Why Do Dogs Lick The Floor And Carpet

The origins of floor licking may be innocent enough your dog may have started it after meals when there were yummy crumbs on the floor but such purposeful licking isn t an obsessive or compulsive behavior.

Why do dogs lick the floor and carpet.

The only way to stop your dog from licking the carpet is to first work out the reason why they are doing it. If this is the problem your dog needs more exercise and mental stimulation. Afflicted dogs don t limit their licking behavior to the floor they may lick virtually any surface in your home including the walls furniture and their own crate. Once you narrow the problem down visit to your vet with whom you will be able to.

If you find your dog licking the floor all the time k9 of mine says you should first make sure the flooring is clean from food or cleaning product residue to ensure your dog isn t trying to lick something specific off the ground clean the area well with vinegar and water and be sure to rinse thoroughly with just water. Obsessive floor licking can also be caused by boredom. Once it becomes obsessive your pooch s floor licking is considered a stereotypy. If your dog has excess energy stored with no way to release it many problem behaviors can occur such as chewing digging and licking.

Many dogs lick the occasional carpet but some dogs are such dedicated floor lickers that veterinarians have coined a term excessive licking syndrome for the condition. Walk your dog daily at the very least and try to run swim or bike with him. So if your dog is licking the carpet floor fabric or walls consult with your vet especially if these episodes tend to reoccur or last for a long time. One of the most important is to be extremely careful when eating.

While a snack may temporarily help if it s caused by acid buildup it s important to find the exact cause and address the underlying problem.