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Why Does My Dog Lick Everything?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  June 18th, 2025
Jucadima/Shutterstock

Dogs have a whole toolbox of quirky behaviors - some funny, some irritating, and some that leave us scratching our heads. One of the most common? Licking. Whether your dog is licking the floor, the couch, your hands, or even the air, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my dog lick everything?


While licking is often harmless, excessive licking can sometimes point to underlying physical or behavioral issues. Understanding the why behind this behavior can help you decide if it’s just another one of your dog’s endearing quirks - or something that needs closer attention.


#1 It’s Instinctive and Comforting


Licking is a natural, instinctive behavior for dogs. From the moment they’re born, puppies are licked by their mothers to clean, soothe, and bond. As they grow, licking becomes part of their communication and connection toolkit.


For many dogs, licking feels comforting. It even releases endorphins that help them feel calm and secure. So when your dog licks your hand while you’re watching TV or lounging on the couch, they may just be looking for affection or attention. After all, licking often earns them a scratch, a sweet word, or some eye contact - so they quickly learn it works!


#2 It’s a Way to Explore


Dogs don’t explore the world with their hands - they use their noses and tongues. If your dog is licking the floor, furniture, shoes, or walls, they’re likely investigating a scent or taste that piqued their interest. Maybe there’s a crumb under the table, a hint of salt on your skin, or an intriguing smell on your bag from your day out.

While it might look strange to us, for your dog, licking is just another way of figuring out what’s going on.


#3 It Could Be Boredom or Anxiety


Sometimes, licking is more than a habit - it’s a coping mechanism. Dogs that don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation may develop repetitive behaviors like licking to self-soothe. Like people who bite their nails when they’re bored or anxious, dogs may lick when they’re trying to calm themselves down.


This is especially common in:


  • Dogs left alone for long hours
  • High-energy breeds not getting enough exercise
  • Dogs with separation anxiety


If your dog seems to lick excessively, especially when bored, alone, or after changes in routine, it may be time to introduce more play, enrichment toys, or calming strategies.


#4 It Might Signal a Medical Issue


In some cases, excessive licking is your dog’s way of saying, “Something’s not right.” Dogs may lick themselves or objects if they’re feeling pain, itchiness, or discomfort.


Possible medical causes include:


  • Allergies (environmental or food-related)
  • Skin infections or hot spots
  • Arthritis or joint pain
  • Nausea or GI upset (licking the floor or carpet is common with tummy trouble)


If your dog is licking a specific area repeatedly, appears distressed, or shows other symptoms (like vomiting, limping, or loss of appetite), it’s best to schedule a vet visit to rule out health problems.


The Bottom Line


Licking is a natural part of being a dog, but context and frequency matter. If it’s just the occasional affectionate lick or curious sniff of the furniture, there’s probably no cause for concern. But if it becomes constant, targeted, or obsessive, it’s time to take a closer look.


A mix of physical health, emotional well-being, and curiosity drives this behavior. By understanding the root cause, you can help ensure your dog is not only safe, but also happy and thriving.

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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A sudden increase in yowling, particularly at night, or a sharp, pained cry when touched are more likely signals that something’s wrong than a typical meow for food or attention. Learning to distinguish between normal cat vocalizations and those associated with pain is key!

Can Dogs Have Nightmares?

