Why Does My Dog Eat Blankets? (The 5 Most Common Reasons)

Why Does My Dog Eat Blankets?

If you’ve ever come home to find your dog chewing on your favorite blanket, you’re not alone. This is a common problem for dog owners, and there are a few reasons why it might happen.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different reasons why dogs eat blankets, as well as what you can do to prevent it from happening. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get your dog to stop eating blankets if they’ve already developed this habit.

So, if you’re wondering why your dog is eating your blankets, read on for more information!

| Why Does My Dog Eat Blankets? | Possible Causes | How to Stop |
|—|—|—|
| Medical Conditions | – Pain. If your dog is in pain, they may chew on blankets to relieve discomfort. – Nutritional deficiencies. If your dog is not getting enough nutrients from their diet, they may chew on blankets to try to make up for the deficit. – Stress or anxiety. Chewing on blankets can be a way for dogs to relieve stress or anxiety. | – Take your dog to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. – Make sure your dog is getting a balanced diet. – Provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and other outlets for their chewing needs. – Try to reduce your dog’s stress and anxiety levels. |
| Environmental Factors | – Boredom. If your dog is bored, they may chew on blankets to entertain themselves. – Access to blankets. If your dog has easy access to blankets, they are more likely to chew on them. | – Make sure your dog has plenty of other activities to keep them occupied. – Remove blankets from your dog’s reach when you are not home. |
| Training | – Positive reinforcement. When your dog does not chew on blankets, reward them with a treat or praise. – Negative reinforcement. If your dog chews on a blanket, immediately take it away and tell them “no” in a firm voice. – Crate training. If your dog is prone to chewing on blankets when you are not home, crate training can help to keep them from doing so. |

1. What Is Blanket Eating?

Definition of Blanket Eating

Blanket eating is a condition in which a dog consumes part or all of a blanket. This behavior can be dangerous for dogs, as it can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, and other health problems.

Common Signs of Blanket Eating

There are a few signs that your dog may be eating blankets. These include:

• Chewing on or tearing up blankets
• Swallowing large pieces of blanket
• Regurgitating or vomiting up pieces of blanket
• Having diarrhea or constipation
• Losing weight
• Acting lethargic or depressed

Potential Causes of Blanket Eating

There are a number of potential causes of blanket eating, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies. Dogs who are not getting enough nutrients in their diet may be more likely to eat blankets in an attempt to make up for the missing nutrients.
• Medical conditions. Some medical conditions, such as pica and compulsive disorders, can cause dogs to eat non-food items, such as blankets.
• Environmental factors. Dogs who are bored, stressed, or anxious may be more likely to eat blankets as a way to self-soothe.
• Learned behavior. Dogs who have been rewarded for eating blankets in the past may continue to do so in order to get attention or treats.

2. Why Is Blanket Eating a Problem?

Health risks associated with blanket eating

Blanket eating can pose a number of health risks for dogs, including:

• Choking. Dogs who swallow large pieces of blanket can choke on them. This can be a life-threatening emergency.
• Intestinal blockages. Blankets can become lodged in a dog’s intestines, causing a blockage. This can lead to pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, an intestinal blockage can be fatal.
• Diarrhea and constipation. Eating blankets can cause diarrhea and constipation in dogs. This can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
• Weight loss. Dogs who eat blankets may lose weight because they are not getting the nutrients they need from their food.
• Anemia. Eating blankets can lead to anemia in dogs. This is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and other health problems.

Behavioral problems associated with blanket eating

Blanket eating can also lead to behavioral problems in dogs, such as:

• Destructive behavior. Dogs who eat blankets may also chew on other items in the home, such as furniture, shoes, and clothing.
• Aggression. Dogs who eat blankets may become aggressive when they are around blankets. This is because they may associate blankets with pain or discomfort.
• Phobias. Dogs who eat blankets may develop a phobia of blankets. This can make it difficult for them to be around blankets, even if they are not eating them.

Financial costs associated with blanket eating

Blanket eating can also lead to financial costs for dog owners. These costs can include:

• Veterinarian bills. Dogs who eat blankets may need to see a veterinarian for treatment for choking, intestinal blockages, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, anemia, or other health problems.
• Replacement costs. Dogs who eat blankets may destroy blankets and other items in the home. This can lead to the need to replace these items.
• Pet insurance. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary bills and replacement costs associated with blanket eating.

Blanket eating is a serious problem that can have a number of health, behavioral, and financial consequences for dogs. If you think your dog is eating blankets, it is important to talk to your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of the behavior and develop a treatment plan.

Why Does My Dog Eat Blankets?

There are a number of reasons why your dog might be eating blankets. Some of the most common causes include:

• Boredom. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may start to chew on things out of boredom. Blankets are a soft and easy target, and they can provide your dog with some much-needed relief from boredom.
• Anxiety. Some dogs eat blankets as a way to cope with anxiety. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as separation anxiety, noise phobias, or fear of other animals. Eating blankets can provide your dog with a sense of security and comfort.
• Medical problems. In some cases, a dog’s pica (the compulsive eating of non-food items) can be caused by a medical condition. This could include nutritional deficiencies, intestinal parasites, or other health problems. If you suspect that your dog’s pica is caused by a medical condition, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.

How Can I Stop My Dog from Eating Blankets?

