Dogs are known for being lickers. It’s a common and very normal canine behavior that is often interpreted as a sign of affection. But have you ever wondered why your dog likes to lick you? Or why he licks specific objects or surfaces?

In this article, I’ll explore 10 possible reasons why your dog might be licking your bed sheets and provide some tips as to what you can do to redirect the behavior.

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Why does my dog lick things?

Dogs use their mouths and tongues for much more than just eating and drinking.

In fact, licking is one of the primary ways that dogs communicate with each other and their human companions.

It can serve many different purposes, so let’s take a closer look.

Licking as a greeting or sign of affection

One of the most common ways dogs use licking is as a form of greeting or affection. When you come home from work, your dog may jump up and start licking your face as a way of saying “I’m glad you’re home!”

Similarly, when you meet a new dog, he may sniff you and then lick your hand as a way of saying “Hello, nice to meet you.”

Licking as self-grooming or attention-seeking

Dogs will often lick their paws or bodies in an effort to remove dirt, debris, or anything else that doesn’t belong.

In some cases, dogs may also lick their owners as a way of getting attention.

If your dog is constantly licking you or trying to put his mouth on your skin, it may be because he wants your attention and is seeking some physical contact.

Licking as exploration or comfort-seeking

Dogs also lick things as a way of exploring their surroundings and learning about things in the environment.

This is why puppies often explore everything with their mouths, including shoes, furniture, and even human skin.

Licking can also be a way for dogs to seek comfort when they are feeling anxious, fearful, or stressed.

So if your furry friend seems to be licking more than usual, it might be because he is feeling nervous about something and is trying to calm himself down.

That’s all well and good, but why do dogs specifically lick bed sheets?

Some dog owners find this to be weird behavior or even bad behavior, but behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There’s always a reason for it.

10 reasons dogs lick bed sheets

#1. Because the sheets have your scent on them

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and experience the world primarily through scent.

And where else is your pup likely to find a focal point for your unique scent, if not on your bed sheets?

In this case, it’s likely the human scent on the sheets “prompts the dog to lick and to keep licking,” confirms Angelica Steinker, accredited dog trainer and behavior consultant and founder/owner of the Courteous Canine Inc., in Lutz, Florida.

Not surprisingly, this can be quite reassuring for your pup.

Alternatively, your dog may like the smell of your laundry detergent or even your body wash or shampoo that could still be lingering on the sheets.

#2. Because the sheets taste good

Not to get too gross but your sheets may just taste good, especially if they’re a bit sweaty. Some dogs enjoy the salty taste of their owner, so to speak. And don’t forget all the dead skin cells either. Delicious!

Or maybe you had a midnight snack and there are some tasty food crumbs in there somewhere that he just has to take care of.

While this may not be the most appetizing behavior for humans, it’s perfectly normal for dogs.

#3. Because the dog is anxious or stressed

Licking bed sheets can be a way for your dog to try to comfort himself when you’re not around, especially if he struggles with separation anxiety.

According to Sherman (2008), separation anxiety is a common behavior in dogs and is diagnosed “in 20% to 40% of dogs that present to specialty behavior clinics.

(Note: Other signs of separation anxiety may include destructive behavior, urination or defecation in an otherwise house-trained dog, and excessive salivation.)

Your pup may also be feeling anxious due to a change in his routine or environment, such as a new pet, moving house, or noisy renovations.

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“Repetitive licking releases endorphins and is a way for dogs to self-soothe,” says American Kennel Club author Jan Reisen.

“In many cases, licking the sofa [or bed sheets as in our example] is an occasional response to occasional stress, loneliness, or boredom. However, it can become a habit if not checked.”

By licking your sheets, your pup can surround himself with your scent, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness.

If your dog seems to be stressed or anxious, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions and also rule out any medical conditions first.

You can tell if your pup is fearful, anxious, or stressed by observing his overall behavior and body language.

#4. Because the dog is bored

Sometimes dogs lick things because they’re bored and looking for something to do.

If this is the case, you may want to try providing your dog with more toys and opportunities for regular exercise or playtime in the yard.

Enrichment activities such as food puzzles, training sessions, or even simply playing fetch can provide mental stimulation and help keep boredom at bay.

If you suspect boredom is the cause of your dog’s sheet licking, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to prevent the behavior from becoming a habit.

#5. Because the dog is hungry

By now we all know that dogs like to lick things. They’ll lick their own fur, they’ll lick your hand, and, well, they might even lick the bed sheets.

If your dog does this, another reason may be simply that he’s hungry.

“Excessive licking can also be a sign of hunger — it’s called an appetitive behavior,” says Dr. Marty Becker.

“Dogs who are hungry or think they are about to eat salivate more which can lead to increased licking,” confirms Oakbrook Animal Hospital.

#6. Because you inadvertently reinforced the behavior

In this case, you may have rewarded your dog for licking the sheets without actually meaning to do so.

For example, you may have jumped up and shouted in surprise, which he took to be a fun game or a great way to get your attention.

Behaviors that get rewarded get repeated. So if your pup continues to lick the sheets and you keep reacting the same way, he’s likely to continue doing so.

The best solution here is to try not to react at all when your dog licks the bed sheets and instead redirect his attention to something else (like a new toy, a chew toy, or another activity you know he enjoys).

#7. Because the dog is a licker

Some dogs are just extra licky. They like to lick a lot – it’s just their thing.

“Licking (and tasting) is like reaching out and touching something – a sort of slobbery exploration,” says Dr. Patty Khuly.

