Why Does My Dog Lick the Walls? Bizarre Pet Behaviors & the Herbs That Might Help

Picture this: You walk into your living room, only to find your dog standing there, intensely licking the wall like it’s the most delicious thing they’ve ever tasted. At first, you assume they’ve found a long-forgotten food splatter. But then they keep doing it. Day after day. The wall, your floors, the couch—anything with a surface becomes a prime target for their relentless tongue.

Now, you have two choices: 1) Accept that your dog is just weird and start a modern art Instagram account featuring their wall-licking masterpieces, or 2) Dig deeper into why your dog is suddenly obsessed with drywall fine dining.

Lucky for you, I’ve already gone down the rabbit hole (so you don’t have to), and the answer involves nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, and maybe just a dash of canine insanity. Let’s break it down. 

1. Nutritional Deficiency: Is Your Dog Trying to Eat a Mineral Buffet?

If your dog is licking the walls, they might be craving minerals—specifically, calcium, magnesium, or even certain trace elements missing from their diet. Drywall and paint sometimes contain mineral deposits, and while your dog isn’t out here consciously thinking, Mmm, I need a little calcium today, their instincts could be driving them to seek it out.

Herbal Fixes for Mineral Deficiency:

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron, dandelion can help support a more balanced diet (without your dog trying to eat your house).

• Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Packed with nutrients, this herb can help dogs who are missing out on key minerals.

• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) – A powerhouse plant that contains vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and magnesium. Sprinkle some dried alfalfa on your dog’s food instead of letting them self-medicate on your walls.

 

2. Anxiety & Stress: The Wall is My Emotional Support Object

Let’s be honest—some dogs are just weird. But compulsive licking can be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or stress. If your dog is licking the walls obsessively, they might be using it as a coping mechanism (kind of like how some people stress-eat a whole tub of ice cream after a bad day).

Herbal Fixes for Anxiety & Stress:

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – The classic calming herb. Brew a weak chamomile tea and mix it into their water or food.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – A natural stress reliever that helps anxious pups chill out (and maybe stop making out with your walls).

• Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) – This herb is like a natural chill pill for dogs. Great for nervous lickers who need to take it down a notch.

 

3. Boredom: “There’s Nothing to Do, So I Guess I’ll Lick This Wall”

Dogs need stimulation, and if they’re not getting enough mental or physical exercise, they might resort to weird hobbies—like obsessively licking things. If your dog’s idea of a good time is “French kissing” your walls, they might just be bored out of their mind.

Herbal Fixes for Boredom & Mental Stimulation:

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – This herb supports cognitive function, helping keep your dog’s brain active. Try sprinkling some dried rosemary in their food.

• Ginseng (Panax ginseng) – Known for boosting energy and focus, this could help dogs who need a little mental stimulation to prevent Wall-Licking Wednesdays.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Supports digestion and may also help prevent compulsive licking behaviors linked to an upset stomach.

 

4. Pica: The Disorder That Makes Dogs Eat (and Lick) Weird Stuff

Pica is a condition where dogs (and humans, for that matter) develop an appetite for non-food items. If your dog isn’t just licking the walls but also trying to eat dirt, paper, or your favorite pair of socks, pica might be to blame. This condition is often linked to either a nutrient deficiency or a gut health imbalance.

Herbal Fixes for Pica & Gut Health:

• Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) – A soothing herb that can help with gut irritation, which is sometimes a trigger for pica.

• Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) – Supports digestive health and can help prevent weird cravings.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Aids digestion and might reduce odd licking and eating habits related to gut issues.

 So… What’s the Verdict?

If your dog is licking the walls like they found the last remaining flavor on Earth, don’t panic—just investigate! Start by checking their diet for missing nutrients, evaluate their stress levels, and ask yourself if they’re just really, really bored.

In the meantime, you can introduce the herbs above to address mineral deficiencies, calm their nerves, or support gut health. And if all else fails… well, you have an excuse to redecorate those slobber-streaked walls.

Now, tell me—has your dog ever had a weird licking obsession? (Please, someone else’s dog does this too… right?)