Why is my dog licking the floor?
First of all, it is a question of observing the frequency of licking: does your dog constantly lick the ground or does it remain very punctual? Then, the sudden change in behavior is also an important notion to take into account: has he been doing this since he was a puppy or has he adopted this behavior suddenly?
Physical/medical causes
If your dog has started licking the ground very regularly overnight, I invite you to take stock with your veterinarian because this behavior may be a symptom of stomach pain, for example. , or even cognitive problems for the elderly.
Also, if you observe your puppy licking on the ground, rubbing his head on the ground, etc. it may simply be that the formation of his teeth is painful for him. This will pass with age, but check with your veterinarian.
Several medical causes, various and varied, can explain this disorder, not being absolutely not a veterinarian, of course I prefer to direct you to a specialist who will be able to detect the slightest anomaly.
Once you have put aside the possible physical problems that could cause this behavior in your dog (and which you can solve with the help of your veterinarian if necessary), it is then a question of understanding the behavioral cause that could explain this problem.
Behavioral causes
In the most extreme cases, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) can occur in the most stressed, upset dogs or those who are constantly bored.Licking the floor can therefore indeed be part of the OCDs that dogs develop to finally externalize their discomfort.
Then, not to mention actual OCDs, licking the floor can simply be a response to boredom or the somewhat stressful arrival of a new member in the social group (baby, spouse, dog, cat, etc.) for example.
In the majority of cases, dogs that start licking the floor are bored dogs who “keep themselves busy” through this activity.
Furthermore, this attitude can also be a conditioning that you yourself have reinforced. This will be the case with dogs who quickly understand that this behavior allows them to get all the attention of their human. And effect when a new unusual behavior appears in our dog, whether we want to reinforce it or remove it, in all cases, attention is paid and if this is what your dog is looking for, then he will reiterate this attitude to get satisfaction.
What can I do to prevent my dog from licking the floor?
In the first case, if your veterinarian notices that your dog licks the floor for medical reasons, he will accompany you in solving the problem.
On the other hand, if the physical and medical reasons are ruled out, it's up to you to roll up your sleeves to ensure that your dog no longer adopts this behavior.
In view of the behavioral causes cited above, you must:
- Offer your dog a safe environment
If, for example, the arrival of a new member in the social group stresses him out, do not hesitate to ensure that your dog has his own cocoon, a place in which he can take refuge and where no one won't bother him. The best solution is an indoor kennel (always open) where your dog will feel protected, more than with a basket where danger can ultimately arise from all sides.
- Favor individual time with your dog
This advice should also be taken into account when your dog suddenly changes his behavior following the arrival of a new individual at home. He must understand that this does not change his outing habits and the interactions he had with you.
For example, if you adopt a second dog, always set aside time to dedicate solo walks to the first, so that his daily life is not too upset.
Even if your family is growing and welcoming a baby, for example, don't leave your dog out, even if it's not easy.
- Spend your dog up to his needs
This is very often the reason that leads dogs to adopt deviant behaviors such as licking the floor. Boredom is the worst scourge there is for a dog and you will find that it is often the most active dog breeds that act this way.
In fact, spend your dog, don't let him get so bored that he has to find substitute activities like this. Because, let it be said: licking the ground is not very disturbing, but a bored dog can also end up self-mutilating and there, it becomes much more serious.
Thus, to properly stimulate your dog, you must meet 4 expenditure needs:
- Physical expenditure: walk your dog at least 1 hour per day (two 30-minute walks).
- The olfactory expenditure: offer him occupation toys at home (kong, games and search paths, search mats, etc.).
- Mental expenditure: regularly teach him new tricks. Even if you don't want to turn him into a circus dog, it keeps him awake.
- Social spending: offer him meetings with regular, controlled and always positive peers.
After these changes, you will definitely see an improvement in your dog's attitude. He will be much better in his paws and in his head and will no longer need to find substitute solutions to express his discomfort.