why does my dog suck on blankets (11 Reasons)

All dogs suck on blankets; that’s just a fact. But for some dogs, it’s a behaviour problem.

If your dog is sucking and chewing on his blankie or yours at night or otherwise, there are several reasons why.

You should first talk to your vet and make sure there isn’t a medical reason your dog is doing so. Then you can treat it with training and desensitization techniques (if possible).

Life Changes (separation anxiety)

Dogs get anxious when their routine is changed. They love to have a schedule they can rely on and a ritual they’re used to; that is part of what makes them feel safe and secure.

Once you start moving them around, changing their patterns and taking them out of their element, it can be challenging for your dog to adapt.

If you don’t want your dog sucking on blankets while you travel, try giving him his favourite chew toy instead.

He’ll be so busy playing with his plaything he won’t have time to pay attention to something he isn’t familiar with.

If that doesn’t work, try giving him something new in another room so that he has something else to do when you move from one place to another.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

The more exercise your dog gets, and at a younger age, the less likely they are to suck on blankets. Before you get your new puppy home, take them for lots of walks around your neighbourhood.

Once you’ve brought your new pup home, take them for daily walks or let them roam freely in an enclosed area to run and play.

If you have time during work hours and have no other pets, consider setting up a doggy daycare where a professional can help keep them socialized while you’re away from home.

The truth is dogs don’t suck on blankets because they like it — they do it because it’s comforting when they feel lonely.

Punishment

Studies have shown that dogs who are punished for inappropriate behaviour are more likely to learn how to hide their behaviour better.

The same is true of people: It’s nearly impossible to catch your dog in action if they can quickly hide what they were doing.

If you aren’t watching your dog 100% of the time, punishing them later is a waste of your time and energy (and doesn’t help them at all).

Punishment doesn’t teach dogs how to behave correctly in new situations—that’s what training does. Introducing a new trick or command is one way to show a dog that you have control over them without punishment.

Genetics

comfort suckling

The bottom line is, genetics play a significant role in everything from how your dog behaves to its weight. Much of your pet’s behaviour is simply inherited from his parents.

So, if you have a dog that likes to suck on blankets or other items as a puppy, it’s likely that at least one of his parents exhibited similar behaviour.

There may be more to it than just genetics; certain breeds are more prone to particular behaviour than others.

For example, some dogs were bred to herd and thus, they naturally chase moving objects – but they also may be inclined to suckle on soft things like blankets or pillows because their parents did so in their youth as well.

 Not Enough Attention From You

adult dogs

When your dog sucks on blankets, it’s often because he’s seeking more attention from you.

He may have learned that sucking on blankets is a behaviour that earns him some love from you.

Instead of scolding him when he does it, reward him with praise and affection when he doesn’t teach him what behaviour you want to see more of.

Another reason could be a sleep disorder such as separation anxiety or noise phobia—if so, a vet visit is necessary to rule out any underlying health issues.

 Demanding Attention From Other People

time to time

I once knew a golden retriever who would regularly stand up on his hind legs and put both paws on my chest.

He’d look into my eyes, then slowly press against me until I gave him some attention.

And so, for about ten seconds, we would stare at each other in silence before he’d roll over onto his back and drop his leash.

He had trained me to give him what he wanted: attention from someone else.

If your dog has separation anxiety, ask yourself if you’re giving your pet attention when they whine or bark.

If they want more positive attention from you, they need to learn how to get it, and that means not complaining every time you leave them alone.

 Evolutionary Adaptation?

According to various experts, the seemingly unusual behaviour of a dog sucking on a blanket isn’t all that strange.

Animals often suckle their young for comfort and security. If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know that puppies usually suck on blankets and clothing for comfort.

According to Stanley Coren, PhD, author of The Modern Dog, there is an evolutionary basis for dogs sucking on blankets; dogs are hardwired to find comfort from sucking just as they would from nursing from their mother—but there’s no milk in that blanket!

Oral Fixation

When you let your dog be your stress-reliever, you’re missing out on one of life’s great pleasures: snuggling with a warm puppy. Pets are known to help ease feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

According to an Ohio State University study, baby boomers who owned pets had a 50 per cent lower death rate than non-pet owners after two years—and it’s not just because they get more exercise.

They also sleep better and have lower blood pressure. So stop writing that ten-page paper for class, put down your Kindle, turn off those screens and pick up your pet instead! You’ll both be happier for it later.

Should You Stop Your Dog From Sucking On Blankets?

Sucking behaviour is normal and harmless, whether you think it unusual, cute, or a touch weird.

Sucking on your dog’s blanket may provide comfort and a sense of security, and it may induce worry if you prevent them from doing it.

It’s vital to remember that sucking begins at a young age and is linked to your dog’s emotional condition.

Sucking behaviour is more common in puppies who were weaned too early or bottle-fed. Stopping them from sucking might make them feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

If your dog’s sucking does not upset you, you should not feel obligated to stop it. Allow your dog to self-soothe as necessary.

Your dog will be OK as long as you keep the above safety issues in mind.

Dog Sucking On Blanket: Should You Worry?

self-soothing habit

Sucking behaviour is normal and harmless, whether you think it unusual, cute, or a touch weird.

Sucking on your dog’s blanket may provide comfort and a sense of security, and it may induce worry if you prevent them from doing it.

When you witness behaviour like sucking, it’s normal to be concerned about your dog’s well-being. Such behaviour, however, is not necessarily related to your dog’s care or environment.

Sucking on blankets is a habit that develops in the puppy stage and lasts far into maturity.

You shouldn’t be concerned as long as your dog is well-cared for in terms of diet, health, and overall well-being. Dogs might establish habits that you may not always be able to change as a pet parent.

Conclusion

There are several doggy behaviours that you will have to deal with as a pet parent. Thankfully, your dog munching on blankets isn’t cause for panic.

Your dog will need to self-soothe now and then, and this is quite normal and harmless. Just make sure your dog doesn’t consume anything poisonous to keep them safe.

Sucking inclinations may be reduced through training that discourages sucking activity.

Allow your dog to suckle if it does not irritate you or cause harm to your dog.