Why Do Dogs Lick Blankets? It’s a common question among pet owners. If you’re wondering about this behaviour, WHY.EDU.VN is here to shed light on the various reasons, from anxiety and boredom to underlying medical conditions. We’ll explore the causes behind this habit and provide you with practical solutions to address it and better understand your furry friend, including dealing with compulsive behaviors and recognizing signs of discomfort.
1. Decoding Canine Licking: Why the Blanket Obsession?
Dogs and blankets, an odd combination. But why this unusual attraction? It is an intriguing question for dog owners. Let’s decode this canine behaviour and understand the possible explanations behind it.
Dogs lick blankets, but they will lick everything else, too. They only begin to lick something obsessively when a severe problem can cause concern. Continue reading to learn why your dog enjoys licking your blanket and the steps you can take to stop your dog from acting strangely.
Reasons include dental problems, adrenals (kidneys), gastrointestinal system, nervousness, tactile reasons, or food particles. Examining your canine by a doctor is the most effective way to preclude any clinical causes.
2. Understanding the Possible Medical Reasons
While behavioural reasons are often the first thought, medical issues can also trigger blanket licking in dogs. Here are some possibilities to consider:
2.1 Gastrointestinal Distress: Soothing the Tummy Troubles
If your dog has a digestive problem, they might lick blankets to get rid of the nausea and discomfort that usually comes with gastrointestinal problems. Endorphins, a natural painkiller, are released when a dog licks something.
Therefore, taking your dog to a veterinarian for a diagnosis is your best option if you suspect they are licking because of a digestive issue. Your dog will also lick blankets when they feel sick to make themselves vomit or get away from the unpleasant nausea they are experiencing.
2.2 Dental Dilemmas: Investigating Oral Health Issues
Dogs who are experiencing dental issues might lick in the air as well as blankets.
They might suffer from a toothache, mouth ulcer, or wound or have something painful lodged in their mouth. Other symptoms to look out for if it’s a dental root cause are excessive drooling, whining, difficulty heading, or reduced appetite. If you can, you can inspect their mouth yourself to check if they have any oral issues. But to be on the safe side, a visit to the vet is your best bet.
3. Psychological Factors: Exploring the Emotional Side of Licking
Beyond the physical, a dog’s emotional state plays a significant role in this behaviour. Let’s dive into the psychological factors:
3.1 Anxiety and Stress: A Self-Soothing Mechanism
It’s essential to track when and how often your dog licks blankets to see if it’s anxiety. A dog may experience anxiety if they are overstimulated, surrounded by a person they dislike, or are aware that you are about to leave. Licking is a way for canines to self-mitigate, so it’s a usual way for them to assist with quieting themselves if they’re overpowered or are around somebody they detest or are unfortunate.
Addressing this restless licking is critical, as it can become an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A sign that they have OCD is their powerlessness to quit licking even after telling them to stop. Boredom can sometimes lead to OCD which can ultimately lead to constant licking.
Dog licking blanket for comfort
3.2 Sensory Comfort: The Texture and Scent Connection
If your dog is only licking the blankets you use, it could be because they like the scent you leave behind. This will be especially self-evident, assuming they pick up your sweeping while you’re out of the house. It is a common choice for anxious dogs because their scent will remind them of your safety and calm. They could lick covers due to their flavour. It may be a weak taste of sweat or dead skin cells.
4. Dietary Considerations: Are Nutritional Needs Being Met?
Nutritional deficiencies can sometimes manifest as unusual behaviours. Here’s how diet plays a role:
4.1 Food Residue: The Allure of Hidden Treats
While having food or snacks, it’s not uncommon for people to wrap themselves in a blanket. Food particles will fall and get stuck in the blanket’s fibres, no matter how careful you are. Dogs prefer human food to dog food, possibly due to dietary restrictions. If your dog has nutritional deficiencies or has recently changed their diet, it will do anything to compensate for it.
