Do you ever stop and wonder, “Why does my dog lick the couch?”
Common Reasons Dogs Lick Couches & Furniture
As a dog owner, you know that dogs occasionally lick others to show affection. However, if you notice your dog licking everything, like the couch, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Read on to find out why your dog is licking everything and what you can do about it.
First, to find the root cause, let’s look at some common reasons why dogs lick furniture. This will help you determine the best way to resolve the issue.
Boredom
Typically, the biggest reason your dog licks furniture is simply because they are bored. If you notice your dog doing this, but it isn’t constant, then the issue is most likely boredom.
Stress or Anxiety
It may seem like your dog is just licking, but it could be experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety. This can happen because of changes to the environment, the home, and even the people around it.
Previous Health Issues
Obsessive licking could be a coping mechanism and a sign of previous health issues they are still experiencing.
Scent Marking
Your dog could be licking and marking everything as their territory to ward off other dogs.
Texture
Because dogs naturally use their tongues to feel things, sometimes they simply enjoy the texture of a good couch.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Licking The Couch?
Once you understand the cause of your dog’s licking behavior, you can work on a solution.
If your dog is bored, the best thing you can do is to actively play with them. Ideally, you should play with your dog outside, even going for a walk. In other words, make sure your dog is well-stimulated and enjoying themselves.
Taking time to train your dog is another great way to resolve the situation. Not only are you spending time together, but your dog is also focused and learning what is okay and what is not okay.
Bored Dog? Metro Dog Daycare is Here to Help
Perhaps you have tried everything and still have not seen any results. Fortunately, Metro Dog Daycare is here to help.
By bringing your dog to our care facility, they can experience enriching, fun-filled days making new friends in daycare or doing exciting activities your dog enjoys. You can rest assured that your furniture is safe while your dog is having fun with us.
FAQs
Should I let my dog lick the couch?
Yes and no. Sometimes, dogs lick all types of surfaces and materials to better understand their environment.
This is okay. However, if you notice your dog licking the couch obsessively, then it’s best to address the issue before problems like gastrointestinal discomfort or cognitive decline occur.
When should I be concerned about my dog licking?
You should be concerned about your dog if they have abnormalities such as hair loss, skin redness, or dandruff, or if they are restless and want to lick or chew constantly.
What to give a dog for constant licking?
The best thing to do is to distract them from the thought of licking or chewing. Spending time training them on a new trick or action is an excellent way to do this.
Playing with them and their proper chew toy is also a great way to help them recalibrate their minds about what is best for them to chew or lick.
