{"id":1036,"date":"2023-04-14T13:55:54","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/?p=1036"},"modified":"2023-04-14T13:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:55:54","slug":"why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/","title":{"rendered":"Why does my dog knead his blanket?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Why does my dog knead his blanket? Have you ever seen your dogs kneading and biting their blanket? It might seem like a strange behavior, but it&#8217;s actually quite common among dogs. In this article, we will explore why dogs knead their blankets and what it means.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related article:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-growl-when-i-approach-his-bed\/\">Why does my dog growl when I approach his bed?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Why_does_my_dog_knead_and_bite_his_blanket\" title=\"Why does my dog knead and bite his blanket?\">Why does my dog knead and bite his blanket?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Bedtime_Routine\" title=\"Bedtime Routine\">Bedtime Routine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Anxiety\" title=\"Anxiety\">Anxiety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Maternal_Instinct\" title=\"Maternal Instinct\">Maternal Instinct<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#The_Nursing_Effect\" title=\"The Nursing Effect\">The Nursing Effect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Temperature_Control\" title=\"Temperature Control\">Temperature Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Territorial_Marking\" title=\"Territorial Marking\">Territorial Marking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Habit\" title=\"Habit\">Habit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#How_Can_You_Prevent_Dogs_from_Being_Destructive\" title=\"How Can You Prevent Dogs from Being Destructive?\">How Can You Prevent Dogs from Being Destructive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Should_you_allow_your_dogs_to_knead\" title=\"Should you allow your dogs to knead?\">Should you allow your dogs to knead?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Is_it_normal_for_my_dog_to_knead_and_bite_their_blanket\" title=\"Is it normal for my dog to knead and bite their blanket?\">Is it normal for my dog to knead and bite their blanket?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#Should_I_be_concerned_if_my_dog_kneads_and_bites_their_blanket_excessively\" title=\"Should I be concerned if my dog kneads and bites their blanket excessively?\">Should I be concerned if my dog kneads and bites their blanket excessively?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket\/#What_can_I_do_to_help_my_dog_stop_kneading_and_biting_their_blanket\" title=\"What can I do to help my dog stop kneading and biting their blanket?\">What can I do to help my dog stop kneading and biting their blanket?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_dog_knead_and_bite_his_blanket\"><\/span><strong>Why does my dog knead and bite his blanket?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kneading and biting their blankets is a natural behavior for dogs. Below are some of the reasons for this behavior:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bedtime_Routine\"><\/span>Bedtime Routine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the reasons why dogs knead their blankets is because it&#8217;s part of their bedtime routine. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they tend to follow a routine when it comes to bedtime. Kneading and biting their blanket is a way for them to wind down and get comfortable before going to sleep. It&#8217;s their way of telling themselves that it&#8217;s time to relax and get some rest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anxiety\"><\/span>Anxiety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another reason why dogs may knead their blanket is when they are feeling anxious or stressed. Kneading and biting the blanket is a form of self-soothing behavior for dogs. It helps them feel more secure and relaxed. If your dog is kneading their blanket excessively, it may be a sign that they are feeling anxious or stressed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maternal_Instinct\"><\/span>Maternal Instinct<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another reason why dogs may knead their blanket is due to their maternal instinct. Just like nursing behavior, kneading can also be a way for female dogs to prepare a soft, comfortable nest for their puppies. This behavior is more commonly seen in female dogs who have recently given birth or are currently pregnant. However, some male dogs may also exhibit this behavior as a result of their nurturing instincts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Nursing_Effect\"><\/span>The Nursing Effect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Puppies instinctively knead their mother&#8217;s nipples while nursing, which helps stimulate milk flow. As they grow older, they may continue this behavior as a way of feeling comforted and secure. Some adult dogs may also exhibit this behavior as a way of seeking comfort or attention from their owner. If your dog kneads their blanket while cuddling with you, it could be a sign that they are seeking affection and attention.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temperature_Control\"><\/span>Temperature Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Dogs may knead and bite their blanket as a way of regulating their body temperature. When they knead, they may create a small pocket of air between their body and the blanket, which can help keep them warm in colder temperatures. Additionally, kneading may also help them cool down in warmer temperatures, as it helps to circulate air around their body.