Why Do Dogs Nibble On Blankets When Excited

Dogs are known for their quirky behaviors, and one of the most common ones is nibbling on blankets when they are excited. If you have a furry friend who exhibits this behavior, you may have wondered why they do it. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why dogs nibble on blankets when excited, as well as delve into some interesting trends related to this topic.

One of the main reasons why dogs nibble on blankets when excited is due to their natural instinct to explore and investigate their surroundings. When a dog is feeling excited or stimulated, they may feel the urge to investigate objects around them by using their mouth. Blankets are soft and pliable, making them the perfect object for a dog to nibble on when they are feeling playful and energetic.

According to a canine behavior specialist, “Dogs have a strong instinct to investigate their environment through their senses, including taste and touch. Nibbling on blankets can be a way for them to engage in this natural behavior and satisfy their curiosity.”

Another reason why dogs may nibble on blankets when excited is to release pent-up energy. Just like humans, dogs can experience bursts of energy when they are excited or happy. Nibbling on a blanket can be a way for them to release some of this excess energy and channel it into a more manageable form of play.

A dog trainer explains, “Nibbling on blankets can be a form of self-soothing for dogs, similar to how humans may fidget or tap their foot when they are feeling restless. It’s a way for them to release some of their built-up energy in a non-destructive manner.”

Interestingly, there are also some trends related to why dogs nibble on blankets when excited. One trend that has been observed is that dogs who were weaned from their mothers too early may exhibit this behavior more frequently. When puppies are weaned too early, they may not have had the opportunity to learn appropriate chewing behaviors from their mothers, leading to a tendency to nibble on objects like blankets as a way to self-soothe.

A veterinarian specializing in animal behavior notes, “Dogs who were weaned too early may have a stronger oral fixation and may be more likely to engage in behaviors like blanket nibbling. It’s important for owners of these dogs to provide appropriate outlets for their chewing needs, such as chew toys or bones.”

Another trend that has been observed is that certain breeds may be more prone to nibbling on blankets when excited. Breeds that were originally bred for hunting or retrieving, such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers, may have a stronger instinct to investigate and interact with objects using their mouths. This can manifest in behaviors like blanket nibbling when they are feeling excited or stimulated.

A dog behavior consultant explains, “Certain breeds have been selectively bred for specific behaviors, such as retrieving or hunting. These breeds may have a stronger drive to interact with objects using their mouths, which can lead to behaviors like blanket nibbling when they are feeling excited.”

On the flip side, some owners may have concerns about their dogs’ blanket nibbling behavior. One common concern is that the dog may ingest pieces of the blanket, leading to potential health issues such as intestinal blockages. It’s important for owners to monitor their dogs when they are engaging in blanket nibbling and provide appropriate supervision to ensure their safety.

A veterinary behaviorist advises, “Owners should be mindful of the materials their dog’s blankets are made of and choose ones that are less likely to be ingested, such as fleece or soft cotton. If a dog is consistently ingesting pieces of the blanket, it may be necessary to intervene and provide alternative forms of enrichment.”

Another concern that owners may have is that their dog’s blanket nibbling behavior could be a sign of underlying anxiety or stress. Dogs may engage in repetitive behaviors like blanket nibbling as a way to self-soothe when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It’s important for owners to assess their dog’s overall behavior and seek guidance from a professional if they suspect their dog may be experiencing anxiety.

A dog behavior specialist emphasizes, “Blanket nibbling can be a coping mechanism for dogs who are feeling anxious or stressed. It’s important for owners to address the underlying cause of their dog’s anxiety and provide appropriate support to help them feel more comfortable and secure.”

Some owners may also be concerned that their dog’s blanket nibbling behavior is a sign of boredom or lack of mental stimulation. Dogs are intelligent animals that require mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent behavioral issues. Blanket nibbling may be a way for dogs to alleviate boredom and provide themselves with a form of entertainment.

A certified dog trainer suggests, “Owners should provide their dogs with plenty of mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of blanket nibbling. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions can help keep dogs mentally stimulated and engaged.”

In conclusion, dogs may nibble on blankets when excited for a variety of reasons, including their natural instinct to explore and investigate their surroundings, release pent-up energy, and self-soothe. There are also interesting trends related to this behavior, such as dogs who were weaned too early or certain breeds being more prone to blanket nibbling. While there are common concerns associated with this behavior, such as potential ingestion of blanket pieces or underlying anxiety, with proper supervision and guidance, owners can help their dogs engage in this behavior safely. By understanding the reasons behind why dogs nibble on blankets when excited, owners can better support their furry friends and provide them with the care and enrichment they need to thrive.