Many dogs obsessively lick carpets, a habit that can be rather unappetizing for us humans to watch. You might be wondering if the carpet contains some food crumbs or if your dog is doing something that only it could enjoy.
Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire, co-authors of The Dog Lover’s Companion, say that at least a few things could be responsible for your dog’s carpet fixation. Dogs have far more sensitive noses than we do, so it’s possible that your pet has indeed found some yummy remnant of your dinner. Perhaps the food is buried deep in the carpet, and your dog is trying to get it. Or the spill has dried along the surface, prompting your dog to lick.
Of more concern is that some carpet cleaners contain chemicals that smell and taste appetizing to dogs. You definitely don’t want your dog ingesting those, much less parts of the carpet itself. It’s therefore important that you curb your dog’s habit.
Rees and Hampshire suggest that you fill a spray bottle with 100 percent natural clove oil diluted with water. Whenever your dog starts to lick the carpet, spray the carpet with this mixture. Although most of us find the clove scent pleasing, dogs don’t.
At this point, you can then move your pet to another part of the house. Verbally praise it for being a good dog. Offer a toy or food reward to reinforce that proper behavior. Before long, your dog should learn to stay clear of the carpet, at least for dining purposes.
