If you’ve ever wondered, ‘why does my dog lick the pillow,’ you’re not alone. This quirky behavior is surprisingly common, and it can have several explanations, from simple habit to a sign of something more.
Seeing your dog repeatedly lick the couch, their bed, or a pillow can be confusing. It might even be a little worrying. Understanding the reasons behind this action is the first step to addressing it. This guide will walk you through the possible causes, when to be concerned, and what you can do about it.
Why Does My Dog Lick the Pillow
Let’s get straight to the point. Pillow licking isn’t a single-answer behavior. Dogs lick for many reasons, and context is key. You’ll need to play detective a bit, observing when and where your dog does it. Here are the primary categories of causes.
Normal Canine Behaviors and Instincts
Often, pillow licking stems from natural doggy instincts. These causes are usually harmless, especially if the behavior is occasional.
* Self-Soothing and Comfort: Licking releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals. For a dog, it can be a way to calm themselves, much like a child sucking their thumb. They might do it when they are relaxed before sleep, or when they are feeling slightly anxious.
* Exploration and Taste: Dogs experience the world largely through their mouth and nose. Your pillow might smell and taste like you, your hair products, or food crumbs. That familiar scent can be comforting, and the taste might just be interesting to them.
* Boredom or Habit: If a dog doesn’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they can develop repetitive habits. Licking a soft, available surface like a pillow can become a default activity to pass the time.
* Early Weaning: Puppies separated from their mother too early sometimes develop persistent sucking or licking behaviors. They may knead and lick soft objects as a comforting, nostalgic action.
Medical Reasons That Need Attention
Sometimes, excessive licking is a red flag for a health issue. It’s crucial to rule these out first, especially if the behavior is new or intense.
* Gastrointestinal Problems: Nausea or an upset stomach can cause a dog to lick unusual surfaces. The licking can stimulate saliva production, which might help soothe their tummy discomfort.
* Dental or Oral Pain: A cracked tooth, gum disease, or a foreign object stuck in the mouth can make a dog lick in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Check for bad breath, swollen gums, or reluctance to eat hard food.
* Neurological Issues: In rare cases, compulsive licking can be linked to neurological conditions. This is more likely if the licking is constant, focused, and seems almost trance-like.
* Nutritional Deficiencies: Though less common with quality diets, some believe pica (eating non-food items) or excessive licking can be linked to a lack of certain minerals or vitamins.
Behavioral and Psychological Factors
When medical causes are vet-checked and cleared, the root often lies in your dog’s emotional state.
* Anxiety and Stress: This is a major cause. Separation anxiety, noise phobias (like thunderstorms), or changes in the household can trigger stress-licking. The pillow becomes a coping mechanism.
* Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Canine Compulsive Disorder can manifest as repetitive, ritualistic behaviors like flank-sucking, tail-chasing, or constant licking of objects. It often starts from stress and becomes a hardwired habit.
* Attention-Seeking: If you’ve ever reacted strongly when your dog licks the pillow—by saying “no!” or pushing them away—they may have learned that this action gets your attention. Even negative attention can reinforce the behavior.
How to Figure Out Your Dog’s Specific Cause
Don’t guess. Follow these steps to narrow down the reason behind your dog’s pillow licking.
1. Visit Your Veterinarian. This is always step one. A full check-up, including a dental exam, can eliminate medical problems. Describe the behavior in detail: when it started, how often it happens, and for how long.
2. Become an Observer. Keep a simple log for a few days. Note the time of day, what happened just before (e.g., you left the room, a loud truck passed), and how long the licking lasts.
3. Assess Their Environment. Has anything changed? New pet, new baby, moved furniture, different work schedule? Even small changes can affect a sensitive dog.
4. Evaluate Their Routine. Are they getting enough exercise? Enough playtime and training for mental stimulation? A tired dog is less likely to develop nervous habits.
Practical Solutions and Training Tips
Once you have a likely cause, you can try these targeted solutions. Be patient, as changing a behavior takes time.
For Boredom or Habit:
* Increase daily exercise with longer walks or runs.
* Provide mental stimulation: food puzzle toys, training sessions, snuffle mats, or frozen Kongs.
* Offer acceptable alternatives, like a tough chew toy, when you see them eyeing the pillow.
For Anxiety or Stress:
* Create a safe, quiet space (a crate or a cozy bed in a corner) away from household chaos.
* Use calming aids during stressful times, such as a Thundershirt, pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil), or calming music.
* Practice gradual desensitization to their triggers (like practicing short departures for separation anxiety).
* In some cases, a vet may recommend medication or a veterinary behaviorist.
For Attention-Seeking Behavior:
* The key is to ignore the unwanted behavior completely. No eye contact, no talking, no touching.
The moment they stop licking, even for a second, immediately praise and reward them with a treat or attention. This teaches them that not licking is what earns rewards.
General Management Tips:
* Use bitter apple spray or a similar pet-safe deterrent on the pillow corners. Test on a small area first to avoid staining.
* Simply remove the temptation. Keep bedroom doors closed or put pillows out of reach when you’re not using them.
* Ensure a consistent daily routine for feeding, walks, and playtime. Predictability reduces anxiety.
When to Be Seriously Concerned
Most pillow licking is a minor issue, but contact your vet promptly if you notice any of these warning signs:
* The licking is constant, intense, and interrupts their ability to sleep, eat, or play.
* You see signs of physical illness: vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
* The licking causes physical damage—red, raw skin on their tongue or mouth, or worn fabric on the pillow.
* They are swallowing non-food material, which can lead to intestinal blockages.
A Note on Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
With puppies, the cause is often exploration or a comfort habit from early weaning. It’s important to gently redirect them to appropriate chew toys to prevent it from becoming a lifelong habit. In older dogs, a sudden onset of licking is more concerning and warrants a quicker trip to the vet to check for age-related health issues.
Preventing the Behavior From Starting
If you have a new dog or puppy, you can take steps to prevent pillow licking from becoming a habit.
* Provide plenty of appropriate chew items from day one.
* Build a strong routine of physical and mental exercise.
* Use positive reinforcement training to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
* Make sure their own bed is super comfy and appealing, maybe with a blanket that smells like you.
FAQ Section
Why does my dog lick the couch and pillows?
The reasons are the same as for pillow licking: comfort, boredom, anxiety, taste, or medical issues. Fabric surfaces often hold interesting scents and are soft on the tongue.
Is it bad if my dog licks pillows?
Occasional, brief licking is usually not harmful. But excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying problem that needs adressing. It can also damage the pillow fabric or, if they ingest fibers, cause stomach upset.
How can I get my dog to stop licking pillows?
First, see your vet to rule out health problems. Then, identify the trigger (boredom, stress). Provide more exercise and mental toys, use deterrent sprays, and reward them for chewing appropriate items instead. Consistency is crucial.
Why does my dog lick me and then the pillow?
This is often a transfer of affection and comfort. Your scent is on both you and the pillow. They might be soothing themselves by engaging with your smell after interacting with you, especially if they are feeling a bit anxious as you move away.
Understanding ‘why does my dog lick the pillow’ helps you respond with empathy and effectiveness. By taking a step-by-step approach—vet check, observation, and targeted action—you can ensure your dog is healthy and address the root of this soggy habit. Remember, most dogs do this out of simple need for comfort or stimulation, and with a few changes, you can both rest easier.