Why does my dog gently nibble blankets and clothes? Is it normal?

Object sucking (or nibbling) is common in dogs, typically seen in dogs that were [weaned](https://www.petcoach.co/article/weaning-puppies) too early. It is a self-soothing behavior, much like thumb sucking in small children. There is no harm to your dog to engage in this behavior unless she begins to ingest the blankets. Restricting access may actually increase her stress, but you can try to restrict access to the particular room if she has a favorite blanket. If that isn't possible, [calming aids](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-calming-aids), such as[ pheromone products](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-calming-aids), may be effective in easing any stress or anxiety causing her to nibble. Try to determine and reduce or eliminate the offending stimulus if there is one.

My dog did this also. He was taken away from his mother very young so this seems to be a nursing reflex. Mine did it when he was happy and cuddly. It's not a problem unless Levi is eating pieces of the blankets or bedding. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Levi.

Some dogs do like to nibble, lick, or suck on fabric as a self-soothing behavior - similar to a human toddler sucking her thumb. It's not likely that you will be able to make her stop doing this, so if it bothers you, I would recommend having her sleep in a dog bed or a crate in your bedroom with her own blanket. That way, she can lick and nibble as much as she wants to without disturbing you :)

This may be comfort to him (like a baby with a pacifier). I would make sure that he has a clear bill of health and if so, leave toys that are appropriate to nibble on. Do not allow him to nibble on you. When he tries to, give him a toy or something else and tell him no. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This sounds like normal mouthy behavior. The molars (back teeth) are used to grind with, so it isn't unusual in any way. If you wish to stop her from destroying blanket rugs however, I would recommend working with a personal dog trainer to help her divert that energy into something else. Also you can try giving her Kong toys to chew on instead to satisfy her mouth fixation. I hope that things work out well for your pet Ellie and her chewing behavior. Best wishes and take care.

This is typically associated with the nursing behavior seen in puppies. Adults dogs who do this behavior do it for comfort, as it mimics how puppies nurse from their mother. You can take away her access to blankets to stop her from doing this. If it isn't possible to take away her access, I would distract her immediately when she tries to do this behavior. Try to engage her play or give her a toy filled with a treat to move her attention away from the blanket. Encourage any behavior that is positive and doesn't involve sucking on blankets with praise, attention, and treats.

Suckling/biting and kneading a blanket can be a stress-relief response or natural soothing response in some cats. It often looks like and mimics suckling behavior seen by kittens nursing their mothers. It is possible that Kittu is feeling a bit stressed out by something (new pets, new people, new things in the home, etc), or is just doing it because it is enjoyable. If you are worried about the blanket being ruined, you can try to divert her attention with a comforting petting or brushing session, or even have some fun with a toy as a distraction instead. If Kittu seems stressed out, pheromone diffusers/collars can also help reduce stress and tension.