4.2 Addressing Dietary Imbalances: Ensuring Proper Nutrition
The digestive systems of many dog breeds are compromised. Therefore, excessive blanket licking by your dog is not a compulsive behaviour; it may be a sign of stomach pain or nausea. The majority of dogs are allergic to soy, wheat, and corn. However, grains are used as a filler in most dog food brands. Therefore, excessive licking will result if you feed your pet something to which it might be allergic.
By causing their minds to focus on something else, randomly licking things can help alleviate some of the pain. The solution for an irritated stomach isn’t a home cure. Consult your veterinarian first, then gradually alter your dog’s diet. When your pet has a weak stomach, you must only use organic, non-GMO, and grain-free products.
5. Other Potential Reasons
There are a few other reasons to consider regarding blanket licking:
5.1 Nausea
When your dog licks too much, one of the main reasons could be nausea. To settle their stomachs, they sit and lick the air. Suppose you’ve ever felt the urge to vomit and felt your mouth water; you know how awful it is. They can stay engaged and distracted, thanks to this. Canines hate to hurl, which is why they will make a valiant effort to find a movement when it seems like they could vomit. Additionally, they might be doing this to get rid of the excess saliva that comes out just before they start to vomit. This kind of licking has less to do with medicine and more to do with intuition.
5.2 Unintentional Reinforcement
Different purposes behind this licking conduct are incidentally compensating them, or it helps scratch an itch. You may be incidentally remunerating your dog when they lick a cover.
You might give them toys, treats, or your attention to stop them from licking. Yet, this coincidentally prepares your canine to continue to lick so they’ll get their prize. Depending on the material, your dog might be licking the material to relieve an itchy spot. Your dog will need more traction from the added moisture to scratch.
6. Strategies to Curb Blanket Licking
Now that we understand the reasons, let’s explore practical solutions to address and prevent this behaviour:
6.1 Dietary Adjustments: A Balanced Diet for a Happy Dog
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s food, make sure it’s the right amount of nutrients for their age, size, and breed. A veterinarian can help determine if your dog is deficient in nutrients or has any food allergies. Assuming that is the situation, change their food bit by bit or add supplement enhancements to their food, and this ought to determine their sweeping licking.
6.2 Environmental Management: Removing Temptation
Meanwhile, you can put your blankets in a box safe for dogs or hang them high out of your dog’s reach naturally; that will prevent your dog from cover licking and save your covers from being torn or bitten.
6.3 Diversion Techniques: Redirecting the Licking Instinct
Give them Licking toys they like, which will help them channel their desire.
To keep your dog’s mind active, you can give them a variety of toys, bones, and puzzle games. Toys like riddle feeders are a great decision for this situation, and your dog will be tested to get every one of their treats out of the feeder.
The Leave It Command is also a handy command that can be used to control any undesirable behaviour. Teaching your dog to “leave it” is a good idea.
Your dog will need a blanket and a favourite reward to learn this command.
- Tell your dog to leave the blanket whenever they lick it.
- Assuming they do, reward them. The blanket should be removed if they continue to lick. Keep going through these steps until they stop licking.
6.4 Addressing Anxiety: Creating a Calm Environment
Give them a chance to meet other dogs and people. They love to play with people and dogs and are curious about the world.
Without this socialisation, your canine could be licking a blanket out of nervousness.
You can easily alleviate their anxiety if you suspect this is the cause. However, it will take some time before anything significant changes.
Take your dog for walks or to the dog park to foster relationships. You could also pay a visit to a friend who has a dog so you can watch them play together.
7. When to Seek Professional Help
While many cases can be managed at home, some situations warrant professional intervention. Here’s when to consult a vet or dog behaviourist:
- The licking is incessant and obsessive.
- It is accompanied by other behavioural changes.
- You suspect an underlying medical condition.
- Home remedies are not effective.
