The answer to why does my dog lick the sofa can mean four things. This article will discuss how boredom, anxiety, diet, and compulsive behavior can cause our pooch to lick furniture. We will also delve into the solutions to keep your dog from licking the couch.
Are you struggling to hinder your pet’s access to the sofa? Please read our separate article regarding keeping the dog off the couch. The key is understanding why our furry pal does these things and how we can correct them for their well-being.
Why Do Dogs Lick The Sofa?
Boredom
One of the most common causes of furniture licking in dogs is boredom. This habit is particularly seen in pets that are kept indoors for extended periods. The lack of stimulation will lead to licking the sofa to help pass the time and occupy themselves.
Anxiety
Dogs that are stressed and anxious can end up obsessively licking sofas. Doing such activity repeatedly can ease your dog’s discomfort caused by different reasons. For example, your dog soothes himself when you leave him alone, or he’s trying to adjust to changes like being in a new environment.
Diet
If you can’t find reasons why your dog might get stressed or bored, the next thing to check is his diet. First, the couch might have some leftover food that he can sniff out. As a result, he licks the leftovers from the sofa in hopes of finding the food itself.
Another instance of why diet plays a role in licking the furniture is because it’s a sign of deficiency in dogs. Lacking a mineral or vitamin in the diet can affect your dog’s instinct, and he’ll try to find it with whatever’s available. He might also be licking the sofa to try and cure himself of digestive issues such as an upset stomach.
Compulsive disorders
Constantly monitor your dog when you notice changes in his habits and behavior. Then, you can consult your veterinarian, especially if your pet can’t be distracted from licking. Any aggression or intensity in such activity might be a sign of compulsive disorder in dogs.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Licking The Couch?
Visit your veterinarian
Pay a visit to your dog’s veterinarian to know more about the possible cause of his licking habits on the furniture. It might be a sign of other health conditions that would be better addressed as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will create a treatment plan to alleviate your dog’s discomfort from potential digestive issues or introduce drug therapy to manage the compulsive disorder.
Keep the sofa clean
Another way to keep your dog from licking the sofa is to clean your sofa. Leftovers, spills, or anything that can leave a scent or taste on the couch might be the reason why your dog licks it. So always keep the sofa clean and learn how to deodorize the sofa correctly.
Use a deterrent spray
If your dog still keeps the practice, it might be time to use deterrent sprays on the furniture so that it will have a bitter taste. You can even make a repellent yourself using a common ingredient that dogs despise, which is vinegar. Mix water, vinegar, and lemon essential oil and spray the solution onto the sofa.
Manage and eliminate stressful situations
Dogs often soothe themselves by licking the couch and other activities when they are stressed. It would be best to constantly assess the environment and look for any situation or experience that has made your dog stressed or even anxious. If you can’t immediately remove the stressful situation, you can redirect your dog’s attention to toys or activities that he enjoys.
Keep your dog stimulated
Boredom can cause dogs to amuse themselves with random activities, including furniture licking. However, do not forget that dogs must always be well-stimulated physically and mentally. It can be as simple as walks, playtime, or learning tricks.
Why Does My Dog Like The Couch?
Your dog likes the couch because it’s usually one of the most comfortable spots at home. Another reason why he hangs around the furniture a lot is that it’s probably associated with good experiences. He might see you on the couch often, so when left alone and he’s missing you, the sofa symbolizes you.
Did you know that dogs are not the only pets that are fond of the couch? Even cats tend to hang around the sofa a lot. If you have a feline companion who needs management, read this guide on keeping cats off the couch.
Why Do Dogs Lick Pillows And Blankets?
Another household item that dogs tend to lick is the pillow. Sometimes, our pets also taste our blankets and other bedroom objects. What causes this behavior is the saltiness in these items that typically absorb sweat.
Conclusion
Do not worry if you notice a weird habit in your dog. It’s natural to be curious and think why does my dog lick the sofa, considering this behavior is strange. However, as you have learned in this article, furniture licking can be due to boredom, anxiety, diet, and compulsive disorders in dogs.
It’s best to consult your veterinarian while also ensuring that your dog feels comfortable and well-stimulated every day.