My puppy has recently formed a habit of getting into various corners in the house and licking the walls and dirt. He does even listen to calls and No command when he is over there. We have to pull him out. Why is he doing this? Is it normal to lick walls and dirt? How can I stop this?

Dr. Soundarya T C

Hi sir..

Dr. Soundarya T C

If your puppy often licks the wall, eats dirt..Your pet may have Pica. Dogs can mostly develop this as a result of not getting the right nutrients from their food..Your pet could have intestinal parasites..Make sure to deworm your pet regularly.

Dr. Soundarya T C

Kindly do not encourage this behaviour and do not give your dog a treat when he is licking wall, even if you think it will distract him. Instead wait until he stops this behaviour before offering a treat so that your pet does not associate wall licking as a reward..You can offer toys that he can chew or lick..If your pet is anxious at times calm your dog with extra attention and also make sire that your pet has easy access to water and food.

Dr. Soundarya T C

Sure*

Anant Jain

Thanks you for sharing Dr. This was helpful. He does have access to water but he don’t drink it. Is that normal?

Dr. Soundarya T C

Kindly add water to your pets dry food, use a shallow dish as puppy water bowl, praise them when it drinks water, provide Ice cubes when the weather is hot, or you can give chicken or bone broth..

Anant Jain

Understood. Thank you doctor