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Why Does My Dog Lick the Bed? Vet-Reviewed Canine Behavior

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By Nicole Cosgrove

dog on bed

Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dogs are amazing companions, but they can sometimes develop odd habits in response to things happening in their world, such as licking their bed because there may be an interesting smell or stain on it, or they feel bored, frustrated, or anxious. As strange as it may seem to us, it can be comforting to them, even if it looks weird. It can also become compulsive, indicating an underlying behavioral problem, and it can have a plethora of causes.

If your dog has suddenly started excessively licking the bed, other parts of the furniture, themselves, or you and other family members, it’s important to get them checked out by a vet in case there is an underlying health or a behavioral issue.

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Why Do Dogs Lick the Bed? Understanding Compulsive Behavior

If your dog engages in anything repeatedly, it’s typically a sign that something is wrong. These acts are diversions and are often signs of stress. Licking the couch, your bed, or their paw repeatedly is the dog’s way of displacing negative emotions, typically anxiety or stress, or it can be a sign of pain and discomfort if the licking is focused on a particular body area. Other compulsive behaviors may include barking, pacing, and chewing.

Sometimes, a compulsive behavior may be a result of anxiety, boredom, frustration, or a traumatic event or situation. Rescue pets, especially those that were abused, can develop these behaviors.

The point is that it’s often out of the control of your pet. Your dog isn’t trying to annoy you or stain the furniture. It’s essential to understand that they aren’t acting out but are reacting to something that is upsetting them.

dog in a dog bed licking
Image Credit: Ira Lee Nesbitt, Pixabay

Dog Licking the Bed: Possible Causes for Excessive Licking

Some dogs may have a hard time being alone, depending on their energy levels, lifestyle, socialization, previous life experiences, and sudden changes in their life circumstances, making some of them more susceptible to effects of stress and even separation anxiety.

That’s why it’s imperative to do your research before you adopt a puppy or an adult dog, and consult with a veterinary professional. This way, you will understand your new dog’s needs better in order to provide them with all the enrichment and requirements they need. Part of it may also depend on how breeders have selectively bred a certain dog. Greyhounds race. Pointers hunt. It’s important to know what kind of a lifestyle a particular dog needs for the best quality of life for your pet.

That also applies to the dog’s energy level. A working dog like the Border Collie must have a job. If they get bored and this continues day by day, they are likely to exhibit frustration and destructive behaviors, such as licking your bed until they get around to chewing and destroying it. That’s why it’s essential to keep your pup entertained and stimulated. Otherwise, they’re going to take care of the task themselves in a less-than-ideal way.

Any unusual behavior is worth investigating, so it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. Sometimes, health conditions manifest themselves in strange ways. It could be something as obscure as a nutritional deficiency, nausea, gastroenteritis or an allergy. Dental issues and oral pain could also trigger it.

The Elephant in the Room

Let’s not forget the fact that your dog might like licking your bed simply because it tastes good. Do you snack while lounging and watching TV? Dogs, after all, are the original vacuum cleaner. The crumbs from the potato chips or Doritos may encourage this behavior in your pup. The problem is once they learn it, they’re likely to continue to scout around for treats.

Elephants have nothing on the memory of dogs.

If you don’t want your dog to lick the bed, don’t encourage them. Remember that your pup’s evolution saw good and bad times. Most of them are going to look for food wherever they can, and some are “worse” at it than others. It’s important to safely store all human food, but particularly things like chocolate, onions, raisins, and grapes that are toxic for dogs.

dog licking
Credit: RN23W, Shutterstock

Breaking the Habit of Your Dog Licking the Bed

We understand. The sound is disturbing to say nothing of rolling over and finding the spot your dog likes, inadvertently.

The first thing is to find the trigger.
  • Why is your dog doing it?
  • Are they bored, stressed, frustrated, or in pain?
  • Do they have an underlying health issue?
  • Is it anxiety?
  • Do they need more physical exercise and mental stimulation?
  • Are they snacking on food leftover on the bed? (And could there be anything toxic for them?)

Once you’ve identified it, you can take steps to break the chain. If it’s stress, look for causes of their stress and try to reduce or remove the stressors. Ensure their physical and mental needs are fulfilled, and seek advice from a veterinarian and a canine behaviorist. There could also be an underlying health issue that has led to this behavior and that can be ruled out by your vet. Do not ignore your dog’s stress, as it can lead to health issues and behavioral changes.

Ensure they get plenty of physical exercise every single day, and adjust it to their age, size, breed, energy levels, and health, as well as the weather conditions. Give your pet adequate toys or rawhides to help them pass the time and chew on something else, but supervise them during chewing. They may even forget that the bed is there to lick. Forgo your midnight snacks or, at least, give your pup their treat, preferably one that will keep them occupied for a while.

The essential thing is to pay attention to the behavior. Look for the cause and effect. That is the single best way to stop your dog from licking the bed. If you monitor them, you’ll likely find the trigger. That will make it more successful to manage by focusing on the core of the problem and not the consequences. Also, remember that you are helping your pet. You are removing a source of anxiety in their lifethat’s huge.

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Final Thoughts

Obsessive licking is a red flag, whether it’s your bed or the living room couch. It’s not normal behavior. We recommend taking notice and speaking to your vet so they can help you in trying to figure out its cause. Knowing the why behind compulsive behavior with dogs is sometimes just as elusive as it is with people.

Anxiety and stress are likely causes. If you pay attention, you may quickly learn what is rocking your pet’s world in a bad way. It can also be a sign of unused energy, boredom, frustration, or pure curiosity, in some cases.

The good news is that if you can connect the dots, you are well ahead of the game. Remember that your dog just wants a safe and secure home. Licking the bed might be a way that your pet is telling you that they’re unhappy.

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Featured Image: Prystai, Shutterstock

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