Why Does Dog Lick Blanket? Discover the Surprising Reason Behind This Behavior

Many pet owners have caught their furry friend licking their blankets, couches, or any other soft surface. It’s a behavior that can sometimes seem odd to humans, but it’s relatively common in dogs and often considered harmless.

The truth is that there is usually a reason behind every behavioral pattern in our furry friends. While some reasons may be easy to understand, others might surprise us.

In this article, we will explore why dogs lick blanket and what it means in their world. We’ll uncover some surprising facts about dog behaviors when they are around fabrics and how you can help them if they start showing excessive licking tendencies.

“While some people think it’s just another quirk of their beloved pets, understanding why dogs lick blankets could hold clues for improving their wellbeing.”

So, whether you’re a new owner or an experienced one seeking more insights into your dog’s everyday life, keep reading to discover the surprising reason behind your pup’s blanket-licking behavior!

Dogs Use Their Tongues to Investigate

If you are a dog owner, it is common to see your furry friend sticking their tongue out. Dogs use their tongues for various reasons including communicating with humans and other dogs, cooling down their body temperature, and licking objects or surfaces. But have you ever wondered why does the dog lick blankets?

Tongue Anatomy of Dogs

The tongue anatomy of dogs plays an essential role in their behavior and how they interact with their environment. A dog’s tongue is covered with small bumps called papillae that contain taste buds and sensory receptors. The tongue is also connected to the back of the throat by a muscle that allows them to swallow food quickly.

Furthermore, the canine tongue is equipped with specialized muscles that enable them to move the tongue up and down, side to side, and even curl it into a straw-like shape to drink liquids without spilling much. It is this unique combination of features that makes a dog’s tongue incredibly versatile.

Why Do Dogs Lick Things?

Dogs engage in licking behavior because it serves as a communication tool between themselves and their owners. If a dog licks its owner, it could be their way of demonstrating affection towards their human companion. Alternatively, if a dog starts licking another dog, it can indicate submission, dominance, or playful interaction.

Dogs don’t just stop at licking each other and their owners; they also enjoy licking non-living things such as blankets, furniture, floors, shoes, and more. So why do dogs lick blankets? This habit has multiple explanations depending on the context, but one reason is that dogs find comfort in soft materials like fabric. Therefore, when your dog is laying on the couch or bed next to you, they may start licking the blanket to release tension or anxiety and self-soothe.

Another reason why dogs love licking blankets is that it gives them a sense of familiarity. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and by licking an object like a blanket continuously, they spread their scent on the surface to mark it as theirs. This behavior has roots in their pre-domestication days when they wanted to claim territory and keep it safe from other predators.

What Can Dogs Detect with Their Tongues?

Dogs’ tongues are not only limited to licking objects; they can also detect certain things through taste and texture. For example, if your dog licks something toxic or bitter-tasting, you will notice how they squint or make funny facial expressions to show their discomfort. On the other hand, dogs also use their tongues to enhance taste receptors by savoring different flavors in their food and treats.

Moreover, dogs are famous for their incredible sense of smell, but did you know that their tongues help them differentiate between smells too? When a dog’s tongue touches a specific object or surface, sensory nerves transmit its signals directly to their brain. This allows them to identify owners, other animals, or even track down scents related to food or prey while hunting.

“Dogs lick us — and everything else — because they might like the salty taste” -Scientific American

Dogs are fascinating creatures who communicate with their surroundings using unique methods like lickings. If your furry friend starts licking blankets, don’t worry, it’s just their way of expressing affection, finding comfort, and marking the territory. However, If you observe excessive licking without any apparent cause, it is crucial to rule out underlying medical conditions by consulting your vet.

Licking is a Self-Soothing Behavior for Dogs

What is Self-Soothing Behavior?

Self-soothing behavior refers to actions that animals perform to calm themselves down during stressful or anxiety-inducing situations. Similar to how humans may release stress through activities like deep breathing or meditation, animals have their own ways of dealing with uneasy feelings.

Dogs, in particular, are known for exhibiting different self-soothing behaviors when feeling anxious or stressed out. One common example is licking.

How Does Licking Help Dogs Calm Down?

When dogs lick themselves or objects around them, it activates neurons in the brain that releases endorphins – chemicals responsible for promoting happiness and relaxation. This reaction causes dogs to feel pleasure from performing this action, making it more likely for them to repeat it whenever they experience similar stressful situations.

