Why Does My Dog Nibble On Blankets
Dogs are often viewed as a symbol of love, innocence, and loyalty. Their playful attitude, lovely smile, and their ability to make you feel loved are unparalleled. One can never hate a dog; however, the sight of seeing your dog nibbling on your blankets and pillows can make you feel annoyed.
It is hard for you to identify why your dog bites and chews on blankets. The possible reasons could be a pain in the body, stress, anxiety, boredom, lack of activity, and few others.
Well, we have got you covered. Most dogs nibble on blankets as a part of their natural canine instincts. There are various other reasons behind the onset of this habit. Read through this article to get to know a lot more about your amazing four-legged friend.
Why Do Dogs Nibble On Blankets?
There are several reasons behind the development of this irritating habit in your dogs. However, there is nothing to worry about since it can be easily cured without any medical support or care. The first step is to identify the major cause behind it.
Keeping this in view, we have come up with this informative article listing all the possible causes of why dogs nibble on blankets.
1. Teething
Baby dogs behave more or less like your own child. So, If you have a little puppy at home that has become accustomed to chewing blankets, pillows, or clothes, it is more likely trying to cope with the discomfort of teething.
This stage is usually experienced when your dog is around 6 to 7 months old. You may also experience this when a puppy is trying to adjust itself to new surroundings. It is very common, and it has nothing to do with physical or mental health. Stay calm and deal with it affectionately. You may try giving your dog a soft bone or a chew toy to help it have a good time teething.
2. Natural Instinct
Dogs are canines, and chewing is a part of their instincts. Most pet dogs, thereby, chew blankets and pillows only as a part of their natural behavior. Even if you have kept them as pets, they will still exhibit their natural abilities.
Here, it would be best if you did not view it as their tendency to bite you. Trust on dog loyalty and continue to adopt a loveable, friendly attitude towards your dog. They are just behaving like dogs, and that has nothing to do with a shift in their behavior towards you.
In other words, chewing or nibbling is a dog’s instinct and must not cause feeling scared by its human friends.
3. Stress
Just like humans, dogs can also feel stressed. Whether they are going through a loss of a partner or have lost their newly born offspring, these innocent creatures are most likely to feel the after-effects of trauma and loss. As a result, they chew and nibble on clothes and blankets, intending to curb themselves.
If your dog is trying to show any signs of mental, physical, or emotional stress, you must make efforts to comfort it. Play with it, spend more time together than usual and be your dog’s companion in these testing times. Look into your dog’s eyes and caress it gently, hug it, and love it like a caregiver.
4. Hunger
Pet dogs rely on their owners for food and water. Always keep an eye on their needs and try to attend to them as early as possible. After all, your dog is your responsibility, and you must act responsibly towards them.
Studies suggest that most dogs nibble and chew blankets when they are feeling the need to have food and water. Suppose your dog stays alone at home while busy working at your office, do not forget to provide it with food and water beforehand.
In this way, you will be able to help it bid farewell to the habit of chewing blankets and pillows. Try it out and observe a positive change in your dog’s behavior.
5. Joy
Most hyperactive dogs are always looking for an activity to enjoy themselves. Nibbling and chewing blankets is thus a part of bringing joy and excitement to their life. So, if you are tired of getting your pillows and blankets ruined, take it easy; your precious pet is enjoying this activity to feel happy, empowered, and loved.
However, you can still try to realize that you do not like what he is doing. Be polite and affectionate; your pet will eventually listen to what you are trying to tell it. Stay consistent and never lose your temper; it will hurt this lovely being.
6. Lack of Activity
Most dog owners turn a blind eye to your dog’s need for a companion to play with. If it’s not possible, at least it deserves to go for a walk outdoors or to have some dog-friendly activities to do indoors.
Never ignore this aspect; it will trigger an adverse behavior compelling your dog to chew blankets and clothes. If you wish to avoid this, you must focus on introducing your pet to playful activities. It will be a great effort, and you will shortly start seeing its results.
A suggested option is to invest in engaging dog toys for your friend. These will keep it busy. You may also try spending more time with your dogs.
7. Pain In The Body
A dog’s eyes reflect its pain and agony. Experts have found that when a dog is in pain, it nibbles and chews on soft objects to comfort itself. Therefore, instead of getting angry with your dog, a sensible approach is to find out if your dog is going through physical pain of any sort.
For instance, if your dog has hit himself while playing or if it has had an injury of any sort, you will find it nibbling on your blankets, clothes, and pillows. Adopt a motherly attitude and help it get through this time with love and care.
You may even try providing it with a bowl of warm milk, or if the condition persists, expert attention is always advised. Please bring it to a trusted veterinary doctor to identify the cause of the pain.