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Territorial_Marking\"><\/span>Territorial Marking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Dogs are territorial animals, and they mark their space in various ways. One of the ways they mark their space is by kneading and biting their blankets. By doing so, they leave their scent on the blanket, which signals to other animals that this is their territory. This behavior is especially common among puppies, who are still learning about their environment and want to mark their territory.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Habit\"><\/span>Habit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, dogs knead and bite their blankets simply out of habit. They may have developed the behavior as a puppy and continue to do it as they grow older. This behavior is not necessarily a cause for concern unless it is accompanied by other signs of anxiety or stress.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read also&gt;&gt;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-does-my-dog-suddenly-hate-his-bed\/\">Why does my dog suddenly hate his bed?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_You_Prevent_Dogs_from_Being_Destructive\"><\/span>How Can You Prevent Dogs from Being Destructive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While kneading is a natural behavior for dogs, it&#8217;s important to prevent destructive behavior in general. Here are some ways to prevent dogs from being destructive:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation.<\/strong> Dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their minds and bodies occupied. Lack of activity and boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can provide the necessary stimulation for your dog.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crate training:<\/strong> Crates can be an effective tool to keep your dog safe and prevent destructive behavior when you are away. Dogs are den animals and feel secure in a crate. However, crate training should be done gradually, using positive reinforcement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proper training and socialization:<\/strong> Dogs need to be trained and socialized to behave appropriately in different situations. Basic obedience training can help your dog understand boundaries and commands. Socialization with other dogs and people can also help your dog feel more comfortable in different settings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remove access to tempting items:<\/strong> If your dog is kneading and biting on blankets or other items, it&#8217;s essential to remove access to these items. Keep them out of reach or in a closed room or cabinet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Provide appropriate chew toys:<\/strong> Dogs need to chew, and providing them with appropriate chew toys can redirect their kneading behavior. Make sure the chew toys are safe and suitable for your dog&#8217;s size and chewing style.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Seek professional help:<\/strong> If your dog&#8217;s destructive behavior continues despite your efforts, seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and suggest appropriate strategies to modify your dog&#8217;s behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>By following these tips, you can prevent your dog from being destructive and ensure a safe and happy environment for both you and your pet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read also&gt;&gt;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/why-is-my-dog-dragging-her-bed-around\/\">Why is my dog dragging her bed around?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_allow_your_dogs_to_knead\"><\/span>Should you allow your dogs to knead?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can allow your dogs to knead, as it is a natural behavior for them. Kneading is often associated with contentment and relaxation in dogs, similar to how cats knead when they&#8217;re happy. It&#8217;s a common behavior in puppies, as they mimic the nursing behavior of their mother.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_normal_for_my_dog_to_knead_and_bite_their_blanket\"><\/span>Is it normal for my dog to knead and bite their blanket?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, it&#8217;s a natural behavior for dogs that helps them feel comfortable and soothe themselves.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_be_concerned_if_my_dog_kneads_and_bites_their_blanket_excessively\"><\/span>Should I be concerned if my dog kneads and bites their blanket excessively?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Excessive kneading and biting can be a sign of anxiety or stress. If you notice any other signs of anxiety, such as pacing or whining, it&#8217;s a good idea to talk to your vet.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_I_do_to_help_my_dog_stop_kneading_and_biting_their_blanket\"><\/span>What can I do to help my dog stop kneading and biting their blanket?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Providing your dog with a comfortable and safe environment can help reduce any stress-related behaviors. You can also try providing your dog with a variety of toys to keep them occupied and distracted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why does my dog knead his blanket? Have you ever seen your dogs kneading and biting their blanket? It might seem like a strange behavior, but it&#8217;s actually quite common among dogs. In this article, we will explore why dogs knead their blankets and what it means. Related article:\u00a0Why does my dog growl when I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1040,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[27,40],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Why-does-my-dog-knead-his-blanket.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1039,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions\/1039"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pawsitivetips.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}