We have a family pet that is about 12 years old. We have a wood laminate floor. The last week or so he has started licking it all the time. Any ideas
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Some lapping at the floor is normal for dogs, but it's concerning when it's obsessive. It becomes obsessive when your dog is fully engrossed in it, and has no obvious cause or purpose. If your dog obsessively licks the floor, investigate a few health concerns. The licking specifically makes nutritional deficiency a likely culprit. If your vet confirms you feed your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, your pet may not be eating enough or properly absorbing certain nutrients. Either scenario can have numerous underlying causes, and your vet will have to investigate further. Cushing's disease, a condition marked by an overactive adrenal gland, and liver disease are other potential causes of obsessive floor licking. Neurological disorders, including cognitive dysfunction, are another concern. I recommend taking Suedo into your vet for a health check, and to rule out a medical cause behind this behavior.
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Since this is a recent behavior change for him, I would recommend having him examined by a vet to check for any problems. Excessive licking of hard floors can be associated with certain types of anemia in dogs, or could also be a sign of nausea. If his exam and blood work are normal, then it may be a stress or anxiety related behavior - this can sometimes begin later in life if there has been a recent change in his routine, or as an early sign of canine cognitive disorder (similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans). Your vet can discuss medication options to help treat anxiety or stress if needed.
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