Licking also helps dogs cope by providing them with a sense of control over their environment. By focusing on an activity that brings relief, such as licking blankets or toys, they can reduce feelings of helplessness and boost their confidence in their ability to manage certain situations.

What Other Self-Soothing Behaviors Do Dogs Have?

Besides licking, dogs have other self-soothing behaviors that help them deal with stress and anxiety. Some of these include:

• Pacing back and forth
• Chewing or gnawing on objects
• Curling up into a ball
• Shaking their fur
• Breathing deeply and slowly

The type of behavior a dog engages in often depends on their personality and what specifically makes them feel anxious. Some dogs may prefer to retreat to a quiet space, while others may require physical contact with their owners.

When Does Licking Become a Problematic Behavior?

While licking can be an effective way for dogs to self-soothe, it can also become problematic if done excessively. Compulsive licking, which is when a dog licks themselves or objects around them excessively and often without any apparent cause, can lead to various health problems such as skin infections or dental issues. In some cases, the behavior may even indicate an underlying medical condition that requires professional attention.

If your dog is engaging in compulsive licking, it’s best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying illnesses. If no medical conditions are found, working with a behavioral specialist can help address the root cause of the anxiety and identify ways to manage it more effectively.

“Licking can be very soothing for dogs, but it is important to monitor excessive licking behaviors to prevent potential health issues.” – Dr. Laura Brown, DVM

Overall, licking is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs to reduce stress and promote relaxation. As pet owners, it’s important to observe our furry friends and ensure that this behavior isn’t causing any harm to their health or well-being. By providing our dogs with appropriate outlets for self-soothing, we can help them feel comfortable and secure during times of stress and anxiety.

Your Dog May be Trying to Get Your Attention

Dogs are lovable creatures that bring happiness and companionship to our homes. And just like us, they have different ways of communicating their feelings and needs. One common behavior among dogs is licking – whether it’s your face, hands, or even blankets. So why does dog lick blanket? Here are some possible explanations:

How Do Dogs Communicate with Humans?

To understand why dogs lick, we need to know how they communicate with humans. Unlike us who rely mostly on verbal language, dogs use a combination of body language, vocalization, and scent marking to convey their emotions and requests.

• Body Language: A dog’s posture, tail position, facial expression, and eye contact can all give clues about its mood or intentions. For example, a wagging tail usually indicates excitement or happiness, while a lowered head and avoiding eye contact suggest submission or fear.
• Vocalization: Dogs bark, growl, whine, howl, and make other sounds to express themselves. Each type of sound has a different meaning depending on the context and tone. For instance, a high-pitched yelp may signal pain or distress, while a deep-throat rumble can indicate aggression or challenge.
• Scent Marking: Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can use various bodily fluids to leave messages for other dogs or humans. Urine, feces, saliva, and sweat contain pheromones that can convey information about a dog’s gender, age, health status, and territorial boundaries.

What Could Your Dog Be Trying to Communicate?

Now that we know how dogs communicate, let’s focus on the licking behavior. Here are some possible reasons why your dog licks blankets:

• Affection: Dogs show their love and loyalty through physical gestures such as licking, nuzzling, and cuddling. If your dog likes to lick your face or other parts of your body, it may simply be expressing its affection for you.
• Anxiety: Dogs that feel anxious or stressed may resort to repetitive behaviors such as pacing, panting, or licking. If your dog licks blankets excessively, especially when you’re not around, it could be a sign of separation anxiety or general nervousness.
• Boredom: Dogs that lack mental and physical stimulation may engage in destructive or self-soothing behaviors such as chewing, digging, or licking. If your dog seems bored or restless, try to provide more exercise, playtime, toys, and training opportunities.
• Hunger: Dogs that don’t get enough food or water may start licking objects to satisfy their cravings or thirst. Make sure your dog has access to clean water and appropriate nutrition according to its age, weight, and health needs.
• Cleaning: Dogs use their tongues as natural grooming tools to remove dirt, debris, and parasites from their fur. If your dog licks its own paws, legs, or belly before licking blankets, it may be trying to clean itself first.

How Can You Respond to Your Dog’s Licking?

