7 Reasons Why Your Dog Nibbles on Blankets & What To Do (2024)

A young Golden Retriever chewing on a tan plaid blanket outside.

Why do dogs nibble blankets? Dogs deal with their emotions differently than humans do. Since they can’t talk to express themselves, they have to cope with things differently.

Some dogs like to chew on blankets and other things because it calms them or even entertains them. If your dog is nibbling on blankets, it’s beneficial to know the reason for  the behavior. 

Why does my dog use blankets as chew toys? Dogs nibble blankets sometimes as a way to deal with anxiety or discomfort. Your dog may be feeling scared, suffering from allergies or parasites, or even be in pain. Some dogs also nibble blankets as a way of playing or cutting their teeth.

If your dog is nibbling your blankets, continue reading to learn more about the reasons why he may be demonstrating this behavior.

7 Reasons Why Dogs Nibble Blankets

If your dog seems to be nibbling on your blankets frequently, you of course are wondering why. Here are seven of the most common reasons.

1. Teething

When dogs are teething, they may feel the need to bite down or chew on things. Blankets might feel good on their teeth and gums and could help them deal with the pain of teething.

2. Boredom

Dogs who are bored may become destructive or may find things to do to pass the time.

Your dog may be nibbling on blankets and other items (even your ears!) because he is bored and looking for new stimuli. 

3. Self-Soothing 

If your dog is scared, anxious, or lonely, you may find that your dog nibbles on blankets as a way to self-soothe. The blanket may remind him of his mother or littermates, which can make him feel calm.

4. Weaned Too Soon

Dogs who are weaned too soon may feel the need to nurse, and nibbling blankets can be a way for them to do that.

It can help comfort them and make them feel close to their mother or as if they are satisfying the unmet need to nurse.

5. Trying To Get Your Attention

If your dog seems to chew on blankets that belong to you, he could be trying to get your attention. Dogs nibble blankets just to get you to look their way sometimes! 

If you take the blanket from him or pay more attention to him (even if it is in the form of discipline) when he is chewing on it, your dog may relate the behavior to interacting with you.

6. Enjoys the Taste or Texture

Blankets often absorb things that are spilled on them. If your blanket is on your couch, there’s a good chance drinks or food may have come into contact with the blanket.

Your dog may smell or taste these foods and chew the blanket to enjoy them.

7. Just Being Playful

Your dog may think that playing with a blanket and chewing on it is fun. If he is bored with his other toys, the blanket may be something new for the dog to enjoy. Dogs nibble blankets when they’re in search of entertainment!

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How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Nibbling Blankets

If your dog is nibbling on blankets and you want him to stop, you should take the blanket away and offer a suitable toy instead. Praise him as soon as he chews on the toy. 

Repeat this process as necessary.

You may also want to use a bitter-tasting spray to make the blanket less desirable or put the blanket up so the dog can’t access it.

Related Question: 

Why Does My Dog Nibble My Hair?

Your dog may nibble your hair because he likes the way it tastes, wants to get your attention, or is trying to deal with anxiety or loneliness. 

Conclusion 

 There are numerous reasons why dogs nibble blankets and other objects they shouldn’t, and the most common reasons are anxiety and boredom. 

If you don’t want your dog chewing on your blankets, stop the behavior and train your dog to play with other toys.

Last update on 2024-12-09 at 15:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API