If you share your home or your car with a dog, you are likely very familiar with the constant struggle of keeping your windows clean. Nose prints, smudges, and long streaks of slobber are practically a canine stamp of approval on any glass surface. But why do dogs insist on giving our sliding glass doors and car windows a tongue bath?

While it might seem like a goofy, inexplicable habit, window licking usually boils down to how a dog experiences the world around them. Let's explore the real reasons behind this messy behavior.

Unlike humans who primarily use our hands to touch and feel, dogs explore the world with their noses and mouths. Sometimes, licking a window is simply a sensory experience. If there is condensation on the glass, they might be enjoying a cool, refreshing drink of water. Other times, the smooth, cool texture of the glass just feels interesting on their tongue.

Licking is a highly soothing activity for dogs. The physical act of licking actually releases endorphins—the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals—in a dog's brain.

If your dog is staring out the window at a squirrel, a passing dog, or the mail carrier, they might be experiencing "barrier frustration." They want to interact with what is outside, but the glass is stopping them. Licking the window becomes a coping mechanism to calm their excitement or anxiety.

If a dog is left alone for long stretches of the day with nothing but the living room window to keep them entertained, they are bound to get bored. Window licking can simply be a way to break up the monotony of the day. It gives them something to do while they watch the neighborhood go by.

If you notice the window licking is becoming an obsessive, daily habit, it is often a strong indicator that your dog needs more physical exercise and mental enrichment in their routine.

Occasional window licking is completely harmless (except to your cleaning routine!). However, if the behavior becomes frantic, compulsive, or is accompanied by whining and pacing, your dog might be dealing with a deeper level of anxiety. In these cases, it is helpful to close the blinds to remove the visual trigger and redirect their attention to a puzzle toy or a chew bone.

The best cure for a bored, window-licking dog is a change of scenery and a healthy outlet for their energy. Instead of leaving them home to stare out the window all day, treat them to a day of socializing and playing!

At Hot Diggity Dog Resort in Escondido, our daycare programs are designed to keep your dog mentally and physically engaged from drop-off to pick-up. Give us a call at 760-745-9900 or bring your pup by to join the pack. A tired, happy dog is much less likely to spend their afternoon washing your windows! Another option could be a makeover in our grooming department. We groom six days a week, and you can book most of our services online.

Want to learn about other Quirky Dog Behaviors? They are quite interesting. Here's a link: Why Do Dogs Do That? Quirky Dog Behaviors Explained