If your dog licks blankets occasionally and doesn’t show any signs of discomfort, you can probably ignore this behavior or distract your dog with a toy or treat. However, if your dog licks blankets excessively, causes damage to its teeth or skin, or shows other worrisome symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy, you should consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

You can also try some of these tips to address your dog’s licking behavior:

• Provide adequate attention and affection: Dogs that feel neglected or isolated may seek comfort through excessive licking. Make sure you spend quality time with your dog every day, petting it, playing with it, and talking to it in a calm and reassuring tone.
• Soothe your dog’s anxiety: If your dog licks blankets when you’re not home or during loud noises or weather changes, try to create a safe and comfortable environment for it. You can use treats, music, toys, or pheromone sprays to help your dog relax.
• Use positive reinforcement training: Instead of punishing your dog for licking, reward it for desirable behaviors such as sitting, staying, or fetching. You can give your dog treats, praise, or playtime as rewards for good conduct. This will boost its confidence and trust in you.
• Prevent boredom and hunger: Make sure your dog has plenty of toys, puzzles, and activities to keep its mind stimulated and prevent destructive boredom. Also, provide fresh water and healthy food options in appropriate amounts and intervals.
• Address health issues: If your dog’s licking persists despite behavioral interventions or worsens over time, it may indicate an underlying health issue such as allergies, infections, dental problems, or gastrointestinal disorders. Consult your vet for a thorough examination and treatment plan.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” -Roger Caras

Why does dog lick blanket? It could be for many reasons, ranging from affection to anxiety to hunger. Understanding your dog’s communication style and needs will help you respond appropriately and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

It Could be a Sign of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a behavior problem that can occur in dogs when they are left alone or separated from their owners. It is a common issue that affects many dogs and can lead to destructive behavior when the dog is left alone.

Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may exhibit several signs of distress, such as barking, howling, digging, chewing on furniture, licking themselves excessively, urinating or defecating inside the house, and even escaping or destroying doors and windows.

How Does Separation Anxiety Manifest in Dogs?

The reason why dogs lick blankets can be one of the numerous symptoms associated with separation anxiety. When dogs feel anxious or stressed, they tend to seek comfort by engaging in repetitive behaviors like licking their paws, tail, or objects around them, including blankets.

While licking itself is not necessarily harmful, excessive licking can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, and infections. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the root cause of your dog’s compulsive behavior before it becomes a hazardous habit.

What Can You Do to Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety?

1. Gradual Desensitization: By gradually desensitizing your dog to spending time apart from you, you can help diminish its sense of fear and anxiety. Start with short sessions and slowly increase the duration over time.

“The key here is to make the experience positive for your dog and avoid reinforcing the anxious behavior” -Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary medical advisor at Chewy

2. Positive Reinforcement: Using rewards to reinforce good behavior is an excellent way to encourage your dog to behave well. Whenever you see signs of calm and non-destructive behavior, reward your pet with praises or treats.

“Positive reinforcement is essential because it builds trust between you and your dog and helps them learn that good things happen when they exhibit the desired behaviors,” -Stacie Grissom, Director of Content at Barkly

3. Provide a Safe Space: Create a comfortable environment for your dog when you’re not around by providing a safe space like a crate or a den-like area where it can feel secure. You could also leave calming items like blankets or toys with your scent on them, which can prove reassuring for your canine friend.

“The most important thing is to make their designated space as comfortable and stress-free as possible,” -Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH

4. Seek Professional Help: Consult with a certified professional if your dog’s separation anxiety appears severe or doesn’t improve despite your efforts. A veterinarian or a qualified dog trainer might suggest additional strategies tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

“Separation anxiety can be challenging to deal with, but with patience, effort, and sometimes outside help from experts, it doesn’t have to control your life or deprive your dog of happiness.” -Katie Finlay, freelance writer, and editor specializing in pets

No matter what approach you choose, always remember to be patient, consistent, and empathetic towards your furry companion. With proper training, love, and care, your dog will learn to overcome its anxiety and develop healthy habits.

Dogs Lick Blankets to Mark Their Territory

As a dog owner, you may have wondered why your furry friend tends to lick blankets and other objects around the house. Believe it or not, dogs lick their surroundings to mark their territory. This behavior is deeply rooted in their DNA and has been passed down from their wolf ancestors.

Why Do Dogs Mark Their Territory?

Dogs mark their territory as a natural instinct to establish dominance and defend their resources. It serves as a way for them to communicate with other dogs and animals that this place belongs to them. By leaving their scent behind, they also send out a message of warning to potential invaders. They use different methods to achieve this, including urinating, scratching, rubbing their body against surfaces, and, as we already know, licking.

