Dog Eating Grass and Licking Floor (Here’s Why)

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort or Nausea

One of the most common reasons for a dog eating grass and licking the floor is to relieve an upset stomach.

Dogs may instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting, which helps them clear out something irritating their digestive tract.

How this connects to floor licking:

If your dog is feeling nauseous or dealing with acid reflux, they might also lick the floor in an attempt to soothe their stomach.

The cool, smooth surface or any residual food smells may be comforting.

Signs to look for:

• Excessive drooling

• Lip licking or swallowing repeatedly

• Vomiting yellow bile after eating grass

• Lethargy or loss of appetite

If your dog regularly vomits after eating grass and continues to lick the floor excessively, consult a vet.

Persistent nausea can indicate more serious problems like gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal blockages.

Related: Dog eating grass and pooping blood (Here’s why)

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

When dogs are missing key nutrients in their diet, they may begin to forage.

Dog eating grass and licking the floor can both be signs that your pet is trying to make up for what’s lacking.

Grass may offer trace minerals or fiber that your dog isn’t getting from their food.

Likewise, licking the floor could be your dog’s way of seeking out food crumbs or minerals left behind.

Dietary areas to evaluate:

• Fiber: Lack of fiber may cause digestive irregularities.

• Minerals like iron, magnesium, or potassium.

• Protein or essential fatty acids.

A consultation with your vet and a diet review may help rule out or confirm dietary gaps.

Consider switching to a high-quality, well-balanced dog food formulated for your dog’s age, size, and breed.

3. Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation

Another behavioral reason for a dog eating grass and licking the floor is boredom.

Dogs, especially intelligent or high-energy breeds, need regular mental and physical stimulation.

Without it, they might start nibbling on grass during walks or licking random surfaces at home.

How to counteract boredom-based behavior:

• Increase walk time or vary the route.

• Offer interactive toys or food puzzles.

• Enroll your dog in obedience classes or agility courses.

• Use treat-dispensing toys to keep them busy.

If the behavior stops when they’re more active or stimulated, you’ve likely found your culprit: plain old boredom.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Sometimes, repetitive behaviors like eating grass and licking the floor may escalate into compulsive behavior.

Obsessive licking—of the floor, walls, furniture, or themselves—can signal a compulsive disorder.

Dogs with OCD may display:

• Constant, repetitive licking regardless of context

• Anxiety when interrupted

• Inability to focus on other tasks or commands

This type of behavior can be triggered by anxiety, environmental stress, or past trauma.

In such cases, it’s not just about correcting behavior but addressing the root psychological causes.

Behavioral therapy, training, and sometimes even medications prescribed by a vet may be needed for compulsive behavior.

5. Smells and Residue on the Floor

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. Your dog may be licking the floor because it smells like food. Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell—more than 10,000 times stronger than ours.

If even a microscopic trace of food has touched the floor, your dog might zero in on that spot.

Pair that with their natural tendency to eat grass outdoors, and you might just have a food-motivated pup exploring every avenue to find snacks.

What you can do:

• Clean floors thoroughly with pet-safe cleaners.

• Keep eating areas clear and wipe up spills immediately.

• Consider using scent deterrents like citrus near problem areas.

If the behavior continues even on clean surfaces and without access to food, then this isn’t just about scent, and other causes should be explored.

Related: Dog eating grass and licking everything (Here’s why)

6. Pica – Eating Non-Food Items

Pica is a condition in which dogs compulsively eat non-food items. Grass falls into a gray area—it’s technically not food, but it’s common for dogs to eat it.

However, floor licking, especially when there’s no food residue, may fall under this behavior category.

Dogs with pica may also:

• Chew on rocks, plastic, or socks

• Lick walls, carpet, or furniture

• Try to eat dirt, wood, or other dangerous materials

Pica can be caused by:

• Mineral deficiencies

• Parasites

• Liver or pancreatic issues

• Psychological conditions

If your dog eats grass and licks the floor regularly, and also shows signs of ingesting other odd objects, it’s crucial to consult your vet to rule out pica.

7. Anxiety or Stress

Stress and anxiety can manifest in different ways in dogs. For some, it’s pacing or barking. For others, it’s eating grass and licking the floor compulsively.

Triggers can include:

• Separation anxiety

• Changes in household (new pet, baby, move)

• Loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)

• Lack of structure or routine

Soothing strategies include:

• Calming treats or pheromone diffusers

• Establishing a consistent routine

• Crate training for a safe space

• Behavioral consultation with a professional

When Should You Worry?

Here’s a quick checklist. Call your vet if your dog:

• Eats grass daily and vomits frequently

• Licks the floor compulsively or for long periods

• Shows signs of lethargy, diarrhea, or decreased appetite

• Is losing weight

• Ingests dangerous materials or chemicals from the floor

If the dog eating grass and licking floor behavior happens occasionally and they seem otherwise healthy, it may not be a big deal.

But if it’s increasing in frequency or intensity, don’t ignore it.