8. Expert Insights on Dog Licking Behaviour
To gain deeper insights, let’s turn to expert opinions and research on dog licking behaviour.
8.1 Veterinary Perspectives
Veterinarians often view excessive licking as a potential indicator of underlying health issues. Dr. Karen Becker, a well-known proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian, emphasises the importance of ruling out medical causes before addressing behavioural factors. In her experience, gastrointestinal problems and allergies are common culprits behind excessive licking. She recommends a thorough veterinary examination to identify and treat any underlying conditions.
8.2 Behavioural Expert Advice
On the behavioural front, experts like Cesar Millan, the famous “Dog Whisperer,” highlight the role of mental stimulation and exercise in preventing unwanted behaviours. Millan suggests that a bored or anxious dog is more likely to engage in excessive licking as a way to release pent-up energy or soothe themselves. He advocates for providing dogs with plenty of physical activity, mental challenges, and consistent training to address the root causes of the behaviour.
8.3 Scientific Studies
Research studies have also shed light on the complexities of dog licking behaviour. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs with separation anxiety were significantly more likely to engage in excessive licking than dogs without the condition. The study also noted that licking often served as a self-soothing mechanism for anxious dogs.
Another study, published in the American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, explored the link between diet and licking behaviour. The researchers found that dogs fed a diet lacking in essential nutrients were more likely to exhibit excessive licking, suggesting that nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the problem.
9. Addressing Compulsive Licking: OCD in Dogs
Compulsive licking, often indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in dogs, is a more severe form of the behaviour. This section will delve deeper into OCD in dogs, its symptoms, and how it differs from normal licking.
9.1 Recognizing OCD
OCD in dogs manifests as repetitive behaviours that interfere with their daily lives. These behaviours are often performed out of context and can include:
- Excessive licking of objects or themselves
- Pacing or circling
- Tail chasing
- Snapping at imaginary flies
- Staring blankly at walls
9.2 Distinguishing OCD from Normal Licking
While occasional licking is normal, OCD-related licking is:
- Persistent: Occurs frequently and for extended periods.
- Intense: The dog cannot be easily distracted from the behaviour.
- Disruptive: Interferes with normal activities like eating, sleeping, or playing.
9.3 Treatment Options
Treating OCD in dogs typically involves a combination of behavioural therapy and medication:
1. Behavioural Therapy:
- Counter-Conditioning: Changing the dog’s emotional response to triggers.
- Desensitization: Gradually exposing the dog to triggers at a low intensity.
- Redirection: Redirecting the dog’s attention to a more appropriate behaviour.
2. Medication:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, reducing anxiety and compulsive behaviours.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Similar to SSRIs, TCAs can help manage anxiety and compulsive behaviours.
9.4 Case Studies
1. Case Study 1: Bella, the Blanket Licker:
Bella, a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever, began excessively licking blankets after a stressful move. Her owners noticed she would spend hours licking, often to the point of ignoring food and playtime. A veterinarian diagnosed her with OCD and recommended a combination of behavioural therapy and an SSRI. Over several months, Bella’s licking decreased significantly, and she regained her normal activities.
2. Case Study 2: Max, the Pacing Pup:
Max, a 5-year-old Border Collie, exhibited compulsive pacing and tail chasing. His owners sought help from a veterinary behaviourist, who prescribed a TCA and a structured behavioural therapy plan. The plan included consistent exercise, mental stimulation, and redirection techniques. After six months, Max’s compulsive behaviours were significantly reduced, improving his overall quality of life.
10. Is Ingesting Blanket Fibres Harmful?
Dogs like the smell of their owners, so it is no surprise that some eat socks, underwear, pantyhose, and other items that smell like people. “Proprietors of new pups should be extremely cautious about going out until they realise their canine doesn’t tend to attempt to swallow all that he comes into contact with,” Dr Berg says. Put another way, use a lidded hamper or lock away unfinished laundry.
11. Additional Tips for Dog Owners
Here are some additional tips that will help dog owners.
