Older Dog Chewing On Blanket

by

Dogs love to chew on their favorite toys and blankets, but excessive or sudden chewing behavior can make you a bit worried.

So, how do you get your dog to stop chewing on blankets? Giving chew toys to your dog is the best way to stop it from chewing blankets. Also, praise it when it does so. Chew deterrent sprays and plenty of exercises to relieve stress and anxiety are excellent alternatives. If the condition doesn’t stop or worsens, visit the vet to check for an underlying health issue.

Let’s explore this topic in more detail, I will make sure to give you only the most effective tips and practices.

If your dog is older and seems to have developed the blanket chewing habit, he or she could be suffering from separation anxiety. When your pup is home alone all day, they can become stressed and look for some way to alleviate their tension.

Chewing may calm your dog’s nerves

Interestingly, chewing serves as a stress-reliever for dogs. This is why a dog suffering from separation anxiety might suddenly turn to chewing. Dogs also know how to get the attention of their owner, and might use chewing as a way to tell you somethings up.

Destructive chewing due to separation anxiety

Some older dogs start chewing because of new or recurring separation anxiety. As your dog ages, fear associated with their ailments can make them scared to be away from you. This can be especially true in dogs that develop blindness, deafness or have pain that makes it difficult for them to get around.

It can also appear in dogs that are developing hormonal imbalances with age (hypothyroidism for example). In some cases, changes in behavior are our only indication that something is amiss.

If your dog had a history of separation anxiety that you’ve handled in the past, age can definitely bring it back to the surface. Other reasons older dogs develop separation anxiety are because of new dogs joining the family, new babies or children, and less one-on-one time overall with you, their number one.

Give it chew toys

Chew toys are the best to prevent your dog from chewing on blankets.

Whatever the reason for chewing the blanket may be, your dog will definitely love to bite and nibble the chew toys to satisfy its instincts.

The best idea is to buy plenty of chew toys at once and give them different toys every day to chew. This step will keep it occupied, and the dog will be curious about what’s next.

FAQ

Why do older dogs start chewing things?

For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration.

How do I get my dog to stop chewing on blankets?

Giving chew toys to your dog is the best way to stop it from chewing blankets. Also, praise it when it does so. Chew deterrent sprays and plenty of exercises to relieve stress and anxiety are excellent alternatives. If the condition doesn’t stop or worsens, visit the vet to check for an underlying health issue.

How do you get an older dog to stop chewing?

How to Stop a Puppy (or Adult Dog) From Chewing Everything
  1. Be attentive. …
  2. Contain the situation. …
  3. Leave your scent behind. …
  4. Put away anything that a dog can chew on. …
  5. Choose dog toys wisely. …
  6. Interrupt, then divert. …
  7. Do not give your dog an old shoe or old socks to chew on. …
  8. Exercise daily.