Why Does My Dog Lick Pillows? The Truth Behind It

Have you ever caught your furry friend going to town on your favorite throw pillows? This peculiar behavior might leave you wondering what's going on in your pup's mind. While it might seem strange to us, there are actually several fascinating reasons behind this common canine behavior.

Natural Instincts at Play

Dogs have inherited various behaviors from their wild ancestors, and licking is one of them. When you notice your dog showing particular interest in your custom monogrammed pillows, they might be acting on deeply ingrained instincts. In the wild, dogs would often lick surfaces to investigate their environment and gather information about their surroundings.

Comfort and Anxiety

Sometimes, dogs lick pillows as a self-soothing mechanism. This behavior, known as comfort licking, can help them feel more relaxed and secure. If you notice excessive licking, particularly of your leather accent pillows, it might be worth consulting with a veterinarian to rule out anxiety issues.

Taste and Smell Attractions

Your pillows might have absorbed various scents and tastes that are appealing to your dog. From natural body oils to food particles, these seemingly clean pillows could be quite interesting to your pet's sensitive nose. If you're concerned about hygiene, consider repurposing old pillows that have become your dog's favorite chew toys.

Medical Considerations

While pillow licking can be normal behavior, excessive licking patterns might indicate underlying health issues. Some dogs might lick pillows due to nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or even obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Wrapping Up

Understanding why your dog licks pillows is the first step in addressing this behavior. If you're concerned about protecting your home furnishings while keeping your pet happy, consider scheduling a design consultation to explore pet-friendly fabric options. Remember, while pillow licking is usually harmless, any sudden changes in your dog's behavior should be discussed with a veterinary professional.