I came home from work one day, looked in Barley’s kennel and there it was – hundreds of pieces of cloth everywhere inside and outside of it. I remember just standing there while Barley anxiously waited for me to open the crate, so he could be free. I couldn’t believe my dog ate his blanket in his crate.
What to Do When Your Dog Eats His Blanket
Discovering that your dog has eaten his blanket in his crate can be a cause for concern for many pet owners. Not only can this behavior be destructive and costly, but it can also pose a serious health risk to your furry friend. While there are many reasons why a dog may chew or eat his bedding, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential harm to your pet.
It can be concerning when your dog eats his blanket in his crate. However, there are steps you can take to address this issue and prevent it from happening in the future.
Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Ate His Blanket in His Crate
There are several reasons why a dog may eat his blanket. One possible reason is anxiety or stress. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may resort to destructive behaviors, such as chewing on their bedding.
Boredom is another possible reason. Dogs who are not provided with enough physical exercise or mental stimulation may resort to destructive behaviors to alleviate their boredom.
Pica, a condition where dogs eat non-food items, can also be a factor. Teething puppies may also chew on their blankets as a way to relieve discomfort. Instinct can also play a role, as some dogs have a natural urge to chew on soft objects.
The Dangers of Your Dog Eating a Blanket
While eating a small piece of blanket may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be quite dangerous for your dog. Chewing on and ingesting fabric can lead to vomiting, choking, and even aspiration pneumonia if the fabric enters the lungs.
Learn more by reading:
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating His Blanket
The best way to prevent your dog from eating his blanket is to address the underlying cause of the behavior. If your dog is suffering from anxiety or stress, consider crate training or seeking the help of a professional dog trainer.
Providing your dog with plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation can also help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors.
Additionally, offering your dog appropriate chew toys, puzzle toys, and bones can redirect his chewing behavior away from his bedding.
Treatment Options for Dogs Who Ate a Blanket
If your dog has already eaten a piece of his blanket, it is important to seek veterinary care right away. Depending on the size and location of the swallowed fabric, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting or performing surgery to remove the fabric. In some cases, the fabric may pass through the digestive system on its own, but it is important to monitor your dog for signs of vomiting or discomfort.
What I Did When My Dog Ate His Blanket in His Crate
As much as I hated doing it, I decided to not put a blanket inside of Barley’s crate anymore. He had the kennel bed that I bought off Kennel and some toys. Even after trying some of the things in the above article, my dog ate his blanket in his crate repeatedly.
So, if you try the above tips and your dog is still eating his blanket in his crate, at least you know someone else who simply didn’t use one.
