It can be strange and even a little concerning to watch your dog obsessively lick a blanket.
While occasional licking is normal, excessive licking can point to underlying behavioral or medical issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common reasons why your dog excessively licks a blanket, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Licking Blanket — Why It Happens
Dogs may lick blankets excessively due to stress, anxiety, boredom, nausea, or even underlying pain or neurological issues. This behavior can start as a self-soothing activity but may evolve into an obsessive habit over time.
Some dogs find the texture or scent of a blanket comforting. Others may use licking as a way to cope with an upset stomach or chronic discomfort. Identifying the cause early is key to resolving the issue and ensuring your dog’s well-being.
Dog Excessively Licking Blanket: Common Causes
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs often express stress or separation anxiety through repetitive behaviors—and licking is a common one.
Blanket licking can become a self-soothing mechanism, especially in dogs that feel lonely or overwhelmed.
This may occur more frequently when you’re away, during storms, or in response to loud noises or household changes.
Chronic stress-driven licking can lead to behavioral conditioning, making it harder to stop without addressing the root cause.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licks Everything (What it means)
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Licking non-food objects, including blankets, can be a sign of nausea or stomach upset.
When dogs feel queasy or have acid reflux, they might try to manage the sensation by licking soft surfaces.
This behavior is sometimes accompanied by lip-smacking, drooling, or grass-eating.
In some cases, nausea may be tied to dietary indiscretion, a food allergy, or a more serious gastrointestinal issue like pancreatitis or IBD.
Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation
A mentally under-stimulated dog may turn to blanket licking as a way to pass time.
Without enough toys, interaction, or exercise, dogs can develop repetitive behaviors like excessive grooming or blanket licking. It becomes a fallback behavior when nothing else is engaging.
Over time, this can become compulsive, similar to a human biting their nails or pacing.
Compulsive Licking Disorder
Some dogs develop compulsive disorders that mirror human OCD.
This may manifest as constant licking of objects, themselves, or people—even when there’s no clear trigger.
Blanket licking in this case may appear random or intense and may continue despite distractions or scolding.
Compulsive disorders usually require behavioral modification and sometimes medication prescribed by a vet or veterinary behaviorist.
Residual Scent or Taste
Dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and if a blanket smells like food, another pet, or even their owner, they may be drawn to lick it.
In some cases, licking may begin with curiosity but then become habitual.
If the blanket hasn’t been washed in a while or has food remnants, this may reinforce the licking behavior.
While this is generally harmless at first, the behavior can become obsessive if not redirected.
Dental or Oral Discomfort
Pain in your dog’s mouth, gums, or teeth can cause odd behaviors, including licking soft items.
A dog experiencing dental pain might avoid chewing food and instead seek out comfort through licking.
This can include objects like blankets, pillows, or even their own paws.
Check for signs like bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or visible tartar buildup.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking Blankets
Start by observing when the licking happens. Does it occur when your dog is alone? After eating? Only at bedtime?
If anxiety is the trigger, try offering calming alternatives like puzzle toys, long walks, or calming treats.
Creating a safe space with their favorite items and background music may also reduce stress.
If you suspect gastrointestinal discomfort, consider switching to a sensitive stomach diet or scheduling a vet check to rule out medical issues.
You can also try removing or washing the blanket regularly to eliminate scents or residues. Offer distraction toys—especially ones that are safe to lick or chew, like frozen Kongs.
Consistency and redirection are key. Reinforce calm behavior and redirect your dog when you notice them beginning to lick.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Excessive blanket licking may seem benign, but it can signal deeper issues that need veterinary attention.
Call your vet if:
Your dog licks obsessively and can’t be distracted.
Licking is paired with vomiting, drooling, or decreased appetite.
Your dog shows signs of anxiety, like pacing, panting, or destructive behavior.
You notice dental symptoms like bleeding gums or bad breath.
The behavior started suddenly and is getting worse.
Your vet may recommend diagnostics such as bloodwork, GI imaging, or a behavioral consultation depending on the suspected cause.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Lips and Swallowing (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Excessive blanket licking in dogs is more than just a quirky habit—it can be a clue to underlying emotional or physical distress.
By understanding the triggers and watching for other signs, you can take proactive steps to support your dog’s health and comfort.
If the behavior persists or worsens, reach out to your veterinarian to uncover the cause and create a plan to help your dog feel better and break the cycle.