What You Can Do at Home

Here are actionable tips to manage the behavior:

1. Provide a Balanced Diet 

Sometimes dogs engage in strange behaviors like eating grass or licking the floor because their bodies are trying to tell them something is missing—usually vitamins, minerals, or fiber.

A complete and balanced diet tailored to your dog’s breed, age, and activity level is critical to prevent these deficiencies.

What to do:

• Choose a high-quality commercial dog food approved by AAFCO.

• Check labels for essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, fiber, and protein.

• For homemade diets, work with a veterinary nutritionist to avoid imbalances.

• Avoid over-reliance on treats or table scraps, which often lack nutritional value.

If your dog is eating grass or licking floors, it might be a subtle sign they’re trying to self-correct a dietary issue.

Upgrading their diet may naturally reduce these behaviors.

2. Keep Floors Clean 

Dogs’ sense of smell is far superior to ours. Even after you’ve cleaned up a food spill, microscopic scent particles may remain.

If your dog smells anything edible, even residue from a snack you dropped last week, they may obsessively lick the floor.

What to do:

• Use enzymatic cleaners designed to break down organic residue.

• Choose non-toxic, pet-safe cleaning products to avoid chemical exposure.

• Clean not just the kitchen but common dog-access areas—living rooms, under the table, etc.

• Use a damp cloth to wipe down floors after meals if your dog eats in those areas.

A clean floor reduces temptation and lowers the chances that your dog will develop a habit of licking surfaces to search for “invisible snacks.”

3. Add Fiber 

Many dogs eat grass to aid digestion or relieve constipation—both of which can sometimes be caused by low dietary fiber.

Adding fiber-rich, dog-safe foods to your pet’s meals may satisfy this need naturally, reducing the urge to eat grass or lick unusual surfaces.

What to do:

• Add 1–2 teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) to their food.

• Mix in cooked, unsalted green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes for variety.

• Consider high-fiber kibbles formulated for digestive health.

• Avoid giving too much fiber too quickly, which can upset your dog’s stomach.

Fiber helps regulate digestion and may curb the desire to eat non-food items like grass or floor residue, especially if your dog suffers from mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Exercise More 

One of the biggest behavioral causes of a dog eating grass and licking the floor is boredom.

Dogs are intelligent, active animals that require more stimulation than just lounging indoors.

Without proper engagement, they may develop compulsive or destructive behaviors.

What to do:

• Increase daily walk time to at least 30–60 minutes depending on breed/age.

• Switch up walking routes to keep things interesting.

• Play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek in the house or backyard.

• Provide puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or slow-feeders to challenge their minds.

• Schedule playdates with other dogs if they enjoy socializing.

Meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs will often reduce obsessive behaviors like floor licking and grass grazing—especially in intelligent or high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Labs, and Australian Shepherds.

5. Monitor the Behavior – Track Frequency, Duration, and Associated Symptoms

Not all licking or grass eating is dangerous, but frequent or escalating behavior may indicate a deeper issue.

Keeping a record of when and how often your dog licks the floor or eats grass can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

What to do:

• Create a simple daily log: include time, duration, and circumstances.

• Note if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or shows other signs like whining, pacing, or restlessness.

• Pay attention to external factors—new foods, environmental changes, or stressors.

• Use video recordings if you’re not always home when the behavior happens.

This kind of documentation is incredibly helpful for your vet, who can better diagnose and treat the issue with detailed behavioral insights.

6. Use a Deterrent 

If your dog is fixated on licking specific spots, you can use taste or scent deterrents to make the experience unpleasant and discourage the habit.

This works especially well when the behavior is more compulsive or focused on particular areas of the floor.

What to do:

• Use commercial bitter sprays (like Bitter Apple or Bitter Yuck) that are safe for pets and floors.

• Natural deterrents include diluted vinegar or citrus oils (only if safe and not causing respiratory issues).

• Apply deterrent consistently on the target area.

• Pair with positive reinforcement when your dog stops the behavior or responds to redirection.

Deterrents work best when used alongside behavioral enrichment and supervision.

They’re not a stand-alone fix but part of a broader strategy.

7. Visit Your Vet 

If your dog eating grass and licking the floor turns into a daily habit or is accompanied by signs of illness—like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy—it’s time to contact your veterinarian.

These behaviors could signal gastrointestinal issues, parasites, dietary deficiencies, or even neurological disorders.

Your vet can:

• Perform a physical exam and bloodwork to check for nutritional imbalances or organ dysfunction.

• Recommend dietary changes or supplements.

• Rule out serious conditions like liver disease, pancreatitis, or pica.

• Refer you to a veterinary behaviorist if the behavior is rooted in anxiety or compulsion.

Early intervention not only protects your dog’s health but also prevents the behavior from becoming chronic or harmful.

Key Takeaway

A dog eating grass and licking the floor might seem like just quirky behavior, but it can sometimes indicate deeper health or behavioral issues.

Whether it’s an upset stomach, boredom, anxiety, or a nutritional deficiency, your dog is trying to tell you something.

The key is to observe patterns, respond thoughtfully, and when in doubt, consult your vet.

With the right care, environment, and attention, your pup can go from licking the floor obsessively to wagging their tail happily again.