8. Attention Seeking
The routine of our daily lives sometimes makes it possible to take care of our pet dogs. It leaves a negative effect on your dog’s mind, and it submits itself to the feeling of solitude and loneliness.
As a result, most dogs overthink and chew on whatever comes in front of them. So if you see ruptured blankets and torn pillow corners, try and identify if you are sparing enough time for your dog.
If your dog nibbles blankets in your presence, it is trying to divert your attention from your phone or laptop. Attend to its needs; after all, it is your friend forever.
9. Affection
Your blankets, your pillows, and your clothes smell like you. You must have also heard about a dog’s strong sense of smell. So, isn’t it obvious? Your dog loves you, and thus he nibbles and chews on whatever smells like you.
It is its distinct way of showing love and care. No, it will never bite or harm you; it will never chew on your flesh. It is rather a sign that it wants to cuddle with you, trying to have some playtime.
Always have a ball or a chewable toy at your place, search and surf about activities that you may do with your dog, and try to engage it as much as possible. It will surely save you from the annoyance of seeing chewed blankets. Try it; it will work wonders for you.
What Should I Do To Handle My Dog’s Nibbling Behaviour?
If your dog has a habit of chewing on your pillows, blankets, and clothes, there are several different solutions to it. Please have an in-depth look at them and find out what suits you the best in your case.
- Invest In A Chewable Toy
Invest in a chewable toy for your dog. Yes, it will take some time to get comfortable with this new addition in life, but eventually, it will use its instinct at the right place.
- Please Give It A Bone To Chew And Nibble
As a temporary solution, you may always pacify your dog with a bone. It will make it feel happy and satisfied, and you will love the sight of seeing your dog chewing and nibbling on the bone as its biggest asset.
- Spend More Time With This Innocent Creature
Last but not least, your time and affection can make a huge difference in restraining your dog from nibbling and chewing blankets. If you do not believe it, try it out and thank us later. Always remember, dogs are hungry for your love and attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is blanket nibbling a harmful habit for my dog?
If your dog has the habit of nibbling on blankets, It will not affect its health. However, it can potentially affect your pet’s ability to develop an addiction to chewing blankets. It will further affect the friendly behavior of your dog, making it more interested in chewing blankets only. Therefore, identify the issue and responsibly help your dog say bye to this habit.
2. How can I help my dog avoid chewing blankets?
It is advised to invest in a chewable toy. Most dogs instantly engage themselves with such toys. However, others take time to get used to the idea of playing with these toys. If your dog is not very receptive to the idea of interacting with strangers, it is most likely to have a hard time dealing with a chewable toy.
3. Is it ok to keep my dog busy with food to restrain it from chewing clothes and blankets?
Chewing is sometimes a dog’s way of showing hunger. Yes, you can always reward it with your favorite food items, but food must not be viewed as the only effective cure. Your dogs are hungry for your love, attention, and time as well.
So, even if you have a bad day or a busy day at work, do not forget to spare some time for this lovely creature. Its innocence will melt your heart, making you feel motivated.
4. Shall I adopt a strict attitude to keep my puppy dog away from nibbling blankets?
Most dogs are not receptive to loud behaviors. Hatred, shouting, and a strict attitude make them stubborn enough to hold on to a bad habit for a longer time.
Therefore, a better approach is to cure your dog affectionately. If that does not work, you can always purchase a chewable toy. Strict behavior is usually not advised, keeping in view the sensitive nature of your precious pet.
5. Why do dogs nibble on bedsheets when they are in pain?
Dogs comfort themselves by nibbling and chewing on blankets. It is their way of dealing with unbearable emotional or physical stress.
If your dog is showing such disturbing behavior and having trouble walking or if you have observed an unusual increase in its sleep hours, immediately seek expert medical assistance. Do not forget to consult a reliable veterinary dog who is an expert at treating dogs.
Conclusion:
Just like humans, dogs are extremely sensitive. They can sniff our sentiments and emotions and have their way of reacting to stress, hunger, fear, pain, and happiness. As a responsible dog owner, you must establish an empathetic relationship with your pet to understand its needs and wants.
For instance, even if its habit of nibbling and chewing blankets triggers irritation, anger, and annoyance, you must never react right away. Control your emotions and adopt a sensible attitude. Do not shout or hit your dog in any case.
You must rather try and identify the reason behind it and adopt appropriate behavior accordingly. Always trust your pet and believe in your ability to restrain it from destroying your blankets, clothes, and pillows. Cherish these moments; they will transform into lifelong memories soon.
References:
- https://caninehq.com/why-does-my-dog-nibble-on-blankets/
- https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-does-my-chihuahua-nibble-on-blankets#:~:text=When%20dogs%20have%20anxiety%2C%20they,potential%20causes%20of%20compulsive%20nibbling.
- https://www.pawcited.com/why-does-my-dog-nibble-on-blankets/
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