Dog Obsessively Licking Carpet

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.

Dog obsessively licking carpet.

The licking may begin intermittently and increase in frequency and intensity as time goes on. Your dog probably singled out the couches carpet and beds for acceptable reasons before the behavior became obsessive or compulsive and it has since escalated. Some studies have shown that the act of licking increases endorphins in the brain which calms the dog while it is licking. Indeed when dogs have an upset stomach their instinct is to eat grass so they can induce themselves to vomit but in a domestic setting at home there s no grass to eat so the dog reaches out for the carpet or anything else in reach.

Some dogs chew up shoes and furniture and you ll find some dogs licking carpet or other areas. Maxwell says if you notice your dog panting or furrowing their eyes as they obsessively lick the same spot in the carpet or on the couch it s time to have them checked out. Loud noises separation anxiety and or change in environment can lead to this. A study has also linked excessive dog licking with medical especially gastrointestinal disorders so a routine veterinary exam is the best place to start.

Dogs lick the carpet for many reasons including boredom stress and illness. Obsessive and compulsive licking in dogs have a few standard causes. 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. Dog licking the carpet one possible explanation for this behavior is that the dog has a digestive problem.

A few reasons why your dog might be bored include lack of physical or mental stimulation. Medical causes there are several illnesses that can cause obsessive licking so if your dog has this problem the first step is to have a complete veterinary workup to identify or eliminate a medical cause. Once you know what s wrong you can treat it in an appropriate manner whether that means cleaning the carpet or taking your pup to the vet. Excessive licking of air your face the furniture his paws other animals his genitals the tile the carpet virtually everything within reach.

Dogs can also have behavioral causes of excessive licking such as anxiety or a type of obsessive disorder where they over groom themselves. Dogs who suffer from els or excessive licking syndrome will not only lick carpets but they will lick all kinds of surfaces. It is a dog s compulsive behavior which can be distressing for dog. High energy dogs need to be exercised daily or at least have toys that keep them engaged and focused.