Why Does My Dog Lick Blankets and Pillows?
Ever wonder why dogs lick your pillow and blanket? It’s a puzzling behavior for many pet owners. After some investigation, I found a scientific explanation. Dogs may lick blankets due to medical conditions like adrenal issues or learned behaviors like obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
In the following sections, I’ll delve deeper into why dogs engage in this behavior and share insights on preventing it from becoming bothersome. Keep reading for more details!
Licking Isn’t Always a Sign of a Problem
Dogs have an instinctive inclination for licking, a trait evident even in puppies who engage in this behavior as part of the weaning process from their mothers. This demonstrates that dogs are inherently born with the instinct to lick.
As dogs mature, they can utilize licking as a means of communication and a way to understand their surroundings. Licking serves various purposes for dogs, such as:
Exploring their environment
Investigating intriguing scents
Cleaning their fur or wounds
Expressing affection to humans or other dogs
Tasting food or the scents of other dogs
Soothing anxiety
Given the significance of licking in a dog’s life, it’s unsurprising that they may occasionally lick things, like blankets. This could be prompted by the presence of spilled food on the blanket or an intriguing smell that your dog wishes to investigate.
It becomes a concern only when licking becomes excessive, which may indicate an underlying health or behavioral issue. Suppose you observe your dog obsessively licking their body, the air, or an object. In that case, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian for further guidance.
Why Do Dogs Lick Pillows and Blankets?
They Are Feeling Anxious
If your dog licks a blanket when feeling anxious, it’s a natural self-soothing mechanism. Occasional licking isn’t concerning, but persistent, obsessive behavior may indicate ongoing unhappiness.
To address it, identify the trigger through detective work—consider changes in the environment, routine, or diet. Once identified, reduce stress intensity by removing triggers or providing a quiet space.
For complex cases, consult a dog behaviorist for a desensitization program, especially for separation anxiety triggered by external noises.
The Blanket Has an Attractive Taste or Smell
Dogs might lick blankets because it tastes good to them. Old food, spilled drinks, human sweat, and scents from other pets are all attractive to their sensitive noses, even if it seems unappealing to us. Since dogs have fewer taste buds and rely on their sense of smell, licking helps them examine scents more closely, even if they don’t taste strongly. If your dog gets a taste of spilled food on a blanket, it’s not surprising if they continue licking it in the future. Their unique sensory experience and the allure of intriguing scents drive their behavior.
Health Issues
If your dog is excessively licking blankets or objects, it could signal a health issue. Dogs naturally use their tongues to explore, but persistent licking may warrant a vet check to rule out potential illnesses. Health problems leading to this behavior include:
Pain: Chronic pain, stemming from issues like arthritis or muscle injuries, may drive excessive licking as a self-soothing behavior.
Dehydration: A dry mouth might prompt a dog to lick objects to seek more moisture. Ensuring access to fresh water is essential.
Hunger: Similar to dehydration, dogs may lick objects more frequently when hungry.
Acid reflux: Dogs, like humans, may lick objects to alleviate discomfort caused by acid reflux, leading to symptoms like vomiting, painful swallowing, and decreased appetite.
Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach issues such as pancreatitis and IBS can prompt dogs to lick surfaces like blankets, floors, or sofas.
Canine dementia: Repetitive behaviors, including blanket licking, can be a symptom of canine dementia. Other signs include disorientation, changes in sleep cycles, indoor soiling, and irritability.
Apart from blanket licking, certain health conditions may lead dogs to excessively lick specific body parts, such as feet and paws in the case of allergies, or due to parasites and skin conditions. If you observe persistent licking, consult your vet to address potential underlying health concerns.
Dogs can develop OCD, leading to obsessive behaviours such as licking furniture or blankets. If your dog has OCD, it will be hard to distract him from licking, and he’ll probably lick intensely. You should always contact your vet if your dog has developed obsessive behaviour.
Boredom
Like us, dogs seek positive feelings and distraction when bored, often resulting in destructive behaviors like excessive licking. This habit can develop if not addressed. To prevent boredom, ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation. Discuss exercise needs with a vet, use puzzle feeders for meals, avoid leaving them alone for too long, and engage in interactive play for a happy and content pup.
Nausea
Blanket licking in dogs is often a sign of nausea. Dogs may lick to distract themselves from the discomfort and temporarily alleviate the unpleasant feeling. Nausea in dogs presents various symptoms, including vomiting, drooling, panting, lethargy, and loss of appetite, even if there’s no physical sickness.
Several serious reasons why dogs feel nauseous, such as ingesting poisonous substances, dietary allergies, digestive blockages, parasites, or underlying diseases. Given these potential issues, immediate veterinary care is essential if your dog exhibits signs of nausea or vomiting.
How to Stop Dogs From Licking Blankets and Furniture
Did you catch me licking the blanket?
If you notice your dog suddenly licking excessively and it concerns you, there are a few steps you can take to address it.
Give It the Right Diet
As mentioned earlier, if your dog licks blankets or pillows excessively, it could be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Ensure you’re providing a well-rounded diet, including:
Essential fatty acids
Carbohydrates and calories
A variety of fruits and vegetables
If you’re unsure about your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. They can assess whether your dog lacks any essential nutrients and recommend necessary adjustments. Additionally, be cautious of potential allergens like chicken, beef, corn, wheat, and soy, as they may trigger allergies or gastrointestinal issues. If your dog is allergic, excessive licking and biting may occur to alleviate itchiness.
Provide Mental Stimulation
If your dog licks excessively, it might be due to boredom or stress. Keep them engaged with toys and puzzles, and consider inadvertent training for mental stimulation and bonding.
For stress, find and eliminate stressors if possible, or provide coping mechanisms like a safe space, pheromone diffusers, or relaxation techniques.
Doggy daycare with other dogs can also distract from compulsive licking, especially in lively environments.
Monitor Their Licking Patterns
Keeping an eye on your dog’s licking habits is crucial to pinpoint the cause and find the most effective way to curb it. If you observe a sudden and excessive increase in licking, it could signal an underlying health issue, and a prompt visit to the vet is recommended.
However, if the licking is occasional and not excessive, it’s probably your dog trying to taste something or express affection. In such instances, offering chew toys or redirecting their attention when they begin licking can be helpful.
Provide It With Exercise
Excessive licking in dogs might be a way of releasing pent-up energy. If your dog is brimming with energy, ensure they get ample exercise to help burn off the excess and curb the licking habit.
Explore various forms of exercise like walks, runs, fetch, swimming, or agility courses. Identify an activity your dog enjoys and make it a regular routine.
Crate Train It
If you’re unable to keep an eye on your dog, crate training can be a practical solution. It provides your dog with a dedicated and secure space of their own.
When introducing crate training, take it slow and ensure a positive experience. Place their favorite toy or treat inside the crate to create a positive association with the space.