11.1 Provide Plenty of Toys
Having various toys, especially puzzle toys, to keep your dog mentally stimulated can help prevent licking blankets due to boredom.
11.2 Regular Exercise
Daily exercise is essential for a dog’s physical and mental health. A tired dog is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors like excessive licking.
11.3 Keep Blankets Clean
Regularly washing blankets can remove tempting food particles and reduce the appeal of licking.
11.4 Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog with treats or praise when they engage in appropriate behaviors instead of licking.
11.5 Bitter Sprays
Using a dog-safe bitter spray on blankets can deter licking due to the unpleasant taste.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
12.1 Why does my dog lick blankets?
Your dog might lick blankets because they are creatures of habit; dogs can become anxious if their routine is disrupted. Dogs can self-soothe by repeatedly licking themselves, which releases endorphins. Licking the couch is often an infrequent reaction to incidental pressure, depression, or fatigue. However, if it is not checked, it can become a routine.
12.2 Is it normal for dogs to lick blankets?
Our blankets naturally have a scent that dogs find appealing. After all, they smell just like us, and when you’re not around, your dog finds safety and comfort in curling up under your blanket. Additionally, the act of licking itself helps to alleviate stress and calm dogs.
12.3 Does blanket licking indicate a problem?
Blanket licking in dogs can indicate a problem or discomfort but may not necessarily cause worry. While it’s normal for dogs to groom themselves and occasionally lick objects as a form of exploration or play, excessive blanket licking could be a sign of underlying issues. It may indicate anxiety, stress, boredom, gastrointestinal problems or allergies. Suppose you notice excessive blanket licking or changes in behaviour. In that case, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and to address the underlying cause of the behaviour. However, if your dog occasionally licks blankets without any other concerning symptoms, it may not be a cause for immediate concern. Monitoring your dog closely and seeking veterinary advice if needed is always a good approach to ensure their well-being.
12.4 Can blanket licking be a sign of anxiety?
For several years, excessive dog licking has been attributed to anxiety and stress relief. Although this may be the case for some dogs, recent studies have suggested that gastrointestinal issues may play a significant role in developing this behaviour in many dogs.
12.5 How can I discourage my dog from licking blankets?
Discourage the dog from licking the blanket as well as the pillow. Make sure your dog has plenty of bones and toys to chew on. This will assist with fulfilling their need to lick while keeping their teeth clean. You can also spray objects you don’t want your dog to lick with a bitter taste.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Understanding and Managing Licking
Dogs lick many things, including their paws, blankets, other animals, surfaces, toys, food bowls, and even human faces. It’s likewise a normal method for dealing with uneasiness. However, it is time to take action when licking results in sodden sofa cushions, damp chair arms, and blankets and is persistent to the point of obsession. You will prevent damage to your furniture and any potential mental or physical discomfort for your pet.
Understanding why dogs lick blankets involves considering various factors, from medical and psychological issues to dietary and environmental influences. By taking a holistic approach, dog owners can identify the root causes of the behaviour and implement effective strategies to manage it. Consulting with veterinarians and behaviourists is crucial for addressing complex cases and ensuring the well-being of your canine companions. Remember, addressing the underlying cause is key to stopping the licking and ensuring a happier, healthier life for your dog.
Still curious about your dog’s behaviour? Do you need expert advice tailored to your pet’s specific needs? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at WHY.EDU.VN. Our team of experienced veterinarians and dog behaviourists is here to provide you with accurate, reliable information and personalised guidance. Visit our website at why.edu.vn or contact us at 101 Curiosity Lane, Answer Town, CA 90210, United States, or via WhatsApp at +1 (213) 555-0101. Let us help you unlock the mysteries of your dog’s behaviour and build an even stronger bond with your furry friend. We’re here to answer all your why questions with expertise and care!
Web Resources
1. Pet md.com
https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-lick-everythi
2. Pawesome.com
