8 Reasons Why Dogs Lick the Carpet (and What to Do About It)

Dogs sometimes do weird things. As dog owners, we are frequently aware of their odd little habits and activities. Licking the carpet is one of the strange things that dogs will do. It’s both odd and annoying, but it also has several reasons why dogs do it.

It’s an odd habit, but it’s also critical to be able to tell the difference between a one-time floor or carpet lick and excessive licking syndrome, which is an actual medical condition characterized by continuous surface licking of surfaces such as floors, walls, furniture, etc.

There are many reasons why dogs lick the carpet, and each dog has their motivations. Some of the most common reasons are boredom, anxiety, and stress.

If your dog is licking the carpet, there are a few things you can do to stop them. In this blog post, we will discuss 8 of the most common reasons why dogs lick the carpet and what you can do about it!

1) Boredom

Licking compulsively can be the result of boredom, and it’s not uncommon. Chewing and licking are two common outlets for a bored dog. This is a non-threatening behavior that, if addressed early on, maybe readily managed.

If you suspect your dog is bored, the first thing you should do is make sure they get plenty of exercise. Some breeds are more energetic than others, and high-energy dogs may become quickly bored. Instead of allowing your dog to lay around on the floor all day, go outside and play with them! Hide-and-go-seek, as well as fetch, are just a few of the games that dogs adore.

You could also want to think about getting some new dog toys from time to time so that your favorite companion has something new to play with. Doing so will keep them joyful and active.

2) Separation Anxiety

Many dogs dislike being away from their owners for an extended period. Dogs do also suffer from anxiety when separated from their owners. A dog that suffers from separation anxiety will obsessively lick the floor, carpet, a body part, or anything else as a coping mechanism.

Researchers believe that when a dog licks something, endorphins are released in the brain. These chemicals help calm the dog down. The more a dog licks, the more endorphins are released. The more endorphins are produced, the more a dog will lick.

3) Stress

A dog licking a carpet, or anything else, repeatedly might be an indication of stress. This undesirable habit might be an indication that you should take steps sooner rather than later. You can tell when dogs are in good spirits. Dogs may even seem to be smiling at you from time to time. An anxious dog, on the other hand, will display a variety of negative signs.

When a dog is stressed, it may appear to be grimacing. Growling, howling, or crying out more than usual are other possible signs that they may be stressed. If you suspect that your dog is stressed, consult with your veterinarian. They may be able to suggest various strategies to address the issue.

4) Nausea

When a dog is nauseated, it will try to calm its stomach by licking. This may be done on floors and walls, for example. Licking their front legs, or repeatedly licking empty air is a typical doggie behavior. The act can be combined with drooling and frequent swallowing.

If you’re an experienced dog owner, you know what’s coming next: vomiting. Dogs consume grass when they are ill or have a nutritional deficiency, such as a lack of fiber. If your dog’s stomach becomes uncomfortable, they can show signs to eat grass while inside, this might lead to carpet licking.

5) Certain medications

Certain medicines may cause dogs to become hungry. If your dog is on a medicine that makes them ravenous, they could be attempting to consume the carpet instead of licking it.

Polyphagia (periods of excessive hunger) is a condition in which your dog is constantly hungry. It might be caused by diet, the dog’s age, or medicines. Senior dogs have been known to be hungrier than ever before. Although this issue may usually be treated with a change in diet that includes more fiber.

6) Diabetes

Diabetes in dogs can lead to polyphagia. Before the disease is treated with medicine, diabetes has symptoms of excessive hunger and thirst.

The dog’s glucose levels are insufficient for the brain to recognize that it has had enough food. This can be seen in dogs by them attempting to frantically lick or eat the carpet.

7) Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Dementia in dogs, commonly known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), is a disease of the brain that causes decreased awareness and alertness.

Licking excessively is a symptom of this illness. If your dog is older, it may have CCD and be licking the carpet as a result of it.

8) Pica

Pica is an illness in animals that leads them to eat things that are not edible. Some dogs only consume one non-food thing, whereas others will feed on anything they can get their paws on.

This includes socks, underwear, toys, towels, and books, to mention a few examples. If your dog is eating things that they aren’t supposed to consume regularly, licking the carpet could be one of them.

CONCLUSION

Although obsessive licking can be annoying, it’s crucial to focus on why your dog does it. Don’t get angry at your dog if they do this. Learn why they do it and then take the steps required to stop this vexing dog behavior with useful dog training tips.

If your vet has ruled out any of the potential health conditions mentioned above, they can help in looking for other possible causes why your dog continues to lick.

Related: 9 Signs That Your Dog Might Be Sick