How to Stop Dog Chewing Blanket – A Foolproof Guide

Dogs are curious creatures that love to explore and play with anything they can get their paws on, including blankets. While chewing may be a natural behavior for dogs, it can become a problem when they start to destroy household items, including their own bedding.

In this blog post, we will explore in detail how to stop dogs from chewing on blankets and offer tips and strategies for preventing destructive behavior in your furry friend.

Table of Contents

The Signs of Blanket Chewing in Dogs

Here are some signs that your dog might be chewing on blankets too much:

They lick the blanket too much.
They carry the blanket around.
Their paws get sweaty after playing with the blanket.
They make holes in the blanket by chewing it.
They chew on the blanket’s edges.
They rip pieces of fabric from the blanket.
They try to swallow parts of the blanket, which can be dangerous.
They drool or foam when they’re near the blanket.
They lie down and stretch out on the blanket.

Why Dogs Nibble On Blankets?

To stop your pup from chewing on blankets, you need to figure out why they are doing it. It’s hard to know sometimes, but it’s really important to find out. Here are some common reasons why dogs chew blankets:

👉 Stress or boredom: Dogs might feel worried because of loud noises or changes in their routine. Or they might be bored and have nothing else to do.

👉 Separation anxiety: If dogs chew blankets when you leave the house, they might have separation anxiety.

👉 Need for attention: Dogs might chew blankets when you’re around because they want you to pay attention to them.

👉 Dietary deficiency: Dogs might not have enough vitamins and minerals in their food, so they chew blankets to get what they need.

👉 Genetic disposition: Some canines might be more likely to chew on blankets because of their breed or family history.

Once you know why your dog chews on blankets, you can help them stop. If it’s because of their food, give them better food to eat. If your dog is stressed, you can help them feel relaxed by giving them more exercise and fun activities.

How to stop dog chewing blanket?

Don’t leave blankets where your dog can reach them.
Keep anything your dog might want to chew out of sight or put it away safely.
Teach your dog that chewing blankets is not okay and give them a reward when they don’t do it.
Give your dog lots of toys to play with when you’re not around.
Buy a crate or kennel to give your pet a cozy place to stay when you’re not around.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and has fun during the day to help them stop chewing.
Give your dog chew toys that are okay to chew on, like a KONG with peanut butter, to keep them busy and discourage blanket-chewing.

Tips to prevent blanket-chewing from happening again

Establish clear boundaries:
Clearly communicate to your dog that it is not allowed to chew on blankets. Establish a designated area for blankets, where your dog does not have access.

Provide an alternative outlet:
Give your dog an appropriate toy or chew to replace the blanket. Provide plenty of toys and chews that are designed for dogs so they can satisfy their chewing needs without destroying your belongings.

Encourage positive behavior:
Whenever your dog chooses to chew on its toy or chew, reward it with a treat. This will help your dog learn that it is rewarded for appropriate chewing behavior, rather than simply chewing on blankets.

Exercise:
Make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. A tired dog is less likely to chew on items it should not.

Monitor:
Closely supervise your dog when it is in areas where chewable items are present, and redirect it when it starts to chew inappropriately.

Train:
Training can be an effective way to address destructive chewing behaviors. Use positive reinforcement techniques through Operant Conditioning for Dogs, to help your dog understand which behaviors are desired and which are not.

FAQ

How do I get my dog to stop chewing his blanket?

To stop a dog from chewing on blankets, provide them with chew toys, exercise regularly, supervise them around blankets, block access to the blanket, use taste deterrents, and address underlying issues if necessary. Reward good behavior and be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach.

How do I stop my dog from chewing fabric?

To stop a dog from chewing fabric, provide them with plenty of safe chew toys, supervise them around fabric, remove fabric from their reach or block access to the area, use taste deterrents, exercise regularly to reduce boredom and anxiety, and address underlying issues if necessary. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help discourage the behavior and redirect their chewing to appropriate items.

How do I stop my dog from chewing blankets at night?

To stop a dog from chewing blankets at night, provide them with a comfortable and safe sleeping area with their own bed, remove any blankets or fabric from their reach, give them plenty of chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior. A chew deterrent can be sprayed on your dog’s blankets and bedding as an alternative option.