Your dog is stressed
Dogs experience stress just like people. They can be stressed by moving to a new house, new surroundings, loud noises, or being home alone. Some dogs are more prone to experiencing stress and anxiety than others, but all dogs feel stress in certain situations.
Signs that your dog is feeling stressed include pacing, constant yawning or licking, a decreased appetite, howling, whining, or an increase in sleep.
Nibbling on blankets can be a way that your dog relieves his stress. Much like a comfort object used as a toddler, your dog learns that chewing a blanket makes him feel better, so he will resort to this behavior anytime he’s feeling anxious.
If your dog is stressed because of a move or because he’s new to the household, it’s best to be patient with him. Offer him appropriate objects to nibble on and be patient. Most dogs will adapt to their new surroundings after a few weeks and go back to normal. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, consult a trainer on how to help your dog gradually adapt to time alone.
Teething
Teething is an instinct that may be motivating your dog to chew on his blanket. Your furry baby will lose his baby teeth to make place for the permanent adult ones. This can also be an unpleasant experience, and your dog may want to chew soft objects, including his blanket.
Similarly, if your dog is a natural chewer of the blanket, it is not a big problem. But, if he tears small pieces of it and swallows them, it can be a thing of great concern.
My Dog Ate Part of a Blanket – What Should I Do Now?
Swallowing a blanket can block your dog’s intestine. If you left your dog alone at home, he might eat many pieces of blanket. As a result, that blanket may get stuck in his intestine and block it.
Here are a few symptoms if your dog’s intestine is blocked due to eating a blanket.
If your dog has a severe intestinal blockage, he will need to have an intestinal X-ray and possibly surgery to take that piece out. So, instantly call your vet to take your furry baby to the clinic and seek medical advice.
The second problem you may face is ‘My dog ate a blanket and is vomiting.’
If your dog accidentally eats a blanket and starts vomiting. It is because he cannot digest that part of the fabric, and his stomach rejects it.
Why Does My Dog Suck On Blankets (10 Reasons Explained)
Dogs may chew on blankets for several reasons, including anxiety, teething (if the dog is a puppy), hunger, or attempting to fulfill a need to nurse leftover from their puppyhood. Blanket chewing is a common behavior and can be stopped by providing appropriate alternatives for your dog to chew on.