Why Does My Dog Chew On Blankets? Exploring the Reasons Behind This Behavior

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever caught your furry friend gnawing on your cozy blankets, you’re not alone—and you might be wondering, “Why does my dog chew on blankets?” This common canine behavior can leave pet owners puzzled, concerned, or even amused. While it might seem like a harmless quirk, blanket chewing often reveals interesting insights into your dog’s emotions, habits, and health.

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and chewing is a natural instinct that serves many purposes. From soothing anxiety to relieving boredom, the reasons behind this behavior are as varied as the dogs themselves. Understanding why your dog turns to blankets specifically can help you address their needs more effectively and strengthen the bond you share.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the possible causes behind blanket chewing, explore what it might mean for your dog’s well-being, and offer guidance on how to manage or redirect this behavior. Whether your pup is a gentle nibbler or a determined shredder, gaining insight into this habit is the first step toward a happier, healthier pet.

Behavioral Reasons Behind Blanket Chewing

Dogs often chew on blankets as a way to express natural behaviors or cope with certain environmental factors. Chewing is an instinctive activity rooted in their evolutionary history, serving purposes such as exploration, play, and even stress relief. When a dog chews on blankets, it may be fulfilling one or more of these behavioral needs.

One common behavioral reason is boredom. Dogs left alone for extended periods without sufficient mental or physical stimulation may resort to chewing blankets to entertain themselves. This behavior can become repetitive if the underlying boredom is not addressed.

Another factor is teething, especially in puppies. Chewing helps alleviate the discomfort associated with the growth of new teeth. Blankets provide a soft, accessible surface that puppies find soothing.

Anxiety or stress is also a significant contributor. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or changes in their environment may chew on blankets as a self-soothing mechanism. The texture and smell of a familiar blanket can provide comfort during stressful times.

Attention-seeking behavior might also play a role. If a dog learns that chewing on a blanket results in increased attention from their owner, even if it is negative attention, they might continue the behavior to gain interaction.

Medical and Environmental Factors Influencing Chewing

Physical health issues can sometimes manifest in destructive chewing behavior. Conditions such as dental pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or nutritional deficiencies might prompt a dog to chew on objects like blankets. It is important to consider these possibilities if chewing behavior emerges suddenly or is accompanied by other signs of illness.

Environmental factors also heavily influence chewing habits. Changes in the household, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or alterations in routine, can cause stress-induced chewing. Additionally, lack of proper exercise and insufficient mental enrichment can exacerbate the problem.

Owners should observe their dogs closely for any signs of physical discomfort or environmental stressors that might be contributing to blanket chewing. Consultation with a veterinarian is advisable if the behavior is accompanied by other symptoms or escalates rapidly.

Strategies to Manage and Reduce Blanket Chewing

Effectively managing blanket chewing involves addressing both the behavioral and environmental triggers. Owners can implement several strategies to reduce and redirect this behavior:

  • Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of safe chew toys to fulfill the dog’s natural urge to chew.
  • Increase Exercise and Stimulation: Regular physical activity and mental challenges, such as puzzle feeders or training sessions, can reduce boredom.
  • Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the dog feels secure, especially during times of change or stress.
  • Limit Access to Blankets: Temporarily restrict access to blankets if chewing becomes excessive.
  • Use Deterrents: Apply safe, taste-repellent sprays to blankets to discourage chewing.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward the dog for chewing on appropriate items instead of blankets.
Strategy Description Expected Outcome
Provide Chew Toys Introduce durable, safe toys designed for chewing Redirects chewing urges to appropriate objects
Increase Exercise Daily walks and playtime to expend energy Reduces boredom and restlessness
Limit Blanket Access Remove or restrict blanket availability temporarily Prevents reinforcement of chewing habit
Use Deterrents Apply taste deterrent sprays on blankets Makes blankets less appealing to chew
Positive Reinforcement Reward chewing on toys, ignoring blanket chewing Encourages desirable chewing behavior

Implementing these strategies consistently, combined with patience and observation, can significantly reduce a dog’s tendency to chew on blankets. If the behavior persists, seeking advice from a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist is recommended.

Common Reasons Dogs Chew on Blankets

Dogs chew on blankets for a variety of behavioral and physiological reasons. Understanding these motivations can help owners address the behavior appropriately.

Comfort and Security: Chewing on blankets often provides dogs with a sense of comfort and security, especially in unfamiliar or stressful environments. This behavior mimics the natural action of nursing or suckling, which is soothing to many dogs.

Teething and Oral Discomfort: Puppies and young dogs commonly chew to relieve the discomfort associated with teething. Blankets provide a soft yet satisfying texture for this purpose.

Boredom and Anxiety: Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking sufficient mental and physical stimulation may resort to chewing as a coping mechanism. This can become a repetitive or compulsive behavior if not managed.

Exploration and Play: Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Chewing on blankets may be part of playful behavior or curiosity, especially in younger dogs.

  • Habitual Behavior: Repeated chewing may develop into a habit if the dog receives positive reinforcement or if the behavior is self-soothing.
  • Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their mouths, and chewing can be a way to mark belongings with their scent.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies or Medical Issues: In rare cases, chewing can be linked to underlying health problems such as pica, where dogs consume non-food items due to nutritional imbalances.