Our rescue street dog Daisy used to lick everything – my ears, my face, my hair after I’d just washed it, my clothing if I’d spilled anything remotely food related, and sometimes the sofa where you’d been sitting, or the bed sheets too.

#8. Because the dog feels ill or is in pain

In some cases, excessive licking may be a sign of illness or a physical problem. Your pup may have an upset stomach or he may have some other underlying medical condition.

“My colleague Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behaviorist, says a large proportion of these environmental licking behaviors are due to underlying health issues that cause gastrointestinal upset,” says Dr. Becker.

“Among the conditions that might be causing a dog to feel nauseated are adrenal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphosarcoma, and liver disease.

“Some dogs lick because they have dental or other mouth pain,” Dr. Becker adds.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s licking behavior, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to, hopefully, rule out any such medical reasons.

#9. Because the dog is displaying obsessive-compulsive behavior

Obsessive and/or compulsive disorders are characterized by repetitive and ritualistic behaviors that serve no apparent purpose.

If your dog excessively licks, spaces out, or becomes aggressive when trying to lick, it may be due to obsessive and/or compulsive behavior, says Reisen.

“One sees this in dogs that experienced severely restricted, sterile environments, like being chained in a yard or caged without exercise or socialization,” she explains.

“These dogs may exhibit a stereotypy, defined as a singular, specific, nonfunctional behavior that they repeat constantly.”

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However, dogs who were raised in a healthy, enriched environment can also engage in obsessive-compulsive behavior.

“Licking can arise in situations of anxiety and conflict, can be a reinforced behavior, and can be a compulsive disorder. Therefore, look for behavioral, but rule out gastrointestinal or medical first,” advises Dr. Gary Landsberg.

#10. Because the dog is engaging in pica

Pica refers to the licking, chewing, and ingestion of non-food items. Fabric licking is a known phenomenon in Siamese and other Oriental breeds of cats especially, who often have a preference for wool.

The behavior isn’t necessarily limited to just one type of fabric, though. It can generalize to other natural and synthetic fabrics, with some cats favoring a certain texture over others.

Objects made of rubber, wood, leather, plastic, cellophane, paper, and cardboard are also popular, according to International Cat Care.

In the same way, dogs who have pica may lick objects or fabrics, including bed sheets.

Pica can be caused by underlying medical conditions (such as gastrointestinal disorders) or nutritional deficiencies, or it may have a behavioral component.

If your dog is excessively licking fabric or ingesting non-food objects, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian.

Left untreated, pica can lead to serious health problems like gastrointestinal blockages or infections.

Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause and may involve addressing any medical issues, amending your dog’s dietproviding appropriate chew toys for your dog to satisfy his desire to lick/chew, and behavior modification techniques.

Why is my dog licking everything all of a sudden?

There could be a number of different reasons for this sudden change in behavior, including anxiety or stress, boredom, seeking attention, a medical issue, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or pica as I’ve outlined above.

It’s important to first consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential medical causes.

If it turns out the licking is a behavioral issue, the best thing to do is enlist the aid of a certified positive reinforcement training and behavior consultant. They will help you assess your dog’s motivations for the behavior and discuss ways to address it.

How can I stop my dog from licking the bed sheets?

Once you’ve ruled out any medical causes for your pup’s excessive licking, you can start to look at ways to help him feel more confident and relaxed.

Environmental enrichment

Make sure your pup is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, and consider adding some environmental enrichment to his life in the form of puzzle toys or food dispensing toys.

Other great options are stuffed Kongs and LickiMats that will keep your dog busy, get him to use his brain, and redirect his behavior to something more appropriate than your bed sheets.

Train an incompatible behavior

Using positive reinforcement training, teach your dog to sit or lie down and reward him with a treat for doing so. If he’s doing that, he can’t lick the bed sheets at the same time.

Here’s a great little video from Dogs Trust demonstrating how to do just that:

To start with, you can lure him away from the bed by scattering treats on the ground that he has to sniff out and find.

That way you’ll be redirecting his attention onto something fun and rewarding.

Routine and schedule

It’s stressful not to know what’s happening next so try to stick to a regular routine and schedule for your pup’s meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime.

Relaxation techniques

Try teaching your dog some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing (yes, really! – see Resources at the end of this article) or giving him a calming massage to help him chill out.

Be sure to also address any underlying anxiety or stress that may be contributing to the excessive licking behavior.

Managing the environment

Of course, you can also use baby gates or exercise pens or keep your bedroom door shut so your dog no longer has access, but this will not help his emotional state or address the underlying reason for his licking behavior.

Most likely he’ll just find something else to lick, so you’ll still need to work on the above strategies to help him feel more relaxed and provide ways for him to redirect his behavior.

It will take patience and consistency on your part, but with the right approach, you can help your pup kick his bed sheet-licking habit.

Final thoughts

If you want to get to the bottom of your dog’s licking habits, it’s important to look at all the possible causes and rule out any possible clinical reasons before trying to change your dog’s behavior.

And next time your dog starts licking your bed sheets, take a moment to think about what he might be trying to say. Chances are, he’s trying to communicate something important!

MORE TO EXPLORE

• Why Does My Dog Lick My Ears? (6 Must-Know Reasons)
• Why Does My Dog Put His Paw On Me? (9 Compelling Reasons)

Recommended Products

• Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend
• Kong
• LickiMat

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT? If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a force-free dog trainer who can consult with you either in person or remotely. GOOD PLACES TO START ARE: – COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers – Pet Dog Trainers of Europe – International Companion Animal Network – Institute of Modern Dog Trainers – Pet Professional Guild All dog owners deserve to have successful relationships with their canine companions!

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Category: WHY