Stuffed Pet

My puppy is matting on his plush toy like a kitten does on the mother for milk. why?

he does it just a like a kitten,hes 7 monthes hes pure chihuahua, he crys a little bit when hes doing it. its one of those long soft plush dog buddys from petco, he bites on it and pushing his paws like a kitten does for milk. why is this?

Public Comments

1. What is matting? Need more info
2. He is doing it for comfort. He may have been taken away from his mother too young.
3. He may have been weaned too young.
4. I have heard it called bretting in cats. Like TKS suggested he left his mom to early.
5. It is called kneeding. I've seen kittens do that but never a puppy. Maybe he is missing his mother. That is what kittens do to stimulate milk production in their mothers so it is possible your puppy is missing his mother and is reliving his nursing days.
6. He is lonely for his mother, give him treats and bones to chew on and comfort him. He needs to feel that you are his safety and comfort now.
7. when an animal is taken away from it's mother to young they will do this. Some grow out of it some don't. My kitten used to do that. and she just wanted some extra attention. So just give your puppy some milk/fresh water, and then give him/her attention! Good Luck and it's not abnormal!