If you’ve ever watched your dog sleep, you might have noticed them twitching, whimpering, or even paddling their legs as if they were running. It’s easy to wonder - are they dreaming? And if so, could they be having nightmares?The idea of dogs experiencing nightmares is fascinating, and while we can’t ask them directly, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that they do, in fact, dream just like we do. But what exactly happens when a dog has a bad dream, and should you be concerned? Let’s take a closer look.Do Dogs Dream?Scientists believe that dogs, like humans, go through different sleep cycles, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is the stage of sleep when most dreaming occurs. Research on brain activity in sleeping dogs has shown that their sleep patterns are strikingly similar to ours, which suggests that they likely dream as well.In fact, studies on rats have demonstrated that these small animals replay activities from their waking hours in their dreams. Since dogs have even more complex brains than rats, it’s highly likely that they also relive experiences in their sleep - both good and bad.What Do Dogs Dream About?Though we can’t say for certain, experts believe dogs dream about their daily experiences. Your dog might dream about chasing a ball, going for a walk, or interacting with people and other animals. A hunting breed might dream of tracking prey, while a herding dog could be rounding up imaginary sheep in its sleep.Because dogs process emotions much like humans do, it’s also possible that they dream about stressful or frightening experiences. If your pup had a rough day at the vet or encountered an aggressive dog at the park, those moments might play out in their dreams.Can Dogs Have Nightmares?Yes, dogs can have nightmares. Just as happy moments can appear in their dreams, so can fears and anxieties. If you’ve ever seen your dog whimper, growl, or suddenly jolt awake from sleep, it’s possible they were having a bad dream.Common triggers for nightmares in dogs might include past trauma (especially in rescue dogs), loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, or stressful situations they’ve recently experienced. A dog that has had negative interactions with other animals or humans may also relive those moments in their sleep.Should You Wake a Dog from a Nightmare?It’s tempting to wake up a dog that seems distressed in their sleep, but it’s usually best to let them wake up on their own. Suddenly waking a dog from a deep sleep, especially during a nightmare, can startle them, causing them to react instinctively by snapping or growling.If your dog frequently has nightmares and appears very distressed, you can try gently calling their name from a distance to wake them gradually. Avoid touching them abruptly, as this can be disorienting.How to Help a Dog That Has Frequent NightmaresIf your dog seems to have bad dreams often, there are a few things you can do to help:

Shelters Seeking Fosters - Could You Help Raise a Newborn Kitten?

T'is the season for shelters to be seeking out kitten fosters for the tiniest kittens. Do you have what it takes?

