puppy with its mother as long as possible to avoid this. Sadly, you can’t always prevent early weaning.
It would help if you bought from reputable breeders, not kennels or puppy mills. Weaning puppies will be delayed.
Solution 2: Replace the Blanket with a New One
Dogs can identify around 50 scents using their keen sense of smell. Humans find them revolting, but dogs think they’re the best supper ever.
Replace the blanket if you find your dog sucking on it. A new blankie is unlikely to be sucked on by your dog. Also, dogs can nibble on blankets after not washing them for a long time.
If your dog is used to the old blanket, switch it out with a new one. It will cause your dog to lose interest in it.
Solution 3: Make a Distraction
Boredom is generally undesirable in dogs. Boredom causes many dogs to suck on blankets. Bored dogs become destructive and adopt coping techniques like sucking to relieve boredom.
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation for a dog is critical. In this case, boredom-busting toys can keep your dog entertained and minimize boredom.
A distraction method can be adapted. Solicit a fun toy to distract your puppy from eating on a blanket.
Exercise can also help your dog and lessen sucking behavior. It would help to take your dog with you when you leave because separation anxiety can cause it to lick blankets.
In recent years, several places have become pet-friendly. Leave your dog in a pet nursing home instead of leaving them home alone. A lot of alone time can exacerbate sucking.
Solution 4: Identify the Triggers
It’s essential to keep an eye on this self-soothing practice. Some dogs use blankets to soothe themselves.
These behaviors are common in dogs in discomfort, depression, and anxiety. Your puppy will be relieved after you identify the source of its worry.
Teach your dog to cope with difficult situations. It will assist your dog in coping with its stress.
Solution 5: Discourage the Behavior
Positive reinforcement works well for all dogs. After your dog stops sucking, lavish it with treats and praise.
Reward your dog when it quits sucking. You can try to coax your dog out of sucking a blanket. Give it treats, show it a fun soft toy or stuffed animal, or promise a walk.
You shouldn’t punish your dog harshly because he isn’t doing anything wrong! The anxiety and suckiness can increase. He’ll understand if you’re solid yet gentle.
Solution 6: See a Vet
This is the first indicator of a dog with compulsive behavior. This kind of case necessitates diagnosis and medication. Call your vet in that scenario.
Don’t be late to consult a professional because hazardous objects that can be swallowed or choked on by dogs are sometimes sucked. Breeds like Dachshunds and Doberman Pinschers are prone to it.
Our conversation with you has come to an end. We hope it was helpful to fix your issue. We’ve also included a few valuable topics in this piece.
FAQs
Is it normal for my dog to be nursing stuffed animals?
Anxious and stressed dogs cling to their toys for comfort and serenity. Nursing toys are linked to missing their mother, being terrified, and seeking consolation.
What is a dog’s flank?
In a dog, the Fold of the Flank (FOF) is a small skin fold. That skin joins the upper rear leg to the body. You can look between your dog’s thumb and index finger for webbing.
How can you tell if your dog is cold at night?
Signs that your dog is suffering from hypothermia are shaking or trembling. There is a sense of hesitancy or wanting to turn around. Also, you can notice behavioral shifts, such as appearing worried or uneasy.