If you watch your dog for a day or two, you’ll notice that they exhibit some perplexing behaviors at times––from snapping at the air to scooting their butts. One of these strange behaviors is licking random stuff around the house, like carpets. After all, carpets don’t need to be groomed, do they?
In this blog post, we’ll look at several reasons why your dog might be licking the carpet and what you can do about it.
Dogs May Fixate on Lingering Odors
Your dog’s sense of smell is truly one of their greatest superpowers. They can smell about 100,000 times greater than humans. For reference, their sense of smell is so powerful that they could detect a ½ teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a swimming pool. It’s a common reason why dogs are often used in search-and-rescue missions; they can latch on to a scent and follow it for miles!
If you spilled something on your carpet, such as a sugary drink or barbeque sauce, you may think that you’ve removed the stain. Yet, the smell may still linger, and your dog just might want a taste!
You May Inadvertently Be Rewarding the Behavior
Imagine this: you have a needy Italian Greyhound. While watching TV, they try to get your attention by poking your arm, giving you their paw, or standing in front of the screen. Finally, when all else fails, they start licking the carpet, and immediately, you shout, “Hey! Stop that!”
Without even knowing it, you’ve rewarded the behavior with much-wanted attention. Attention-seeking dogs will exhibit all kinds of perplexing behaviors from chasing their own tails to even demand barking. The next time you see your dog licking the carpet, ignore it. If you suspect that they’re bored, redirect the behavior with a toy or even consider taking longer walks to tire them out.
Bored Dogs May Entertain Themselves With Carpet-licking
Excessive licking is one of the key signs of boredom, and a bored dog is a destructive dog. It’s a well-known fact that dogs need exercise, both mental and physical, to stay healthy and happy. Without an outlet for their energy, they will find ways to entertain themselves, often resulting in chewing up your favorite shoes or digging holes in the yard. A bored dog is also more likely to bark excessively or become anxious, both of which can be frustrating for owners and disruptive to the neighborhood.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your dog from getting bored. Interactive toys and puzzles are a great way to give them a challenge, and there are many different types available to suit every interest. Getting involved in obedience or agility training classes is another excellent way to engage your dog’s mind while also getting some much-needed exercise.
Your Dog Could Be Stressed or Anxious
A stressed or anxious dog might exhibit strange behaviors, such as licking carpets or pacing. A dog may become stressed for a variety of reasons. It could be due to an acute trigger, like fireworks or thunder. It could also arise from separation anxiety.
While some amount of stress is normal, too much can lead to health problems. Dogs that are constantly stressed are more likely to develop gastrointestinal issues, skin problems, and behavioral problems. They are also at greater risk for developing heart disease and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, there are a few things that owners can do to help their dogs cope with stress. Providing a calm and quiet environment, maintaining a regular routine, and using positive reinforcement training are all helpful strategies.
How to Stop Your Dog from Licking Carpets
There are a few things you can do to stop your dog from licking carpets, and with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be able to efficiently address the behavior. One way is to provide them with plenty of chew toys that will help keep your dog’s mouth busy and focused elsewhere.
You can also try spraying the carpet with a pet-safe repellent or bitter anti-chew spray. These sprays will deter your dog from licking the carpet, and over time, they’ll learn that it’s off-limits. As a last resort, you could also put your dog in a cone, or an Elizabethan collar. This would only be necessary if your dog risks hurting itself, such as licking the carpet so much its tongue becomes raw.
Finally, make sure you’re consistently providing your dog with positive reinforcement when they don’t lick the carpet. This could include treats, praise, or extra attention.
