Why Does My Dog Lick My Blanket? 6 Surprising Reasons & What To Do About It

Have you ever crawled into bed only to find your blanket soaked with dog slobber? You’re not alone! At PawsomePooch, we get this question all the time from confused pet parents. My own Golden Retriever, Bailey, has been a dedicated blanket-licker for years, and it took me quite some time to figure out what was going on.

Let’s dive into why your furry friend might be turning your bedding into their personal lollipop and what you can do about it!

The Top 6 Reasons Dogs Lick Blankets

1. Comfort and Self-Soothing

Dogs often lick blankets as a way to comfort themselves It’s similar to how some people bite their nails or chew gum when anxious. The repetitive motion of licking has a calming effect on dogs, especially when they’re feeling stressed or anxious

Think of it as your dog’s version of a security blanket. The texture and familiar scent of your blanket provides them comfort, and the licking motion releases endorphins that make them feel good.

2. Your Scent and Taste is Irresistible

This might sound a bit gross, but your blanket contains your sweat, dead skin cells, and natural body oils. To your dog, this creates an irresistible salty taste that they simply can’t resist!

When you sleep, your body leaves behind traces of yourself on the blankets. Your dog’s incredible sense of smell (which is about 10,000-100,000 times more sensitive than ours) picks up on these scents. Licking the blanket is sometimes their way of feeling close to you when you’re not around.

If you notice your dog primarily licks blankets you’ve been using and avoids freshly washed ones this is likely the reason!

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes, excessive blanket licking could indicate that your dog isn’t getting all the nutrients they need from their diet. Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy.

Your dog needs:

If your dog lacks certain nutrients, they might try to make up for it by licking or even eating non-food items. This behavior might persist even after fixing their diet, so it’s important to address the issue early.

4. Medical Issues

Several medical conditions could cause your dog to lick blankets obsessively:

• Dental Problems: Dogs with dental disease, broken teeth, or abscesses sometimes lick blankets to soothe mouth discomfort.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Dogs experiencing digestive problems might lick blankets to soothe upset stomachs or even to induce vomiting if they’ve eaten something bad.

• Allergies and Itchy Skin: Dogs with allergies often develop itchy skin. When they lick their skin to relieve the itch, it can actually make things worse by causing more inflammation. Some dogs then transfer this licking behavior to blankets and other surfaces.

• Pica: This is a condition where dogs compulsively eat non-food items. While relatively rare, it can be dangerous as it may cause intestinal blockages.

5. Boredom and Anxiety

A dog that’s bored or suffering from anxiety might turn to blanket licking as a way to cope. It’s similar to how some people might bite their nails when nervous or fidget when bored.

Separation anxiety is a common cause. If you notice your dog only licks blankets when left alone, they may be experiencing separation anxiety and using the licking as a coping mechanism.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

In some cases, blanket licking can develop into a compulsive behavior. Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD) occurs when normal dog behaviors become excessive and interfere with the dog’s quality of life.

Dogs with OCD may lick blankets, carpets, and furniture as a way to manage their anxiety. The behavior provides them with a sense of calm and relief, but it can become problematic when excessive.

Is Blanket Licking Harmful?

For the most part, occasional blanket licking is harmless. As long as your dog isn’t actually eating pieces of fabric, this behavior shouldn’t cause any medical issues.

However, there are a few situations where blanket licking could be problematic:

• If the licking becomes obsessive and interferes with normal activities
• If your dog is ingesting pieces of the blanket, which could cause intestinal blockages
• If the blanket has been treated with chemicals that could be toxic when ingested

How to Stop Your Dog from Licking Blankets

If your dog’s blanket licking is becoming a problem, here are some strategies to help curb the behavior:

1. Rule Out Medical Issues

First things first – take your pup to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your vet can check for dental problems, digestive issues, allergies, and other health concerns that might be causing the behavior.

2. Improve Their Diet

Make sure your dog is getting proper nutrition. Consider switching to a high-quality dog food that provides all the essential nutrients they need. Remember to make dietary changes gradually to avoid stomach upset:

• Start by mixing a small amount of new food with their current food
• Gradually increase the new food while decreasing the old food over 7-10 days
• Consult with your vet about possible supplements if needed

3. Provide Mental Stimulation

Bored dogs are more likely to develop obsessive behaviors like blanket licking. Make sure your dog gets plenty of mental stimulation through:

• Interactive toys and puzzle feeders
• Training sessions (even 5-10 minutes daily helps!)
• New experiences and environments
• Social interaction with other dogs

4. Increase Physical Exercise

A tired dog is less likely to engage in repetitive behaviors. Make sure your dog gets adequate physical exercise appropriate for their age, breed, and health status. Even adding an extra 15-minute walk can make a big difference!

5. Use Deterrents

If necessary, you can use bitter anti-chew sprays on blankets to make them less appealing. Test a small area first, as some dogs ignore the taste. Remember to reapply frequently as the bitterness fades over time.

6. Reduce Access

Sometimes the simplest solution is to limit your dog’s access to tempting blankets and fabrics:

• Keep bedroom doors closed
• Use baby gates to block off certain areas
• Crate train your dog or confine them to a safe area when you’re away
• Put away blankets when not in use

7. Provide Alternatives

Give your dog appropriate items to lick and chew:

• Durable chew toys
• Frozen Kong toys filled with dog-safe foods
• Dental chews (which have the added benefit of cleaning teeth!)

When to See a Vet

While occasional blanket licking is usually harmless, you should consult your veterinarian if:

• The licking behavior starts suddenly
• Your dog seems obsessed with licking and can’t be easily distracted
• You notice other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or changes in appetite
• The behavior interferes with normal activities like eating, sleeping, or playing

My Experience with Bailey

My own dog Bailey went through a phase of obsessive blanket licking last year. At first, I thought it was cute, but when my comforter started showing wear and tear from all that licking, I knew I needed to address it.

After a vet check ruled out medical issues, I realized Bailey was probably bored while I was at work. I started giving him puzzle toys filled with treats before leaving, and added an extra 20-minute walk to our morning routine. Within a couple weeks, the blanket licking reduced significantly!

I also learned to recognize the signs that Bailey was about to start licking (he would circle and paw at the blanket first) and would redirect him to a frozen Kong toy instead. This positive redirection worked wonders!

Final Thoughts

Dogs lick blankets for many reasons – from seeking comfort to addressing nutritional deficiencies to simply enjoying your scent. While occasional licking is usually harmless, excessive licking might indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.

With patience, training, and addressing your dog’s physical and mental needs, you can help curb obsessive blanket licking. Remember that changing habits takes time, so be consistent and patient with your furry friend.

Have you found successful ways to stop your dog from licking blankets? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

No, dog licks are not human kisses; a dog’s lick is a multifaceted form of communication, often stemming from instinct and social bonding, but it can also indicate stress, hunger, or a desire to groom. While a dog’s lick can be a sign of affection or a greeting, the primary function is different from a human kiss, which is a direct act of romantic or familial intimacy.

Dogs love blankets because they provide physical warmth, a sense of security and emotional comfort through soft textures and familiar scents, and tap into their natural instincts to burrow and nest. Blankets can help calm dogs, especially those with anxiety or a history of separation from their litter, and also help them feel safe by creating a den-like space or by providing a comfortable place to rest and sleep.

Your dog kneads and bites blankets as a way to self-soothe, often due to anxiety, boredom, or a comfort-seeking instinct from their puppyhood, mimicking the feel of nursing or their mother’s belly.