In one study researchers looked at 29 dogs.
Dog licking carpet and paws.
Following are some possible explanation as to why dogs lick the carpet.
It s a vicious cycle that often requires antifungal medication to control.
Yeast dermatitis is a common skin condition in dogs that causes the skin to overproduce oil and become extremely itchy.
Here are three reasons why your dog might be licking the carpet and what you can do to stop it.
It is a dog s compulsive behavior which can be distressing for dog.
Excessive licking of surfaces.
Most likely your dog is also pacing acting anxious and gulping repeatedly after licking the carpet what s going on.
Dogs may have something called excessive licking of surfaces or els where they lick not only the carpet but also any other type of flooring as well.
Why do dogs lick the carpet and the couch.
In this case the carpet licking isn t an immediate problem unless you use certain chemicals to clean your floor or unless the dog licks up something else dangerous.
You are right to be concerned because most likely your dog appears very uncomfortable and even panicky seeking your presence for reassurance.
Then when your dog scratches and starts licking paws the yeast spreads.
Good doggies says that carpet licking is the indoor equivalent of a dog s instinct to eat grass to make themselves vomit when their stomach is bothering them.
It can also refer to licking their paws or another part of their body.
Compulsive licking can in some instances be an indication that something is going on that needs to be addressed by a vet.
Dogs who suffer from els or excessive licking syndrome will not only lick carpets but they will lick all kinds of surfaces.
Your dog probably singled out the couches carpet and beds for acceptable reasons before the behavior became obsessive or compulsive and it has since escalated.
Dogs who lick their paws excessively often develop stains on the fur of their feet if they are light colored swelling and sometimes excessive licking may cause moisture to become trapped between the dog s toes making it an ideal setting for an opportunistic infection.
Obsessive and compulsive licking in dogs have a few standard causes.
So you suspect your dog has an upset stomach and now you have noticed your dog licking the carpet or licking the floor.
If the paw pads and feet appear normal the licking could be due to a skin condition dermatitis which often is the result of bacterial problems allergies or food sensitivities.