Is my dog cleaning his teeth, or what?

My yellow lab has a habit of chewing on all my blankets, pillows and sheets, but he never rips any of the fabric. He'll just sit there chewing and chewing, and gets everything soaking wet with his saliva, but he never leaves behind any tears or holes. I don't understand this behavior--the best explanation I can think of is that he is cleaning the surface of his teeth. He seems to especially like to chew fabrics that have a lot of my scent on them, but this may just be coincidence. Anyone have any other ideas?

Is my dog cleaning his teeth, or what?
no i dont think is trying to clean his teeth he may just liek the feeling of the blankets rubbing against his teeth my lab used to do that to! i LOVE yellow labs!
Reply:I doubt that he is conscieously attempting to clean his teeth. I wish dogs were so helpful!


He probably just likes the feeling of chewing on soft stuff. Try to find some soft toys, perhaps the terry cloth kind for him to chew on so that he'll stop chewing on your stuff %26amp; getting it all slobbery.
Reply:It depends on how old he is. If he's just a pup, chances are he's teething. If he's an adult there can be many causes. If it bothers you...my suggestion would be getting him a Kong if he doesn't have one and filling it with plain, nonfat yogurt and freezing it in there!





It's healthy, lasts for hours and he won't mouth the fabrics in the house!
Reply:I don't think he is cleaning his teeth. He is probably just chewing for fun.
Reply:Try substituting stuffed doggy toys.





Our little cockapoo loves chewing the quilt on our bed and he has put holes in it, and the only way we stop him is by shoving a stuffed, fuzzy dog toy under his nose or giving him a rawhide chewie.





Is your dog a puppy by chance?


He could be suckling.


Maybe he misses his momma.


Time will cure that.
Reply:My black lab does it too! I thought it was really strange, good to know ours isn't the only one that does it! I think they do it cause the blanket smells like their owners. Dogs first sence is smell. We got ours a blanket of her own. Just a cheap baby blanket from the Dollar Tree. We put it in her crate with her at night and she drags it around with her durring the day. She tends to chew on that one instead of the other blankets, bedding and stuff. you could try that to avoid the excessive slobber. :) It took ours a while to catch on, but once she did she loves it.





I just read your additonal comments, ours will chew on our pants too! Especially if we're sitting at the table or on the computer where she can sit at our feet. I usually think she's licking herself untill I look at her and notice her chewing my pants. She never chews holes in anything, just presses her teeth on it and makes a chewing motion. Weird.
Reply:how old is he, if he is in a puppy stage, he may be teething. If not, he may just be bored-does he have stuffed toys to chew on-maybe that will help. I have 2 labs, and until after the age of 2, they will chew on almost anything.Count yourself lucky, mine chose to chew on the doors. Also, does he do this only when your gone? If so, maybe the scent is what is attracting him because your not home, and he is anxious. Good Luck, and no matter what, Labs are the BEST.
Reply:It is unlikely that your dog is cleaning his teeth, they could really care less. Hygene isn't one of the many good things about dogs... It is most likely that he is bored. Give him some toys - only like 2-3. Never give your dog more than 3 though because then he will get bored and not use any of the toys. As for the training not to eat everything in the house, there is this perfect spray that is green apple flavored. Sounds good to me however our dog hated it. We sprayed in on things that she was chewing on. It took a few days however she hasn't chewed on anything again - besides her toys. I have attached a link - you can find it in most pet stores for cheap. If the case is he is chewing on things while you are gone though, try crating him. It will stop him from having seperation anxiety plus it will actually train him to behave better. I have attached a link that explains how to train your dog for behavior and other things.
Reply:Hi i have a golden retriever and a chocolate Labrador the chocolate lab chews anything that will fit in her mouth . with your problem it might be boredom or not enough toys to chew try giving him a raw hide bone or pig ear i don't think he is cleaning his teeth like other people have said if hes around 4-6 month he might be teething


good luck and enjoy your Labrador he will love you forever.
Reply:I have a lab/shepard mix that does that but its only socks or shirts from the laundry bag. I narrowed it down to that since its only my things and not my boyfriends(as she is my dog) that its because it smells likes me. she is rarely ever from my side and only does this when she is away from me.
Reply:Have you looked his breed up to see what kind of character or mentality he should have? That may have something to do with why he is doing what he does. Check it out and understand the yellow lab then sit back yourself and think of things he has done or shown you that matches up to what he should be like. Maybe then you might get an answer. Good Luck. I was having difficulties with my first pregnancy and I had a mix female (half wolf) that just wouldn't leave my side. I found out later on the Discovery channel that wolves are very passionate with other females that are having problems..
Reply:my dog also does this.I think they just like it because it is soft and nobody take it because they think it is theirs.
Reply:its when dog mouth feels like biting something like when you want to eat chewing gums
Reply:imy idea is.. i guess your dog want to play with you.. he is seeking for your attention! try playing with him....
Reply:My last dog had a baby blanket that she would drag around the house with her. When company would come over, she would insist on putting her soggy blanket in their laps. It was so cute.
Reply:The odds are that your dog was removed from the litter too early and is actually imitating suckling. They find this very soothing and as long as you don't mind soggy pillows, blankets and pants, have fun. Personally I'd break him of the habit. Get him some pet safe stuffed toys and save your linens for the bed and your clothes for your body.
Reply:You may want to be sure he isn't in your bedroom at night he may decide to chew on you ! It is awfully strange behavior though!I really don't have an answer for you-but it must have something to do with your scent! Do you happen to use a cologne that smells like some sort of food? Not necessarily doggie food but you know what I mean?? Or are you a cook some place?? Just a couple of ideas!!
Reply:I have a great dane who likes to chew on my clothing as well...I am not sure if we are talking about the same thing or not, but maybe I can help. My dog I believe is doing this because he was taken from his mom very early, and I think that it is his way of showing affection towards me. He does it when he is excited to see me, he does it when he is playful, and sometimes he does it when i am petting him and especially if I scratch him and he really likes it. I believe it is just a way of expressing himself. and it makes him feel content, and secure. hope this helps
Reply:Ok so there is a 99% chance that he has too much energy. You need to walk him at least 30 minutes each day. Make sure that you lead and your dog walks beside you. Do not let your dog lead, or the problem will prob get worse. When you do see him chewing somethign he's not supposed to, take it away from him. Reward him if he lays next to his favorite chewing thing without chewing on it.


Also, watch "Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Channel. This will help a lot.





Hope I could help. Good Luck!



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