If you suspect boredom is to blame, you can try spending more time with your dog and also leave a treat-filled puzzle toy to help them pass the time when you are away. Anxiety issues can be more difficult to address, and you might want to seek advice from your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist.
Dogs suffering from anxiety may need to find their own coping mechanisms, and sometimes they find relief by engaging in odd behaviors. Dogs who are anxious may therefore lick themselves so much to form what's known as an acral lick granuloma, and some dogs may start licking other things, such as carpets and floors.
Dogs are creatures of habit and changes in their routine can make your dog anxious. Repetitive licking releases endorphins and is a way for dogs to self-soothe. In many cases, licking the sofa is an occasional response to occasional stress, loneliness, or boredom. However, it can become a habit if not checked.
Use positive reinforcement training to encourage your dog to stop licking, and give them other activities to stay occupied. Long walks, chew toys, and treats are all good options to present to your dog when you find them obsessively licking objects or themselves.
Many dog owners view dogs' licking as a sign of affection similar to kissing. Obsessive licking may be a sign of underlying issues, including anxiety, boredom, or fear. Trick training is an effective way to redirect problem licking in a positive way.
Licking is a normal dog behavior, and some dog breeds are simply mouthier than others. But, constant licking is not normal and could be your dog's way of alerting you to an underlying problem. Talk to your veterinarian to rule out an underlying health condition.
Raised hackles are an undeniable physical sign of your dog's discomfort. Pacing: Your pet might walk back and forth nervously if feeling stressed. Shaking or trembling: This behavior is an obvious sign of dog stress. Whining, barking, or growling: Your pet will often “talk” to you when feeling uncomfortable.
If your pet is licking their lips or the air, carpet, or bedding, or if they are eating grass, this could be a sign they are nauseous. You might also see signs like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, increased stomach noises, or lip-smacking.
Pica is a condition that may lead your dog to eat non-food items, such as rocks or cloth. The condition can be caused by a medical issue, like not getting enough nutrients. Pica can also be caused by a behavioral issue, such as anxiety or boredom.
In most cases, this is not a serious behavior problem, but if left unaddressed the licking can escalate to destruction of objects. Increasing mental stimulation with food puzzles, long walks, and short training sessions may be a great way to prevent boredom.
If your dog's excessive licking gets intense at night, it could be because of their recent dinner. Their food might be causing an upset stomach. Or, it may be many hours after they have eaten, if the licking is caused by hunger.
Dogs licking blankets and furniture may be an indication of boredom, stress, separation anxiety, diet deficiencies, and more. If you're concerned about your dog's blanket licking behavior, make sure to monitor it closely and consult your veterinarian.
According to research, the most common reason by far that dogs lick floors and other unusual surfaces is dysfunction or pain of the stomach or intestines. Fortunately, treating the gastrointestinal problem resolves or significantly reduces the ELS behavior in most dogs.
A dog with separation anxiety will sometimes obsessively lick the floor, carpet, a body part, or something else as a sort of coping mechanism. Some researchers believe that when a dog licks something, it releases endorphins in their brain. These chemicals help calm the dog down.
While the grass itself may not be harmful, the herbicides and pesticides sprayed on it can be toxic for your dog. Also, when plucking the grass from the ground, your dog may ingest intestinal parasites such as hookworms or roundworms that contaminate the grass in fecal residue from other dogs.
There may even be a genetic predisposition for pica in some breeds of dogs and cats. Labrador Retrievers and Siamese and Birman cats seem to experience pica more frequently than other breeds.
While certain breeds like Labradors are more naturally prone to pica, dogs that have high energy but do not get enough exercise or stimulation often choose to ingest non-food items. Pica is also considered an attention-seeking behavior and can result from lack of socialization with humans or other dogs.
Signs of pica in dogs can include things such as vomiting and diarrhea, but lethargy, a loss of appetite, and excessive drooling can also indicate a problem.
Immune and dietary issues such as allergies to pollens, grasses or certain types of food can cause paws to itch, as can parasites. Sometimes, a foreign object like a grass seed or splinter may be lodged in or between the paw pads.
Dogs may lick a lot when they're bored or anxious. Excessive licking can also be a sign of something more serious, like dementia. If your older dog is excessively licking, take them to the vet to rule out any potentially serious issues.
Take your dog to the vet if you're concerned he's ill or suffering from anxiety. However, if your dog continues licking the floor out of boredom, try a natural deterrent like Garrick's Bitter Apple, a pet-safe spray that tastes foul to dogs but won't make them ill.
Stress signs to look for include whale eye (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes), tucked ears, tucked tail, raised hackles, lip-licking, yawning, and panting. Your dog might also avoid eye contact or look away.
How Much Licking Is Too Much? Licking is normal behavior for a dog to groom itself, express affection, and taste objects, and some casual licking can be comforting and soothing to the animal. Too much licking, however, is when the dog never stops, even when prompted or distracted.