Tips for Managing Kidney Disease in Cats

Have you noticed that your once playful cat is recently becoming a little less energetic than usual? Are they spending more time at the water bowl? If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for signs of trouble in your cat’s behavior. After all, these small changes can sometimes be warning signs of a larger underlying issue. More specifically, these are signs often associated with kidney disease.Despite being surprisingly common in cats, especially those in their senior years, kidney disease isn’t a minor issue. This serious health challenge can significantly impact their quality of life. This post will offer practical advice and support to help you understand and manage kidney disease in your best friend, empowering you to ensure they can continue to live their best life after diagnosis.Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease Early detection of kidney disease in cats is crucial, allowing you to address the problem before it becomes more advanced and harder to manage. The difficulty in catching this disease early is that the initial signs can be subtle and often mimic normal aging. This can make it incredibly challenging to catch in senior cats, who are the highest risk factor. One of the first signs is an increase in thirst and urination, medically known as polydipsia and polyuria. You may notice your cat spending more time at the water bowl, the bowl needing to be filled regularly, or larger, more frequent clumps in the litter box. This is an excellent example of why, as a loving cat parent, you need to pay careful attention to your cat’s eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. They can often act as an early warning sign of trouble. Some other early warning signs include: Loss of appetiteWeight loss LethargyDecreased grooming habits DepressionRestlessness, especially at night As the disease progresses, more severe signs may emerge. Common symptoms of advanced kidney disease include vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. This is a dangerous cycle for your cat to become trapped in, as dehydration itself can make kidney problems worse. Other signs of advanced disease include oral ulcers and a distinct, unpleasant odor in their breath, often referred to as uremic breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, even seemingly minor ones, take them seriously. Contact your veterinarian and explain your concerns. Even if it’s found that your cat is just experiencing the impact of aging, it will still provide you with important information to help improve their quality of life. Diagnostic Tests and Procedures When your veterinarian suspects your cat may be suffering from kidney disease, they can use several diagnostic tools to confirm that diagnosis and assess the extent of any kidney damage. Blood tests are generally the first step and the cornerstone of this process. Specifically, they will test the creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the blood as these waste products accumulate in the bloodstream when the kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Your vet will also check phosphorus levels, as elevated phosphorus can contribute to further kidney damage. Finally, they may test the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume, also called the packed cell volume (PCV), as it can help assess for anemia, a common complication of kidney disease. Next, they will conduct urine tests to better understand your cat’s kidney function. They will test the concentration as diluted urine is common in cats with kidney disease. Protein levels in your cat’s urine can also indicate trouble, as healthy kidneys would work to prevent protein from leaking into the urine. Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial part of the diagnostic process, as high blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or an ultrasound. X-rays can be used to identify whether there has been a change in kidney size or if any kidney stones are present. Ultrasounds make it easier to assess the internal structures of your cat’s kidneys and ensure there are no abnormalities or reasons to be concerned. It’s important to remember that these tests aren’t meant to overwhelm you but rather to give your vet a clear picture of your cat’s kidney health. Completing all the necessary testing will help stage the disease and create a personalized treatment plan. Supporting Your Cat’s Kidney Health with their DietOne of the most important things you can do as part of your cat’s care team (after all, you and your veterinarian are a team) is to focus on dietary management. Unlike standard cat foods, renal diets are specially formulated to address their unique nutritional needs. They are typically lower in phosphorus, restricted in protein, and supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play an essential role in slowing the progression of kidney damage and maintaining overall health. As already mentioned, high phosphorus levels can worsen kidney damage and contribute to other health complications. When damaged, the kidneys struggle to eliminate any excess phosphorus in the body, one of their key roles, which can cause it to build up. Renal diets are formulated to minimize phosphorus intake, but may not be enough. Your veterinarian may also recommend medications called phosphate binders that help to reduce the amount of phosphorus your cat absorbs from their food. Protein management may seem counterproductive, considering the fact senior cats generally struggle to maintain muscle mass as they get older. However, excessive protein can actually overload your cat’s kidneys, pushing them to work harder and ultimately causing further damage. Instead, the ideal diet will balance providing the high-quality protein your cat needs while reducing the burden on the kidneys. Most renal foods will be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. However, your vet may recommend additional supplementation, especially if they feel the levels offered by the food won’t be sufficient to see the benefits. They may also suggest a supplement for B vitamins. One challenge many cat parents face is that cats can be picky eaters! This has been an ongoing struggle in our house with my sweet senior girl, Pippen, who has big opinions on the brand and flavor of her meals. While a renal diet is clearly the best option in most cases, your cat may have other plans. What do you do then? Here are some solutions that can help encourage your cat to eat more: Warm their food slightly can help release enticing smellsExperiment with different textures and flavorsOffer smaller but more frequent mealsChange the dish you use or where they are being fedElevate their food dish in case they are reluctant due to aches and pains Try hand-feeding If your cat is still reluctant to eat after trying all the options listed, reach out to your veterinarian. They may be able to offer advice on additional strategies or prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Roch and Dog In Dog Out Pave the Way for Pet-Inclusive Travel in Italy

