If you have a dog, you know that dogs often have some less-than-normal behaviors and habits. Behaviors can be normal, and then some dog behaviors are downright weird!
However, when it comes to why your dog is licking your bed sheets all day long, there’s probably not much you can do about it other than talk to your vet and make sure they’re healthy. While there are many possible reasons why this might be happening, here are some of the most likely culprits:
Stress Can Cause Licking Behaviors
Stress and anxiety can cause a dog to lick his bed sheets, especially if he has separation anxiety, which we will get into later. If your dog is stressed at all, this can cause some weird behavioral issues, including licking your sheets.
Some causes of stress in dogs can include:
- A change in routine
- Moving to a new house
- A new person in the home, like a boyfriend, girlfriend, or baby
- A change in daycare or boarding
- Starting obedience school
- Tension at home between puppy dog owners
While you might not know the exact reason your dog is stressed, the above factors could contribute to it.
Separation Anxiety
If you have a dog, you know that dogs are very loyal. They love their humans so much that they’ll follow them anywhere. But sometimes, that loyalty can lead to anxiety when they’re away from their owners or when they’re left alone.
When you leave the house, your dog may feel anxious about being left alone and start licking his bed sheets to calm himself down.
Separation anxiety is a common problem for dogs. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may lick their bed sheets to comfort themselves, or they may be trying to get your attention so that you will come home and spend time with them. They might also turn to destructive behavior.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it could also be because they’re bored and need something else to do while you’re gone during the day–like play with toys or go for walks outside!
How can you help your dog with separation anxiety? Try these tips!
- Medication. For some dogs, medication is a great option for treating separation anxiety. The most common medications used to treat this condition are antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which help a dog feel more relaxed while they’re at home alone.
- Behavior therapy. If you don’t want to give your pup any medications and would rather try something less invasive, behaviorists recommend teaching your dog how to be alone in the house through training exercises like “lonely” games.
- Training classes or private lessons with an animal behaviorist or trainer who specializes in working with dogs with behavioral problems like separation anxiety
Dogs Lick Bed Sheets Because of Detergent or Fabric Softeners
One of the most common reasons your dog may be licking the sheets is because they taste good. Some dogs like to eat laundry detergent and fabric softeners, which can leave a good or bad taste in their mouth. Licking the bedding is a way for them to get more of this flavor and make themselves feel better.
Your Dog Might View Your Bed Sheets as a Toy
You may think that your dog’s bed sheet licking is just a way of saying “I love you,” but it’s more likely that he’s trying to get your attention.
Dogs lick things because they want something from the person or object they’re licking–in this case, you! If your dog licks your bed sheets, he might be trying to show how much he cares about you by letting you know how much he loves sleeping in your bed.
Other than the attention aspect, your dog could see your bed sheets as a toy – especially if you use items like blankets and ropes during playtime with your pup.
Your Dog Could Be Licking Your Sheets Because They Found Food Crumbs
If your dog is licking the sheets, it could be because they found crumbs on them. If you find crumbs on your bed, clean them off! Dogs can find food anywhere, so if you eat in bed, there is a likely chance that you have crumbs that your pup is diligently searching for.
Be careful, though, because this could lead to gastrointestinal issues for many dog breeds. If your dog keeps licking your sheets in search of food, consider eating somewhere else, so your dog doesn’t continue this bad habit.
It’s a good idea to feed your dog a great meal before bedtime. This will help him relax and fall asleep rather than keeping him awake with hunger pains.
If you have only one dog, it’s best to keep food out of reach so that he doesn’t overeat or eat too fast. Make sure his bowl contains only an appropriate amount of food for his size and age Don’t let him eat until he’s finished his whole bowlful!
An Upset Stomach May be Causing the Dog’s Licking Behavior
If your dog is licking their bed sheets, it may have an upset stomach. Dogs have the instinct to clean themselves, so if they feel sick or uncomfortable after eating something, they will try to remove it by licking.
If a dog has an upset stomach and starts licking their or your bedding, this could mean that there is something wrong with the food they ate or even the water they drank.
You should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible so that they can receive treatment for whatever illness has caused them discomfort. The vet will also be able to determine whether or not your pet needs treatment for medical reasons.
Your Dog Licks Your Sheets Because they Have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Your dog may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is a disorder that could cause them to compulsively lick their bed sheets. Canine OCD is a compulsive disorder where the dog has an overwhelming need or urge to perform certain behaviors over and over again. This behavioral issue can include excessive grooming, tail chasing, or obsessive licking of objects like shoes or blankets.
If your dog’s behavior exhibits any of these symptoms, you must take him to see your veterinarian immediately so they can get help with medication if necessary!
A Diet Change Can Cause Bed Sheet Licking
If your dog’s diet has been changed recently, it may be licking the sheets because of the taste. If this is the case, talk to your vet about what to do next.
When they are licking their bed sheets because of the taste, try changing the flavor of their food or offering them something different that doesn’t have such a strong flavor and make sure that your dog’s nutritional needs are being met.
Your Dog Licks Your Bed Sheets Because They Have a Medical Issue Called Pica
Your dog is licking your sheets because they have a condition called Pica. It’s the most common reason for dogs to lick or chew on inedible objects, and it’s caused by both mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
Pica is most common in dogs that are teething, but it can also happen when an animal doesn’t get enough nutrients from their food or has an imbalance of minerals in their body due to pregnancy or lactation.
If you notice your pup munching on anything other than food (including clothing), talk with your vet about making sure they get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet so that this behavior doesn’t continue. There’s a good chance that this will stop this common behavior.
What to Do When You Notice the Bed Sheet Licking
There could be various reasons why your dog licks her bed sheets excessively; talk to your veterinarian about what to do next if you’re concerned about your pet’s behavior!
- Talk with a vet. If the licking is caused by an infection or injury, it may need medical attention. Your veterinarian can help determine whether this is the case and provide treatment options if necessary.
- Get another opinion from another veterinarian if necessary. You must trust your vet, but sometimes they don’t know everything there is to know about dogs–and other vets might have different perspectives on what’s going on with yours!
- Call a behaviorist if things aren’t improving after visiting the vet and trying some home remedies (like changing out bedding material).
- Give your pet some toys to play with and chew on
Licking is one-way dogs show affection, so you don’t want to discourage it completely. However, if your pet’s excessive licking is causing problems in your house–such as ruining furniture or clothing–try these tips to stop it!
How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Bed Sheets
To try and stop your dog from licking your bed sheets, you’ll need to keep them clean and dry. The best way to do this is by washing them regularly and keeping them in good condition. If they’re old or worn out, then it might be time for a new set of sheets!
You can also make sure that your dog has a comfy place to sleep that doesn’t involve licking the bedding. This may mean getting them their pillow or blanket, so they don’t feel like they need access to yours all the time.
You could even purchase an anti-licking spray like Bitter Apple Spray; this will deter dogs from licking surfaces because of its bitter taste (and smell). It’s important not only that these sprays are used consistently but also applied directly onto areas where dogs tend toward licking behaviors for them to work effectively at curtailing bad habits such as excessive grooming behaviors among pets who exhibit such tendencies.
WRAP UP
Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out what’s going on with your furry friend and how best to address it. If not, feel free to reach out again! We love hearing from our readers and would be happy to help answer any questions or concerns that may arise during this process.