¿Por qué mi perro lame los juguetes? No es solo una manía.

Sometimes you may see your dog not chewing or shaking toys, but licking them. You might wonder, “Why does he do that? Is he just weird?” The truth is, this common habit is a window into your dog’s mind.

Understanding this simple behavior can help us connect with our furry friends on a deeper level. Let’s explore the main reasons behind the lick.

Reason 1: Instincts

First, we have to remember that dogs experience the world differently than we do. For them, licking isn’t just about taste—it’s a vital tool for gathering information.

Learning About the World

Think of a dog’s mouth as one of its main tools for exploring. While we rely heavily on our eyes and hands, dogs use their noses and mouths to understand what something is.

Their tongues have taste buds, but they also pick up tiny scent molecules. When your dog licks a toy, he’s “reading” its story. He can taste and smell where the toy has been, who has handled it, and what it’s made of. It’s like he’s checking the morning news with his tongue.

Self-Soothing

Have you ever twirled your hair or tapped your foot when you were thinking? The rhythmic, repetitive motion of licking can have a very calming effect on dogs. It’s a self-soothing behavior. The action releases feel-good chemicals in their brains called endorphins, which help them relax.

This is especially common in dogs that were weaned from their mothers a bit early. For them, licking a soft toy can be like a child sucking their thumb—a comforting habit from puppyhood that brings a sense of security and peace.

Making it Theirs

Dogs have scent glands in their cheeks and saliva. When they lick an object, they are essentially putting their personal signature on it. By covering the toy in his own smell, your dog is marking it as familiar and safe. It’s a way of saying, “This is mine, and it belongs in my family.” This mild form of “claiming” is a natural instinct related to resource guarding.

Reason 2: Emotions

Beyond instinct, licking is deeply tied to how a dog feels. It can be a sign of affection, a coping mechanism, or just plain fun.

Showing Love

Dogs lick the faces of their mothers and pack members as a sign of respect and affection. This behavior, called social grooming, strengthens bonds. When your dog gently licks his toy, he may be treating it like a member of his family. If the toy is a favorite cuddle buddy, this licking is a sign of deep attachment. He might even be “grooming” it as he would another dog he cares about.

It’s a harmless and heartwarming expression of love for an object that provides him with companionship.

Dealing with Nerves

Sometimes, licking is more than just love or comfort—it’s a sign of stress. Repetitive behaviors can be a dog’s way of coping with big feelings like anxiety, boredom, or loneliness. If a dog is left alone for long periods with little to do, he might turn to licking a toy as his main activity.

This is a red flag to watch for. If the licking seems intense and obsessive, it might be a compulsive behavior.

Reason 3: Health Issues

While licking is usually normal, it can sometimes point to a health issue. Excessive licking of anything—toys, floors, their own paws—can be a sign of an underlying problem. This could include:

• Nausea or an upset stomach: Dogs sometimes lick strange surfaces when they feel sick.
• Dental pain: A sore tooth or gum inflammation might make them lick to soothe the area.
• Allergies or skin irritation: General discomfort can sometimes lead to increased licking behaviors.
• Pain: Licking can be a response to pain somewhere else in their body.

If your dog suddenly starts licking a toy (or anything else) frantically and non-stop, a visit to the veterinarian is a good first step to rule out medical causes.

Reasons 4 & 5: Other Simple Reasons

The Toy Itself

Sometimes, a dog toy just tastes good. Many toys have interesting flavors from the materials they’re made of, like goma or certain plastics. Others might have the lingering smell of treat paste you stuffed inside, or even just the familiar taste of your own hands.

Your dog might just be a critic who really, really likes the design of his toy.

For Puppies

For young puppies, licking and chewing toys is a major need. They lose their baby teeth and get adult teeth between three and six months of age, and this process is uncomfortable. Licking a cool, textured toy can soothe their sore, itchy gums. It’s a healthy and necessary behavior that helps them through a tough developmental stage.

What Should We Do When Our Dogs Lick Toys

So, you see your dog licking his toy. What’s the right thing to do?

It’s Okay If…

The behavior is occasional and relaxed. If your dog licks his toy for a few minutes while winding down for a nap, and is otherwise happy, healthy, and playful, there is likely no cause for concern. Let him have his comforting ritual.

Step In If…

The licking becomes constant, interferes with his daily life, or causes damage. Signs you should step in include:

• Ignoring walks, meals, or you to lick the toy.
• Wearing down the toy (or his own tongue) to a dangerous degree.
• Showing anxiety if the toy is taken away.
• Starting to lick other objects or himself obsessively.

Helpful Ideas

If you feel you need to gently manage the behavior, here are some positive steps:

1. Visit the Vet: This is always step one if you’re worried. A checkup can rule out pain or illness.
2. Rotate Toys: Don’t leave the same toy out 24/7. Have a few favorite toys and rotate them to keep things novel and interesting. Put the “licked” toy away for a while and offer a new chewy toy o a puzzle feeder instead.
3. Increase Enrichment: Often, obsessive licking stems from boredom. Make sure your dog gets enough physical exercise (walks, runs) and mental stimulation. Training sessions, sniffing games on walks, and food puzzles can tire his brain in a good way.
4. Keep it Clean: Wash juguetes de peluche regularly. Saliva can break down materials and breed bacteria, which could upset your dog’s stomach if he ingests it.
5. Redirect Gently: If he starts a long licking session, calmly interrupt him by calling his name. When he looks up, ask for a simple command like “sit,” then reward him with a treat. This redirects his energy to a positive interaction with you.

Preguntas frecuentes

Is licking toys good for dogs?

Licking toys is usually normal and okay for dogs. They lick to explore, relax, and comfort themselves, kind of like a child with a comfort blanket. It can help them feel calm and happy. Just make sure the toys are safe, not broken, and kept clean. If your dog licks nonstop, seems stressed, or ignores everything else to keep licking, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet.

Why does my dog treat her toy like a baby?

Many dogs treat a toy like a baby because it makes them feel safe and comforted. They may carry it gently, lick it, and sleep with it. This can be a natural “mothering” instinct, especially in female dogs, or just a strong attachment to a favorite object. As long as your dog isn’t getting upset or aggressive when someone goes near the toy, it’s usually harmless and quite sweet.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dog anxiety?

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple way to understand how long it can take a dog to settle in and feel safe, especially after a big change like adoption or moving.

In the first 3 days, the dog may feel scared, confused, or overwhelmed. After about 3 weeks, they start to learn the routine and show more of their real personality. After around 3 months, many dogs feel truly at home, more relaxed, and better bonded with their family, and their anxiety often improves as they feel more secure.

What are the signs of an unhappy dog?

An unhappy dog may seem tired, quiet, or not interested in playing, walks, or toys they used to enjoy. They might eat less, hide, avoid people, or sleep more than usual. Some unhappy dogs lick or chew themselves a lot, pace, whine, bark more, or destroy things when left alone. You may also see their ears back, tail tucked, body low, or lots of yawning and lip licking when they are not actually tired or hungry.

The End

The next time you see your dog licking his toy, you’ll see more than a quirky habit. You might see a detective gathering information, a friend showing affection, or a creature simply seeking comfort. This behavior is a perfect example of the complex and wonderful inner lives of our dogs.

By paying attention to how and how much they lick, we become better caretakers. We learn when to offer comfort, when to introduce a new activity, and when to seek help. Most importantly, we get a sweet, slow-motion glimpse into the mind of our best friend.