Why Do Dogs Lick the Furniture?

Does your dog enjoy grooming your armchair or preening the seats of your sofa? Are you concerned it indicates a problem? Why do dogs lick the furniture and are you right to be worried?

Seeing a dog’s little quirks are part of the joy of being an owner. But when your pooch’s behaviour turns from cute to destructive, there’s cause for concern. Licking furniture is one such example.

In this article, you’ll learn the ins and outs of why dogs lick furniture, possible issues that go along with it and ways you can prevent it.

Dogs Lick Furniture to Taste It!

That adorable nose on your pup pairs with his tongue to provide all kinds of information about the world. Canines lick surfaces to find out more about them… and sometimes, your couch is on the list! If your furry friend catches a whiff of something that intrigues him on your sofa, licking could be next.

If a chair seat or table top smells appetising to a dog, a lengthy licking session could be in store. He may want to slurp up every molecule of whatever flavour is on your furniture. It may not seem appetising to you, but your dog’s taste buds are unique. 

Anxiety or Stress?

Did your pooch start licking furniture after a change in your environment or the introduction of a new furry friend in your home? Did his routine or diet change? Is someone missing from the household who used to be close to your pup? All of these changes could cause stress or anxiety in your furry little buddy. If he feels anxious, he may be licking as a self-soothing technique.

You see, when dogs lick something over and over, the action releases endorphins. It can help our canine companions go from stressed to settled. Although it’s good that your dog is helping itself manage anxiety, try supplying him with dog-friendly licking toys or lick mats. That way, he can focus his efforts on surfaces that won’t become threadbare after one too many licking episodes!

Do Dogs Lick the Furniture Because of Health Issues?

Is your pup’s furniture-licking coupled with other strange occurrences, like weight loss, appetite changes, or discomfort? If so, you may want to visit the vet as some underlying health conditions can lead to behaviours like excessive licking. 

Nutrient deficiencies may cause your dog to hunt for minerals in unusual places. The desire for more nutrients could lead your dog to lick everywhere he can get his tongue on. Oral health issues or gastrointestinal problems could also cause strange licking rituals.

When you notice strange behaviour patterns, take note of them and describe them to your vet. With proper medical attention, your dog will face the best-case scenario for any potential health concern.

Loneliness or Boredom?

The thought of your pup being so lonely or bored that it licks the upholstery right off your furniture is sad, but it happens. Feelings of loneliness and boredom may lead your dog to wreak havoc in the house. If those feelings are paired with a bit of separation anxiety, it’s a recipe for excessive licking or other undesirable behaviour. 

Unless you want your favourite futon to turn into a boredom-buster, leave engaging toys behind for your pooch. Train its attention on dog-friendly objects that appeal more to its senses than the old couch…

… or maybe consider getting a playmate for those times when you’re away!

Dogs Can Lick Things Because of Canine OCD

Canine OCD? Is that real? If you thought OCD was a condition exclusive to humans, think again!

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in canines can transform their normal behaviours. This condition may even lead to excessive furniture licking… and if your dog just cannot stop licking, it can be a sign of canine OCD.

Does your dog seem to enter a trance as it licks? Does it refuse to be pulled away, even when offered tasty treats? These behaviours can suggest OCD. If this sounds familiar, work with your vet to find the best treatment plan for your pup.

How to Stop Your Dog Licking the Furniture

Now that you know a few reasons dogs lick the furniture, let’s discuss strategies to combat it.

As with any attempt to wean away an undesirable behaviour, it’ll take time and patience to help your dog kick the licking habit, but you’ll both be happier once it’s under control.

1. Provide Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Giving your dog adequate physical and mental stimulation is critical. It’ll help it live a long, happy life.

In the short term though, it’ll satisfy its desire for stimulation and curb impulses to lick the furniture from top to bottom. Walk your dog regularly, provide various toys, test out exciting puzzle toys and new treats and do everything you can to turn your space into a dog-friendly oasis. 

Drawing your dog’s attention away from your furniture is the goal here. When it realises there is plenty to do besides licking furniture, and if its tired from playtime, it’ll be less likely to engage in troublesome behaviour.

2. Use Training and Positive Reinforcement

The “leave it” command is useful and can even be life-saving if it deters your dog from chewing on something poisonous like houseplants… so it’s worth going through the training process!

Teach your pup to stop licking furniture via the “leave it” command, using treats as a positive reinforcement when it obeys.

Be consistent while training your dog to leave the furniture alone. It might help to have a new toy ready for your dog to engage with when he pulls away from the furniture: show you have something better to offer, and just maybe it’ll learn!

3. Consult a Vet

A veterinarian or even a veterinary behaviourist may provide the proper guidance to help resolve your dog’s licking tendencies. Visiting the vet will also help you rule out underlying health issues. In the worst-case scenario, if your dog’s behaviour is due to a health problem, the vet will help treat it.

So, as with anything, if you have any doubts about your dog’s health, call your vet. 

4. Dog-Proof Your Furniture

Materials like leather or microfiber are popular among pet parents because they’re easy to keep clean. Cleaner furniture may deter licking if your dog does it because he likes exploring different tastes. 

Consider using an all-natural spray to discourage your dog from jumping on or licking furniture. Bitter-tasting sprays will probably stop your dog after the first couple of licks.

Of course, leave chew toys or lick mats nearby as an alternative so your dog has somewhere else to go besides your furniture.

Summary – Why Do Dogs Lick the Furniture?

As you navigate your dog’s furniture-licking habit, try starting with the simplest answer: often it’s boredom.

Use the tips above to change your dog’s behaviour, but don’t hesitate to contact a veterinary professional if the issue persists.

And, of course, give your dog all the love and attention it deserves throughout the process of teaching it not to lick your furniture!

Why Do Dogs Lick the Furniture? What do you think? Please leave your opinions or questions in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

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