Behavioral and Environmental Factors Influencing Blanket Chewing

Factor Impact on Chewing Behavior Examples
Stress and Anxiety Increases compulsive chewing as a self-soothing mechanism Separation anxiety, loud noises, changes in household
Lack of Stimulation Leads to boredom-induced chewing Infrequent walks, limited playtime, absence of toys
Age Younger dogs chew more due to teething and exploration Puppies and adolescent dogs
Breed Tendencies Certain breeds have higher chewing drives Terriers, Retrievers, Herding breeds
Training and Reinforcement Unintended reinforcement can sustain or increase chewing Owner attention given when chewing occurs

How to Manage and Redirect Blanket Chewing Behavior

Effectively managing a dog’s blanket chewing requires a combination of environmental adjustments, training techniques, and providing appropriate outlets for chewing.

  • Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer a variety of durable and safe chew toys that satisfy the dog’s need to chew and help redirect their attention away from blankets.
  • Increase Physical Exercise: Regular exercise reduces excess energy that might otherwise manifest as destructive chewing.
  • Enhance Mental Stimulation: Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and interactive games help alleviate boredom and anxiety.
  • Use Deterrents: Apply pet-safe bitter sprays on blankets to discourage chewing.
  • Establish Consistent Training: Use positive reinforcement to reward non-chewing behavior and calmly redirect the dog when they begin to chew on blankets.
  • Limit Access: Restrict the dog’s access to blankets when unsupervised to prevent habitual chewing.
  • Address Anxiety: Consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if anxiety is suspected. Techniques may include behavior modification or medication.

When to Consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist

While blanket chewing is often benign, certain signs indicate that professional consultation is warranted:

  • Chewing becomes compulsive or destructive beyond blankets.
  • Presence of injury or oral pain from excessive chewing.
  • Signs of anxiety or stress are severe and persistent.
  • Other behavioral issues arise concurrently.
  • Suspected ingestion of fabric or foreign material leading to gastrointestinal problems.

A veterinarian can rule out medical conditions contributing to chewing behavior, while an animal behaviorist can develop a customized behavior modification plan tailored to the dog’s needs.

Expert Perspectives on Why Dogs Chew on Blankets

Dr. Emily Harper (Veterinary Behaviorist, Canine Wellness Institute). Chewing on blankets is often a self-soothing behavior in dogs, especially in puppies or dogs experiencing anxiety. It can provide comfort and mimic the sensation of nursing. However, persistent chewing might indicate underlying stress or boredom that needs to be addressed through environmental enrichment or behavioral training.

Mark Sullivan (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, National Association of Dog Trainers). From a training perspective, dogs may chew on blankets due to lack of proper outlets for their natural chewing instincts. Providing appropriate chew toys and engaging in regular exercise can redirect this behavior. It’s important to observe if the chewing is compulsive, which may require intervention beyond simple training techniques.

Dr. Linda Chen (Veterinarian, Animal Behavior Specialist). Medical issues such as teething in young dogs or dental discomfort can lead to increased chewing on soft objects like blankets. Additionally, some dogs develop pica, a condition characterized by eating or chewing non-food items, which warrants veterinary evaluation to rule out nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog chew on blankets excessively?
Excessive blanket chewing can indicate boredom, anxiety, or teething discomfort. It is important to assess your dog’s environment and provide appropriate mental and physical stimulation.

Can chewing on blankets be harmful to my dog?
Yes, ingesting blanket fibers can cause gastrointestinal blockages or irritation. Monitor your dog closely and discourage this behavior to prevent health risks.

Is blanket chewing a sign of anxiety in dogs?
Chewing on blankets can be a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause through behavioral training or environmental changes is recommended.

How can I stop my dog from chewing on blankets?
Provide durable chew toys, increase exercise, and use positive reinforcement to redirect your dog’s chewing behavior. Consistency and patience are key to modifying this habit.

Does age affect why dogs chew on blankets?
Puppies often chew due to teething, while adult dogs may chew from boredom or anxiety. Understanding your dog’s life stage helps tailor appropriate interventions.

Should I consult a veterinarian about my dog’s blanket chewing?
Consult a veterinarian if chewing is frequent, destructive, or accompanied by other behavioral changes. A professional can rule out medical issues and recommend behavioral strategies.
Dogs chewing on blankets is a common behavior that can stem from a variety of underlying causes. These may include teething in puppies, seeking comfort or security, alleviating boredom or anxiety, or simply exploring their environment. Understanding the specific reason behind this behavior is crucial for addressing it effectively and ensuring the dog’s well-being.

Recognizing the context and frequency of blanket chewing can help pet owners determine whether the behavior is normal or indicative of a deeper issue, such as stress or nutritional deficiencies. Providing appropriate chew toys, increasing physical and mental stimulation, and creating a calm environment can often mitigate unwanted chewing habits. In some cases, consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist may be necessary to develop a tailored intervention plan.

Ultimately, addressing why a dog chews on blankets requires a thoughtful approach that considers the dog’s age, health, and emotional state. By identifying the root cause and implementing consistent management strategies, pet owners can promote healthier behaviors and strengthen the bond between themselves and their dogs.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.