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Ah, the beloved dog bed. The plush throw. That special blanket, perhaps a hand-me-down from a favorite human or a carefully chosen comfort item. For many dog owners, these cozy textiles are essential. Until, that is, they become the subject of an enthusiastic chewing session, often leaving behind a trail of fluff and a baffled owner. So, why do our otherwise well-behaved furry friends sometimes turn their comforting blankets into chew toys?

It’s a common canine conundrum, and thankfully, it’s usually rooted in perfectly normal, understandable dog behaviors. Let’s unravel the mysteries behind the great blanket debate!

For puppies, the act of suckling is deeply comforting and instinctual. When they're young, they often knead and mouth at their mother's belly while nursing. This behavior is associated with warmth, safety, and nourishment. As they grow, even after they're weaned, some dogs carry this instinct into adulthood. Chewing or gently sucking on a soft blanket can mimic the feeling of nursing, providing a sense of security and self-soothing, especially when they're tired, anxious, or just settling down.

Teething Troubles: Aching Gums Need Relief

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. From around 3 to 7 months of age, their sharp puppy teeth fall out, and their permanent adult teeth emerge. This can be an uncomfortable, even painful, process. Chewing on something firm yet yielding, like a blanket, can provide much-needed pressure and relief for sore gums. If your young dog is suddenly fixated on chewing blankets, especially around this age, teething is a very likely culprit.

Boredom Busters: When There's Nothing Else to Do

A bored dog is often a mischievous dog. Suppose your furry friend isn't getting enough physical exercise or mental stimulation. In that case, they might turn to the nearest accessible item – often a blanket or bed – as a way to entertain themselves. Chewing is a natural canine behavior, and if there aren't appropriate chew toys or engaging activities available, a cozy blanket can quickly become an impromptu (and ultimately destroyed) plaything.

Anxiety and Stress Relief: A Coping Mechanism

For some dogs, chewing is a potent way to alleviate stress, anxiety, or even fear. The repetitive motion of chewing can be calming, releasing endorphins that help them feel better. If your dog chews blankets primarily when you leave the house (separation anxiety), during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when other stressful events occur, it’s likely a coping mechanism. The blanket, often imbued with your scent, can also offer comfort in your absence.

Scent Marking: "This is MINE!"

Dogs communicate a lot through scent. Their saliva contains pheromones and their unique scent. By chewing on and mouthing their blankets, they're essentially "marking" them as their own. This can be a subtle way of reinforcing their ownership of a resting spot or comfort item.

Investigation and Exploration: Just Being a Dog!

Sometimes, it's as simple as curiosity. Dogs explore the world with their mouths. A new blanket, a new texture, or simply the desire to understand what something is made of can lead to a chewing exploration.

What to Do About It (If You Want To):

While a chewed-up blanket might be an annoyance (and a financial drain!), understanding why your dog engages in this behavior can help you address it effectively and strengthen your bond. Often, it's just their way of finding comfort, expressing themselves, or letting us know they need a little more fun in their lives. So, the next time you see that beloved blanket becoming a chew toy, remember it's likely a testament to your dog's instincts and needs, rather than a personal affront!

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Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶

🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶

🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏

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Sources:

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