After working hard for the day, when you finally plunge into your bed to relax, you realize your blanket is damp. Your loving doggy has been licking your blanket. And you wonder, how?
Dogs have the instinct to lick almost everything. You will find dogs licking themselves to self-soothe or scratch an itching. However, they even lick to express affection and love for people or things around them. And it includes inanimate objects such as blankets.
But why does a dog lick blankets? It can be due to many reasons, like anxiety, seeking attention, compulsive behavior, or health issues.
While the reasons are many, let’s find out the details of each of them in this article. You will know the possible causes and the best ways to stop this behavior. And once you detect the most probable cause, you can deal with it quickly.
So let’s get started!
10 Reasons Why Your Dog Licks Blankets
Dogs are just like baby humans. They want to eat and taste everything around them. Dogs try to understand and perceive their surroundings by licking and tasting.
When they are puppies, their mother cleans and grooms them to show affection. The dog learns and gets accustomed to this behavior. And as they grow, this learned behavior turns into a spontaneous nature. Licking becomes one of the usual behaviors of adult dogs.
So in most cases, it’s natural. But when it comes to licking objects like blankets, it isn’t typically normal. It can suggest many things that you can find below –
Behavioral Issues
Dogs’ licking nature is primarily a behavioral issue. Your dog may be licking blankets out of anxiety and other reasons. You must monitor how often it’s happening and when to verify it.
Anxiety
Anxiety can result from overstimulation. It usually occurs in certain situations, like when you are about to leave, and your buddy knows it, or when surrounded by people he dislikes or is afraid of.
Dogs lick to soothe themselves. So your pooch might be licking the blanket to calm themselves. It would help if you noticed when they are performing this behavior.
Are they licking you when you are about to leave? Then, it might be separation anxiety that causes them to lick blankets when you aren’t in the house.
You must address this issue immediately, as it can lead to OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). A key symptom of OCD is: The dog can’t stop licking even after they are commanded to stop.
Boredom is a significant contributor to Obsessive-compulsive disorder. If your dog is under stimulated, it will try to engage its body and mind by doing anything. They won’t even mind licking blankets for entertainment.
Tasting Foods Left Behind
People often have snacks or food while wrapped up in a blanket. You eventually leave food particles in the blanket fibers by accident. You may not notice it, but your dog does.
Dogs usually love tasting human foods more than their specified foods. But the urge can arise from a dietary need. It often results from nutritional deficiencies or a change in diet. They can try anything to compensate for the deficiencies.
Sensory Issues
Is your dog licking only the blanket you use? Then, your buddy may like the scent of your body left behind the blanket. So they engage themselves in licking your blanket when you are away.
Your dog loves you a lot, and your scent on the blanket reminds them of the love and safety you offer.
On the contrary, your dog may lick your blanket simply because they love its taste—the faint taste of dead skin cells or sweat! Dogs can savor the salt in these things.
However, you can confirm whether or not this behavior is due to sensory reasons by washing off the blanket. See if they are showing the same degree of interest even after washing.
If not, then it’s sensory issues. They will only lick the blanket if you use it again.
Other Reasons
Other causes behind such odd behavior in dogs include scratching an itch or accidental rewarding.
You may unintentionally reward your buddy while they are licking a blanket. You might want to stop him from licking by offering treats or toys. But your dog may think you will reward him if he keeps licking.
Your dog might also be licking to help scratch an itch. The fact is that the moisture in it elevates the traction it has to soothe it.
Medical Issues
After ruling out behavioral problems, you need to check whether any underlying health problems are causing this behavior.
Medical problems are the last things you can think of causing your dog to lick the blanket. But, although rare, it is possible. And only your vet can help you rule out any medical issues.
Kidney diseases
Like in humans, certain kidney diseases can make dogs very thirsty. Eventually, a dehydrated dog will look for anything that gives them moisture. You may consider it illogical. But dogs with diseases like Addison’s or Cushing’s disease have an increased need to quench their thirst.
Other symptoms associated with kidney issues include diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. However, many breeds can have genetically inherent adrenal problems—for example, Bearded Collies, Great Danes, and Standard Poodles.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Dogs with digestive problems often lick blankets to relieve nausea and discomfort. During licking, a dog’s body is known to liberate a natural painkiller called endorphins.
Dogs who feel nauseous often lick blankets to incite vomiting. Observe if your dog is showing any symptoms of digestive issues. Take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Dental Issues
Your dog might have dental problems that cause them to lick at the air and objects, including blankets. Check whether your dog has any mouth wounds, ulcers, or toothache. Something might also have stuck between the teeth or in the mouth that is causing pain.
You must also check whether the problem is in the dental root. If so, your dog might show symptoms like difficulty heading, whining, reduced appetite, or extreme drooling.
Although you can inspect your dog’s mouth yourself, it’s better to get them checked by the vet to be safe.
Mineral or Vitamin Deficiency
Dogs are prone to various mineral and vitamin deficiencies that cause severe medical issues. For instance, a vitamin D deficiency may result in bone deformities, whereas a vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness. On the other hand, a lack of vitamin C disrupts the immune system, and vitamin E deficiency can lead to nervous system issues.
