Thyroid problems can also cause obsessive compulsive behaviors including excessive licking.
Dog floor licking.
If your dog is licking abnormal places such as the floors or the walls or if your dog is licking his her lips frequently these can be a signs of gastrointestinal upset.
After an x ray the vet found his stomach was full of large pieces of tennis balls labels off of pillows twigs leaves grass etc.
Why is my dog licking the floor.
If you find your dog licking the floor all the time k9 of mine says you should first make sure the flooring is clean from food or cleaning product residue to ensure your dog isn t trying to lick something specific off the ground clean the area well with vinegar and water and be sure to rinse thoroughly with just water.
Take your dog to the vet to help rule out illness as the cause of the licking.
If this is the problem your dog needs more exercise and mental stimulation.
While a snack may temporarily help if it s caused by acid buildup it s important to find the exact cause and address the underlying problem.
Since there are a number of possible reasons why your dog has been licking the floor it would help to consider what would make each of them more likely.
If your dog has excess energy stored with no way to release it many problem behaviors can occur such as chewing digging and licking.
Possible reasons why your dog licks the floor are that there is food stuck there it likes the taste hunger thirst compulsive behavior illness anxiety or inadvertently rewarding the behavior.
In such manner most dogs will lick anywhere they want to lie down be it floor or couch but when the linking becomes too much that raises concern.
If you regularly witness your dog licking floors walls furniture and any other surface they can get their tongues on you may have cause to be worried about your pet.
Once it becomes obsessive your pooch s floor licking is considered a stereotypy.
Licking can also be a sign of nausea in some dogs.
The origins of floor licking may be innocent enough your dog may have started it after meals when there were yummy crumbs on the floor but such purposeful licking isn t an obsessive or compulsive behavior.
Some dogs will also smack their lips or drool excessively when they feel nauseous.
Obsessive floor licking can also be caused by boredom.
So if your dog is licking the carpet floor fabric or walls consult with your vet especially if these episodes tend to reoccur or last for a long time.
Dogs like to lay on the floor sofas and beds just anything they find comfortable.
