West Highland White Terriers—better known as Westies—are full of charm, personality, and yes, some quirky habits. One puzzling behavior that many Westie owners notice is this: their dog seems obsessed with licking the carpet. It can be cute at first, but over time it leaves you wondering… what’s the deal?
If your Westie is spending a lot of time licking the floor, don’t worry—there are a few common explanations, and most of them are harmless. Let’s take a closer look.
1. They’re Smelling Something You Can’t
Westies have a powerful sense of smell. Even if the carpet looks spotless to you, it may carry all kinds of interesting scents—leftover food crumbs, traces of other pets, or even the scent from your shoes. Your dog may be licking to explore these smells more thoroughly.
Try this: Vacuum frequently and clean the area where your Westie usually licks to see if it reduces the behavior.
2. Bored or Anxious? Possibly Both.
When dogs are bored or stressed, they often turn to repetitive behaviors as a coping mechanism. Carpet licking can be one of them. Westies are bright and active, so if they’re not getting enough exercise or stimulation, they may turn to licking as a way to pass the time or comfort themselves.
Tip: Regular play, mental stimulation (like treat puzzles), and plenty of walks can help redirect that energy.
3. Upset Tummy = Licking the Floor
Dogs sometimes lick odd surfaces when their stomachs feel a little off. This can be an instinctive attempt to settle their digestive system or prepare to vomit. If your Westie is licking more than usual and also seems uncomfortable or nauseated, that could be the cause.
Watch for: Drooling, eating grass, skipping meals, or vomiting. If these happen, contact your vet.
4. It Could Be a Compulsive Habit
If the licking is frequent and intense, it might be turning into a compulsive behavior. This can develop from chronic stress, lack of stimulation, or sometimes for no clear reason at all. Like humans, dogs can develop routines that become hard to break.
What to do: A vet or behaviorist can help rule out medical causes and suggest treatment if it’s behavioral.
5. Sometimes, It’s Just a Westie Being a Westie
Let’s face it—Westies can be a little weird in the best way possible. Some dogs just have unusual habits that don’t have a medical or behavioral cause. As long as your pup is healthy and the licking isn’t constant, it might just be one of their funny little quirks.
When to Get a Professional Opinion
While a bit of licking now and then is nothing to worry about, keep an eye out for:
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Daily, prolonged licking sessions
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Loss of appetite
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Licking other odd surfaces frequently
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Behavioral changes or signs of distress
These could indicate a bigger issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.
The Bottom Line
Your Westie’s carpet-licking behavior is probably more common than you think, and in many cases, it’s completely harmless. Whether it’s curiosity, boredom, or just one of those Westie things, understanding the cause is the first step to keeping your dog happy and healthy.
And let’s be real—if your biggest problem is a dog who gives your carpet a daily taste test, you’re probably doing alright.