Is my dog cleaning his teeth, or what?

Question

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?

Thanks, everyone, for all your suggestions. My dog, Luke, is 6 yrs old, so he's definitely past the teething stage. I have a black lab too, and he loves to chew on bones and dog toys (he chews them to bits, though, like normal dogs)--anyway, there are plenty of things for Luke to chew on besides my blankets and pillows. I have trouble believing that he does this because he's bored... I walk him and my other lab, Linc, about 5 miles a day, and we play fetch and hide & seek a lot. I agree with most of you that Luke's probably not worried about his hygene, but maybe he gets pieces of food stuck between his teeth? His teeth are way cleaner than Linc's, who is 3 years younger than him. I don't know... the only other thing I can think of is the scent thing. Interesting that Starsmoak's lab does the same thing. I don't mind the slobber much; I'm just curious to know why he loves doing this.

I forgot to mention that on a few occasions, he has started chewing on my pants or shirt like that until I screamed, "Ouch!" and scared him, haha.

Answer 1

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!

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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!

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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!!

Answer 6

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..

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

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

Answer 11

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 & getting it all slobbery.