You may have noticed your dogs licking blankets once in a while. If you’re wondering the reason behind this behavior, then you’ve come to the right place. Dogs have a natural instinct to lick and taste things, and there are several possible reasons why they might lick blankets.
Licking is a way for dogs to gather information about their environment. It can help them learn about different objects and substances. In some cases, licking blankets or other objects may be a way for dogs to comfort themselves. However, excessive licking of blankets or other objects may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Keep reading as we take you through all the reasons why your dog may be licking blankets.
Before you scroll down this guide, “Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets,” check out: Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears? (2023) and Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs All The Time? 9 Reasons! (2023).
Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets?
Dogs have a natural instinct to lick and taste things, and there are several possible reasons why they might lick blankets. Some of the most common reasons for this behavior include:
Comfort
Licking can be a self-soothing behavior, and dogs may lick blankets as a way to comfort themselves or relax. This can be especially true if the blanket has a familiar scent or is associated with a positive experience. For example, if a dog has a favorite blanket that they sleep with every night, they may lick it as a way to feel comforted and secure.
Nourishment
Dogs may lick blankets in an attempt to get nutrients or hydration. This is more likely to happen if the blanket has been used to cover food or has absorbed a liquid, such as water or milk. Dogs have a strong sense of smell and may be able to detect traces of food or liquid on a blanket, even if they are not visible to humans.
Curiosity
Dogs are naturally curious animals and may lick blankets out of curiosity or to explore their surroundings. This behavior is often seen in puppies, who are still learning about the world around them. Licking is a way for puppies to gather information and can help them learn about different objects and substances.
Attention-Seeking
Dogs may lick blankets as a way to get attention from their owners. If the behavior is reinforced with praise or treats, the dog may continue to lick blankets in order to get attention.
This can be especially true if the dog does not receive enough attention or stimulation from their owners, as they may seek out attention-getting behaviors in order to get their needs met.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, excessive licking of blankets or other objects may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as allergies, dental problems, or gastrointestinal issues. If your dog is excessively licking blankets or other objects, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
There are several ways you can address your dog licking blankets, depending on the underlying cause.
If the behavior is motivated by boredom or a lack of attention, it may be helpful to provide your dog with more mental and physical stimulation, such as additional exercise, toys, or training.
What Do I Do if My Dog Licks Blankets?
If your dog is licking blankets, there are a few steps you can take to address the behavior, depending on the underlying cause of the behavior:
Rule Out Medical Causes
If your dog is excessively licking blankets or other objects, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as allergies, dental problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
Your veterinarian will be able to perform a physical examination. They may recommend bloodwork or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the behavior. Once the cause has been identified, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with guidance on how to manage the behavior and treat the underlying medical condition.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
If the behavior is motivated by boredom or a lack of attention, it may be helpful to provide your dog with more mental and physical stimulation, such as additional exercise, toys, or training. This can help to keep your dog mentally and physically active, which can reduce the likelihood of destructive or attention-seeking behaviors.
Remove Access to the Blanket
If your dog is licking a specific blanket or object, you can try removing access to see if the behavior stops. This may not be practical in all cases, but it can be an effective way to interrupt the behavior and prevent it from becoming a habit.
Reward Alternative Behavior
If you catch your dog licking a blanket, you can try redirecting their attention to more appropriate behaviors, such as playing with a toy or sitting for a treat. Rewarding your dog for alternative behaviors can help reinforce more desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.
Consult a Professional
If you are unable to identify the cause of your dog’s blanket-licking behavior or if the behavior is causing problems, it may be helpful to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance. They can help you to identify the underlying cause of the behavior and provide you with strategies to address it.
Overall, it is important to consider the underlying cause of your dog’s blanket-licking behavior and take steps to address the behavior in a way that is appropriate for your dog and your household.
By addressing the behavior in a consistent and positive way, you can help your dog learn more appropriate behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.
Medical Reasons Behind Why Your Dog May Be Licking Blankets
There are several medical conditions that can cause a dog to excessively lick blankets or other objects. Some of the most common medical causes of excessive licking include:
Allergies
Dogs can develop allergies to a variety of substances, including food, environmental allergens, and medications. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including itchy skin, redness, and swelling. Dogs may lick excessively in an attempt to soothe itchy or uncomfortable skin. They may lick blankets or other objects as a way to relieve the discomfort.
Symptoms of allergies may include excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the skin, as well as redness, swelling, and hair loss. Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and environmental exposures.
Dental Problems
Dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can cause pain and discomfort in dogs. Dogs may lick excessively in an attempt to alleviate pain or discomfort in their mouth.
Symptoms of dental problems in dogs may include bad breath, difficulty chewing or eating, and excessive drooling. Dental problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene, genetics, and diet.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs may lick excessively if they are experiencing gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Licking can help stimulate the digestive system and may help alleviate discomfort or nausea.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Gastrointestinal issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, parasites, infections, and underlying medical conditions.
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs may lick excessively if they are experiencing anxiety or stress. This behavior can be a way for dogs to self-soothe and cope with negative emotions.
Symptoms of anxiety or stress in dogs may include excessive barking or whining, panting, pacing, or destructive behaviors. Anxiety or stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, separation from owners, or exposure to loud noises or other stimuli.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism, can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including excessive licking. Hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing’s disease, is a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Symptoms of Cushing’s disease may include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite, and thinning skin. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, lethargy, and dry skin.
If you suspect that your dog’s excessive blanket-licking behavior is due to a medical condition, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the behavior.
Once the cause has been identified, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with guidance.
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
It is generally unnecessary to take your dog to the veterinarian for blanket-licking behavior unless it’s excessive or causing problems. However, if you are concerned about your dog’s blanket-licking behavior or other unusual symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian.
If your dog is excessively licking blankets or other objects, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the behavior. Excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as allergies, dental problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
Once the cause has been identified, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with guidance on how to manage the behavior and treat the underlying medical condition.
If your dog’s blanket-licking behavior is not excessive and is not causing problems, you may not need to take any action. However, it is always a good idea to monitor your dog’s behavior and to pay attention to any changes that may indicate a problem.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or if you have concerns about your dog’s health, it is always best to consult a veterinarian for guidance.
In some cases, treatment for the underlying medical condition may be sufficient to resolve the excessive licking behavior.
For example, if the behavior is caused by allergies, treatment may involve eliminating the allergen from the dog’s environment or providing the dog with medications or supplements to help manage the allergies. If the behavior is caused by dental problems, treatment may involve cleaning the dog’s teeth and providing dental care at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dog is licking everything, it may be a compulsive behavior that helps soothe their nerves.
A dog that chews or swallows non-nutritional objects may have pica. If your dog is lethargic or vomiting, that could be a sign of an obstruction.
When a dog suddenly starts licking excessively, it may be bored, anxious, or stressed. Additionally, there may be a medical condition to blame.
Conclusion for “Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets”
In conclusion, there are several possible reasons why dogs lick blankets. Licking is natural for dogs and can serve a variety of purposes, such as gathering information or seeking attention.
However, it’s important to monitor your dog’s licking and consult a veterinarian if the behavior is excessive or causing problems.
By understanding the underlying causes of your dog’s blanket-licking behavior and taking steps to address the behavior in a positive and consistent way, you can help your dog to learn more appropriate behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.
If you find this guide, “Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets,” helpful, check out:
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Learn more by watching “Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets (10 Reasons Explained)” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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