There’s only 3 certainties in life: death, taxes and dogs Licking things. Licking is a perfectly normal behavior that dogs exhibit, but sometimes they can’t stop licking. They’ll lick anything from butts and ears to carpets and couches. But why does my dog lick the couch? Read on for more information and how to stop it.

Why does my dog lick the couch? 6 reasons why

They’re bored

One reason dogs lick the couch and other things is to entertain themselves when they’re bored.

Unlike humans, dogs don’t always have control of their environment or the toys they have access to. If they feel like playing in a room filled only with furniture, bored dogs may resort to licking the couch to get some mental stimulation.

Anxiety and stress

Licking is a soothing behavior for dogs. It reminds them of how their mothers used to lick them when they were puppies.

Dogs that lick furniture may be trying to replicate their instinctive behavior to calm themselves down or ease their separation anxiety.

Thirst and hunger

Dogs lick things as a way of searching for something.

If the dog is hungry or thirsty, they may resort to a licking behavior to look for a source of nutrients.

Something tasty is on the couch

A dog licking the couch may mean that you spilled something tasty on the cushions.

Even if your dog isn’t hungry, if they smell food on the couch, they’re going to lick it.

It doesn’t even have to be food. Dogs love the salty taste of sweat, so they may be trying to get a taste of that (gross, huh?).

Canine obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive behaviors are frequently repeated and conditioned actions that need to be done before the dog or person can feel at ease.

Humans with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) may have to lock their car 6 times before they leave or jingle their keys 3 times before they unlock their door to feel right.

Dogs can have the same obsessive compulsion, but with different actions to soothe it. Some may walk in circles and others resort to couch licking.

Medical issues

A dog’s couch licking behavior could also point to a more serious medical issue.

Excessive licking could mean they have an upset stomach, general pain, or even canine cognitive dysfunction (doggy dementia).

In rarer cases, constant licking may be a sign of Cushing’s disease as well.

Does age or breed play a factor?

No particular breed is more susceptible to compulsive behaviors than others, but upbringing and training do play a factor.

Severely restricted or caged dogs that weren’t properly socialized have a high risk of repeating behaviors that make them comfortable.

Age may also play a factor in couch licking. Canine cognitive dysfunction is more common in older dogs, so they will naturally have a higher chance of couch licking.

How to get my dog to stop licking the couch

If you’re getting tired of sitting in the dog’s lick spot, here are a few ways you can help them quit licking the couch.

Fix the medical issue

If your dog licks the couch because of a medical problem, take care of that first. No amount of toys or training will help them get over this behavior if they aren’t healthy.

More chew toys

Your dog may have a compulsive licking behavior because they don’t have anything else to lick.

Give them something better like a nice Kong or other chew toys that they can slobber on as much as they want.

More exercise

Exercise provides physical and mental stimulation and can help ease your dog’s anxiety.

If your dog licks furniture while you are gone or unavailable, get them an indoor dog ball thrower. Then they can get some exercise and entertainment while you’re away.

Dog training

Licking is a normal behavior, but excess licking is just plain rude.

But dogs don’t always realize this. They may need you or a dog trainer to teach them their manners.

Brain Training for Dogs and Dunbar Academy both offer online dog training courses, so you can teach Fido how to behave without ever leaving your house.

Conclusion

Dogs lick furniture for a variety of reasons. They may be hungry or thirsty, bored, anxious, or they may have a more serious issue like an digestive problems or canine cognitive dysfunction. If you want your dog to stop licking, first treat their medical issues. Then you can give them more toys, more exercise and more training to help them keep their tongues in their mouths.

The post Why Does My Dog Lick the Couch All the Time? 6 Reasons appeared first on Elegant Furball.