However, you can prevent your buddy from developing such severe conditions by maintaining a balanced diet that contains essential minerals and vitamins. Your best bet is to consult your vet about your dog’s diet and supplements.
6 Ways to Prevent Your Dog From Licking Blankets
Don’t worry if your dog keeps licking blankets! It’s usually not harmful. And you can stop this odd habit of your canine with time and some consistency.
However, you must take your dog to a vet or consult a professional canine behaviorist in medical issues or failed training attempts.
Let’s find out some of the best ways to deal with this harmless yet odd habit of your doggy!
1. Discourage their Licking Behaviors
Most dogs generally like to lick everything around them. It’s their instinct, and it’s harmless.
But licking blankets can be dangerous too. For example, your buddy can accidentally eat some fur or fabric from the blanket, obstructing their gut.
You can provide your dog with plenty of chew objects and bones. Likewise, you can simultaneously meet their urge to lick and keep their teeth clean.
In addition, you can use any bitter-tasting spray on objects, including blankets, that you don’t want to be licked. Your dog will get off the object due to the unpleasant taste. These sprays won’t harm them if ingested.
2. Change the Diet
Did you change his diet recently? Does it contain nutritionally balanced foods for your dog’s size, breed, or age?
Look out for it, or consult your vet to check your canine’s nutritional deficiencies. The vet can even diagnose if your dog has allergies to the new foods.
If so, you must change the diet or include nutritional supplements. It can solve the issue of blanket licking.
3. Exercise them Adequately
Dogs require adequate exercise to stay fit and healthy. So you should always ensure your furry buddy gets the physical activities they need. Under-exercised dogs often suffer from stressful or anxious behaviors such as compulsive licking.
Adequate exercise keeps dogs happy and healthy. You can start with regular walking and play frisbee or fetch in the yard or park.
Let your buddy run freely without a leash. With adequate exercise, dogs can stay balanced and stimulated. When he gets tired, you will know that he is happy.
4. Keep Blankets Out of Reach
Many dog parents can easily overlook this obvious solution. Remember to reduce their access by keeping blankets away from your canine’s reach. A dog-proof box is a great option.
Eventually, your buddy won’t get blankets to lick, and you can save your blanket from getting damp.
5. Give them toys to chew on
To meet the urge to lick, give your dog some chewing dog toys to deter them from licking the blankets. You will find plenty of bones, puzzles, games, and toys in the market to get some for your pooch.
One thing you can do is redirect their attention to these toys by initiating interactive play. When your dog licks the blanket, deliver a loud command like “NO.”
With consistent interactive play, you can soon divert your buddy from licking the blanket and focus on their toys. Interactive play will also offer dogs the required exercise. At the same time, this will boost the bond between you and your dog.
6. Let Them Socialize Properly
All dog parents are aware of the potential benefits of socialization. Firstly, it will help to make your dog more comfortable with other animals and people. Secondly, well-socialized dogs behave better and learn things more easily. These dogs even suffer less from depression and anxiety. Overall, they will be healthier and happier.
FAQ’s
Why does your dog keep licking blankets?
It’s usually in a dog’s nature to lick everything. However, repetitive or excessive licking of objects like blankets can indicate something awry. Your dog might be suffering from some health or behavioral issues. He might be too anxious, stressed, or lonely. Monitor their behavior attentively or consult your vet to be on the safe side.
How can you calm your dog from licking?
Positive reinforcement training is a great way to stop your dog from licking. It can gradually reduce their licking habit by rewarding them for the desired practice. Don’t reward your dog accidentally when he is licking. Instead, divert his attention to other things and reward him with treats for good behavior.
Why does your dog lick everything?
If your dog excessively licks everything around them, it can be due to health issues resulting in gastrointestinal distress or nausea. Another possibility is that they suffer from depression, loneliness, anxiety, or boredom.
Final Thoughts
Dogs love licking everything around them. It includes you, others, wounds, and even objects like blankets. Their intuitive nature causes them to do so. And in most instances, this behavior is entirely normal. Dogs even lick themselves to calm them and minimize stress levels.
If your dog has any specific preference for the blanket, it can indicate something is wrong. However, before deciding on the right approach to dealing with this behavior, you must detect its real cause. It can be a learned behavior or a medical issue. And it needs your immediate attention.
However, the best port of call will always be consulting the vet. They can address any underlying health problems, and you can be sure whether this behavior is learned.
Heather Abraham is a professional blogger who owns two dogs, a cat, a parrot, and a leopard gecko. She has a connection with animals since she was a child. She shares her love for all pet breeds and provides information on pet food, toys, medications, beds, and everything else.
She is committed to learning about the internal workings of animals. Her work permits her to work closely with knowledgeable vets and obtain practical expertise in animal care. When she is not working, her love of animals continues in her writing. Her goal is to educate and uplift readers who also have a passion for animals through her writing.