If you’re anything like me, the thought of leaving your pet behind when you travel can put a damper on your vacation plans. I want to include my dogs in my adventures, not just leave them at home while wishing they were there by my side. That’s why I was so excited to read about some promising pet-friendly travel developments in Italy. Recently, two key players in the pet hospitality world, Roch Dog and Dog In Dog Out, announced a groundbreaking partnership, coming together to change the world of accommodations for travelers with pets. Roch Dog is a company that specializes in certifying and rating hotels based on their dog-friendliness using a data-driven approach. Meanwhile, Dog In Dog Out is an Italian authority on canine hospitality led by renowned expert Elisa Guidarelli. Consider this strategic partnership: Roch Dog has the data to pinpoint which hotels are falling short in catering to our canine travel buddies. They look at everything from pet policies and available amenities to the level of staff training when it comes to our pups. After identifying a hotel with room for improvement, Guidarelli and her team can provide target training and consulting to help the hotels elevate their pet-friendly offerings. “Traveling with dogs is booming across Europe, but hotels need real metrics to deliver quality experiences,” explained Guise Bule, CEO of Roch. “Our partnership with Elisa Guidarelli creates Italy’s first data-driven benchmark for canine hospitality excellence. We’re replacing vague ‘pet-friendly’ claims with measurable dog-friendly standard that helps hotels differentiate themselves in a cluttered pet-friendly market and generate commission-free direct bookings from dog owners.” What I find so encouraging about this partnership is the focus on real, measurable standards. We’ve all been to hotels that claim to be “pet-friendly” only to find that it means a water bowl in the lobby and a hefty extra cleaning fee. Just picture a world where, with clear guidelines and insights on catering to canine guests, you can expect a true dog-friendly vacation experience every time.Plus, they are pushing for better transparency for pet parents! Now, you might be thinking, “But this is in Italy. What does that have to do with us?” While this collaboration isn’t happening in the US, it could set a precedent for how pet-friendly businesses operate globally, including right here at home. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a similar initiative take hold here? The partnership in Italy highlights a growing recognition of the importance of pet travel. More and more of us want to bring our furry friends along, and the hospitality industry needs to adapt to meet this demand. By focusing on data and expert training, Roch Dog and Dog In Dog Out are paving the way for a more inclusive and generally welcoming travel experience for pet owners. Planning a trip with your pup? Here are a few tips for choosing a pet-friendly hotel: Don’t rely on the “pet-friendly label: Dig deeper! Check the hotel’s specific pet policy for details about what that means at their location. Size and weight restrictions: Confirm if your pet’s size or weight falls within the hotel’s requirements. Number of pets allowed: Traveling with multiple pets? Double-check that you can have all your pets in a single room (or be prepared to book more than one for your family). Pet fees: Be aware of any additional charges per night or per stay for traveling with a pet. Designated pet areas: Ask about designated potty areas or walking spaces on or near the hotel property.Ask specific questions: Don’t hesitate to call the hotel directly with any specific concerns or needs your pet may have. Read reviews from other pet parents: Don’t take any promises at face value. Get firsthand experiences from travelers who have stayed there with their pets recently. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Viral Pet-Friendly Cruise Now Accepting Larger Dogs

Cruise lovers have long faced the fact that dogs (except service dogs) aren’t allowed to join them on their favorite ships. Luckily, an exciting announcement from Expedia Cruise of West Orlando and Cruise Tails revealed a dog-friendly cruise will set sail in November 2025 on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. What’s the catch? While the cruise is estimated to include up to 250 canine cruisers, there were strict limitations on which dogs would be allowed to board. Among the restrictions was the fact that only dogs up to 20 lbs (and 18 inches in height) would be allowed on the maiden voyage. On their website, Cruise Tails stressed that this first cruise is a “proof of concept” as the first pet cruise ever. The success of this cruise will have a considerable impact on the future of pet-friendly cruising. Recognizing this, they state that “everything has been planned with an abundance of caution and safety.” They hope that after a successful initial cruise, they will be able to loosen the leash for future trips.   Pet parents were invited to sign up for updates, and in December, the initial round of applications was opened for those whose dogs met their strict requirements. But a new announcement has opened the door for a larger pool of pet-friendly cruise lovers. While large and extra-large dogs are still not eligible to join in on the fun, the weight limit for travelers has been increased to 28 lbs (the 18-inch height still applies). This rule change may seem minor, but it is a game changer for those who share their lives with popular breeds like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi or the French Bulldog. In addition to the weight and height requirements, there are several other rules to consider when determining if your dog is eligible, including: Only dogs 6 months old and older are eligible. All dogs boarding must be up-to-date on their vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Dog parents must be able to provide a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of their sailing date. Dogs must be microchipped or have an approved ID tag, including the dog’s name, cabin number, and valid contact information. Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior toward people or animals are prohibited. The cruise only allows for one dog per cabin. However, larger families may still be able to cruise together if they book multiple cabins, accepting that the dogs will be separated when they turn in for the night. Regardless of the initial restrictions, the cruise is an exciting step forward for pet-friendly travel lovers. Assuming all goes well with this initial trip, it could not only mean future trips with Cruise Tails but also encourage other cruise lines to reconsider their strict no-pets policy. This could be a significant turning point for the travel industry. We can’t wait to hear more updates, not only from Cruise Tails but also from those who will be setting sail! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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