Have you ever passed by your living room only to find your dog licking your couch cushions? While this behavior might seem a bit strange, there can be multiple reasons behind it that you shouldn’t overlook.
Dogtopia’s Veterinarian, Dr. Antje Joslin, spoke with Kinship to discuss why dogs may behave like this. She points to several reasons, including that they like how the couch smells and tastes, they’re bored, or they’re trying to get their pet parents’ attention. However, there could be a deeper meaning. “Licking can be a self-soothing behavior, similar to how some people bite their nails. It may help relieve anxiety or stress,” she explains.
Dogs (unfortunately) can’t communicate with words, so they may use their tongue to help express what they’re thinking and feeling and to understand their environment. Your pup may be licking the couch as a way to investigate their surroundings, which can be a natural instinct, but it can veer into obsession if you find distractions aren’t pulling them away.
How do you stop this behavior in its tracks? Dr. Joslin expresses the importance of using a pet-safe cleaner to remove any food or residue on the couch and to stop eating/drinking on the couch altogether. If the licking persists, you can try out a distraction to help deter the action. “Offer your pup chew toys, lick mats with peanut butter, or puzzle toys to keep them occupied,” Dr. Joslin shares. “If your dog licks due to anxiety, try calming treats, pheromone diffusers, or a comfy dog bed as an alternative.”
Dive deeper into the reasoning behind why your dog may lick the couch and ways to prevent it over on Kinship’s site.
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