There are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from eating blankets. Some of the most effective methods include:

• Prevention. The best way to prevent your dog from eating blankets is to keep them out of reach. This means putting them away in a closet or cabinet, or using a blanket cover to keep your dog from getting to them. You can also try using a bitter apple spray on the blankets, which will make them taste unpleasant to your dog.
• Treatment. If your dog has already developed a habit of eating blankets, there are a number of treatment methods that can help. One common method is to use positive reinforcement training. This involves rewarding your dog for not eating blankets, and for chewing on appropriate toys instead. You can also try using aversive conditioning, which involves using a negative stimulus to discourage your dog from eating blankets. This could include spraying your dog with water, or using a citronella bark collar.

What If My Dog Keeps Eating Blankets?

If your dog continues to eat blankets despite your best efforts, it’s important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment. Your vet will be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing your dog’s pica, and they can recommend the best course of treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog is eating blankets and you’re unable to stop them, it’s important to seek professional help. Your vet can help you determine the cause of your dog’s pica and recommend the best course of treatment.

Resources for Further Support

If you’re concerned about your dog’s pica, there are a number of resources available to help you. Some of the most helpful resources include:

• The American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC offers a variety of resources on dog health, including information on pica. You can find more information on their website at www.akc.org.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): The HSUS offers a variety of resources on dog behavior, including information on pica. You can find more information on their website at www.humanesociety.org.
• The Association for Pet Dog Trainers (APDT): The APDT is a professional organization for dog trainers. They offer a variety of resources on dog behavior, including information on pica. You can find more information on their website at www.apdt.com.

Pica is a serious condition that can lead to health problems for your dog. If you’re concerned about your dog’s pica, it’s important to seek professional help. Your vet can help you determine the cause of your dog’s pica and recommend the best course of treatment.

Q: Why does my dog eat blankets?

A: There are a few reasons why your dog might be eating blankets.

• Boredom: Dogs are naturally curious and playful creatures, and if they don’t have enough to do, they may start chewing on things to entertain themselves. If your dog is eating blankets out of boredom, try giving him more toys to play with and providing him with plenty of exercise.
• Medical condition: Some medical conditions can cause dogs to eat strange things, such as blankets. If you think your dog might have a medical condition, take him to the vet for a checkup.
• Attention-seeking: If your dog gets attention when he eats blankets, he may start doing it on purpose to get your attention. If you think this is the case, try to ignore your dog when he eats blankets and only give him attention when he is behaving appropriately.
• Dietary deficiency: In some cases, dogs may eat blankets because they are missing nutrients in their diet. If you think this might be the case, talk to your vet about changing your dog’s food.

Q: What can I do to stop my dog from eating blankets?

A: There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from eating blankets.

• Prevent access: The best way to prevent your dog from eating blankets is to keep them out of reach. This means putting them away in a closet or cabinet when you’re not using them, and making sure your dog doesn’t have access to them when you’re not home.
• Provide alternatives: If your dog is eating blankets out of boredom, try giving him more toys to play with. This will help to keep him entertained and prevent him from getting bored.
• Train your dog: If your dog is eating blankets to get attention, you can try training him to stop. This involves ignoring your dog when he eats blankets and only giving him attention when he is behaving appropriately.
• See a vet: If you think your dog might have a medical condition, take him to the vet for a checkup. There are a number of medical conditions that can cause dogs to eat strange things, and your vet can help you rule out any potential medical causes.

Q: What if my dog has already eaten a blanket?

A: If your dog has already eaten a blanket, there are a few things you can do.

• Call your vet: Your vet can advise you on what to do next. In some cases, your dog may need to be seen by a vet immediately.
• Monitor your dog: Watch your dog closely for signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the vet immediately.
• Prevent your dog from eating more blankets: Keep your dog away from blankets and other small objects that he could choke on.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from eating other things in the future?

A: There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from eating other things in the future.

• Keep your home clean: Make sure to pick up after your dog and keep all food and trash out of reach.
• Supervise your dog when he is outside: When you’re outside with your dog, keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn’t eat anything he shouldn’t.
• Train your dog: Train your dog to stay away from things he shouldn’t eat. This can be done by using positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, when your dog ignores or avoids something he shouldn’t eat.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog safe from eating things that could harm him.

there are a number of reasons why your dog might be eating blankets. Some of the most common causes include boredom, anxiety, hunger, and medical problems. If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems. Once you’ve ruled out any medical causes, you can start working on addressing the behavioral issues that may be causing your dog to eat blankets. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your dog overcome this problem and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Boredom is one of the most common reasons why dogs eat blankets. If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may start chewing on things to relieve their boredom.
• Anxiety can also lead dogs to eat blankets. If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious, they may chew on blankets as a way to cope with their emotions.
• Hunger can also be a factor. If your dog is not eating enough food, they may start eating other things, such as blankets, to make up for the difference.
• Medical problems can also cause dogs to eat blankets. If your dog has a nutritional deficiency or a digestive problem, they may start eating blankets in an attempt to self-medicate.
• If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems. Once you’ve ruled out any medical causes, you can start working on addressing the behavioral issues that may be causing your dog to eat blankets. With a little patience and understanding, you can help your dog overcome this problem and enjoy a healthy and happy life.