What Do Dogs Use to Mark Their Territory?

Dog urine contains pheromones that signal to other dogs which gender they are, whether they are dominant or submissive, and when they last marked the area. Urination is the most common form of territorial marking. However, dogs also rely on other senses like smell and touch. They rub themselves against furniture and walls to deposit their scent through glands located on their paws, nose, and anus. And of course, they use their tongue to taste and tag anything they consider part of their domain.

What are the Other Ways Dogs Mark Their Territory?

In addition to peeing, scratching, and licking, dogs have other ways to mark their territory. For example, some dogs will carry around objects such as toys or shoes to show off their possession. Others might dig holes in the ground to create a den-like space where they can feel safe and secure. Some breeds bark loudly at intruders to scare them off, while others prefer to bite or nip as a more aggressive means of protection. All these behaviors aim to protect and establish the pet’s home turf.

What Can You Do to Manage Your Dog’s Territory Marking?

While marking is natural for dogs, it can become problematic if it leads to excessive territorial aggression or destructive behavior. An unneutered dog is more likely to be territorial than one who has been neutered or spayed. Training your pooch from an early age will teach them what kind of behavior is acceptable in your home. Consistent positive reinforcement can help reinforce good habits while discouraging bad ones.

“Dogs are social animals that like to explore their environment with all senses available, including taste,” says Dr. Mikel Delgado, a feline behaviorist at the University of California.

You can use deterrents such as citronella sprays or ultrasonic devices if you want to stop your canine friend from licking blankets or other household items. Alternatively, consider providing your pet with designated areas where they can carry out their natural instincts without damaging anything valuable. Providing mental stimulation and physical exercise through walks, games, and training sessions also helps keep your pup stimulated and content.

Remember, territory marking should not worry you unless it becomes too frequent and transforms into compulsive disorders. If you have any concerns about your pet’s behavioral issues, contact your veterinarian or seek advice from professional animal trainers and behaviorists.

Your Dog May be Trying to Tell You Something

How Do Dogs Communicate with Humans?

Dogs are known for being man’s best friend, but how do they communicate with us? While dogs can’t speak like humans, they use various forms of body language and vocalizations to convey their emotions and messages.

One common way that dogs communicate with humans is through body language. Dogs use different parts of their bodies such as their tails, ears, and eyes to signal different things. For example, a wagging tail usually indicates happiness or excitement, while a tucked tail may signal fear or submission. Furthermore, when a dog makes eye contact with a human, it’s often seen as a sign of trust and affection.

Besides body language, dogs also use vocalizations to express themselves. Barking, growling, whining, and howling are all ways that dogs communicate with humans. However, it’s important to note that each vocalization has its meaning, and it’s up to the pet owner to interpret what their dog is trying to say.

What Could Your Dog Be Trying to Communicate?

If you notice your dog licking his/her blanket repeatedly, he/she may be trying to tell you something. But what could that something be? Here are few possible explanations:

• Anxiety: If your dog licks the blanket when you’re not around or in unfamiliar situations or surroundings, it could be an indication of anxiety or stress. Licking helps calm them down and relieve any tension they feel.
• Boredom: A bored dog may lick his/her blanket as a self-soothing activity. This behavior is especially noticeable in puppies who miss out on social interaction or playtime with their owner.
• Medical concerns: In some cases, licking a blanket may be a sign of an underlying medical issue such as gastrointestinal problems or allergies. If you notice that the behavior is excessive and accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian.
• Taste and texture: Finally, dogs, like humans, have unique preferences when it comes to taste and texture. It could simply be that your dog likes licking blankets because they enjoy the sensation or taste.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s persistent blanket-licking behavior, try to pay attention to any patterns surrounding the behavior. This will help you determine if there are any underlying causes for concern, such as anxiety or boredom. Additionally, make sure to provide plenty of toys, exercise, and social interaction to keep your furry friend engaged and stimulated.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” -Roger Caras

Your dog may not be able to talk, but he/she still has unique ways of communicating with you. By paying attention to their body language and vocalizations, you can better understand what they’re trying to say. While blanket-licking may seem like an odd behavior, it’s important to remember that every dog is different and expresses themselves in their way.

Frequently Asked Questions