My 12 Year Old Dog Is Licking The Carpet
Understanding the changes your dog is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in your dog s senior years.
My 12 year old dog is licking the carpet. Once you know what s wrong you can treat it in an appropriate manner whether that means cleaning the carpet or taking your pup to the vet. Be sure to report all changes you see to your dog s veterinarian. Dogs always lick but i ve never had a dog who licked as much as my baby figgy now i m wondering if perhaps it could be that perhaps she s joining me in mourning since these last 2 years have been rather rough for me as i m on my own for the first time in a while and i m now getting older not working any longer. When a dog is stressed or bored obsessive compulsive behaviors may develop.
Dogs who lick couches the carpet beds. Indeed when dogs have an upset stomach their instinct is to eat grass so they can induce themselves to vomit but in a domestic setting at home there s no grass to eat so the dog reaches out for the carpet or anything else in reach. Take your dog to the vet and explain when the licking first began and what area of the body or objects the dog is licking. 1 dog licking carpet fibers is one such cause for obstruction.
Your pooch s quirkiness is part of her charm but sometimes odd behaviors become concerning. Dog licking the carpet one possible explanation for this behavior is that the dog has a digestive problem. While your furry friend naturally explores with her senses of smell and taste obsessive or compulsive licking indicates a problem. If your dog begins excessive licking in old age or at any time you should take your dog to the vet.
If your dog compulsively licks couches carpeting and beds you should figure out why. A dog will sometimes lick her vulva to help keep it clean. Distractions providing interest and outlets attention directed elsewhere on a consistent basis may resolve the problem but it takes dedication and perhaps. Excessive licking is a possible symptom for a number of different treatable medical conditions.
Before you try to fix the problem it is important to find the underlying cause. If you pooch is over 6 years old and showing other signs similar to human dementia cognitive dysfunction is a likely cause. Dogs lick the carpet for many reasons including boredom stress and illness. There could be any number of reasons for dogs licking floors carpet walls and even bedspreads or cushions.
If your doggy s obsessive behavior coincides with a significant change to her environment such as a move or the introduction of a new pet stress is probably the issue. Intermittent licking is rarely a problem unless you also notice a vaginal discharge or changes in the vulva s appearance her overall health has worsened or the licking becomes more frequent or intense.