When dogs excessively lick

Excessive licking may also take the form of licking objects rather than your pet licking himself! Dogs may lick objects such as the same spot on the floor, couches, bedding, flooring, toys and more over and over again until the object loses its fabric or a bald spot is formed [6]. This behavior may also extend to the repeated licking of other people or pets. There are quite a few causes of excessive licking, so finding the underlying problem may be difficult at first.

For dogs that are intent on licking, chewing or scratching themselves only, the cause may be easier to find.

There are six major causes of why your dog may obsessively lick [3]. These include: allergies, boredom, dry skin, hormonal imbalance, pain, and parasites. Allergies may be environmental or food-based. Environmental allergens tend to cause problems only where your dog comes into contact with the allergen, such as the legs or belly, or may present with full-body itching, redness, or rash.

Food-based allergies may have the redness and itching, but may also have a digestive component such as bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea or vomiting. Dry skin may be caused due to nutrient deficiencies in the diet, too-frequent of bathing, changes in weather, or allergies. Hormonal imbalance and pain may be due to a metabolic disease such as Cushing's, pain related to allergies, thyroid issues and more. Pain may also be present if there is an infection from bacteria, fungus or yeast on the skin.

This usually requires a medical exam to determine the underlying cause. Parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice may all cause excessive itching along the entire body, or in key spots such as the legs, base of tail or back of neck. Mites and lice may also reside in the ears, leading to excessive scratching of the ears and licking of the paws in an attempt to relieve the itch.

Boredom and behavioral issues can cause a number of different forms of excessive licking. Boredom licking most commonly leads to obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as licking the same area even if the original underlying cause has been treated, and may be the main cause behind licking objects other than the self. But much as barking can be, licking is also a multi-faceted tool that seems to play many roles in canine behavior and, consequently, tends towards many different interpretations.

Indeed, this behavior is held up as one that may serve as the basis for all other licking decisions a dog makes. Extreme licking tends to be defined not so much by the dog as it is by the human beholder of the behavior.

As such, any unwanted display of lingual attention —— even just a couple of polite laps every so often —— could be construed as excessive.

After all, dogs will lick. Nevertheless, dogs can be trained to turn the tap off, so to speak. Finding a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog trainer to aid in this process is strongly recommended. Of course there are those times when licking may take on abnormal tones.

Dogs who suffer certain types of obsessive-compulsive behaviors may manifest these as excessive licking. Obsessive grooming can be caused by a health condition or brought on by anxiety, frustration, or boredom. Feed me fast! Dogs who are thirsty or dehydrated might lick to combat a dry tongue, mouth, or throat. That licking can help stimulate the salivary glands, but better yet, it might cue their pet parent in on the problem so they can get a refreshing drink!

Dogs who have something that feels strange in their mouths, like a chipped tooth or a gum injury, might be tempted to lick that spot. Dogs with gingivitis or dental disease may also lick in response to pain. A dog might lick to try to spit out some of that extra saliva or get rid of the bad taste. Excessive licking can be a sign of a cognitive disorder in older dogs. Other symptoms include pacing around the house, sleeping more than usual, and becoming withdrawn. If you suspect your dog is experiencing cognitive issues, you should talk to your veterinarian to see if there are any medications or treatments that could help.

Some dogs lick because they are bored or anxious, which can be due to a change in routine, separation anxiety , or a new pet in the family.

If you suspect boredom is to blame, you can try spending more time with your dog and also leave a treat-filled puzzle toy to help them pass the time when you are away. Very dilute apple cider vinegar can also be sprayed on the skin to deter licking but should be discussed with a veterinarian first to be sure it will not irritate the skin further.

These natural products tend to have little to no side effects and are safest when starting a treatment plan. Keeping a low stress environment for anxious dogs can be very helpful also; quiet, low lighting, and slow movements.

Still, sometimes natural products are not enough to calm your dog and stop excessive licking. This is when a thorough discussion should be had with your veterinarian about behavior modification drugs such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine. However, these medications can have side effects and are usually only given for chronic conditions.

It is important to discuss all of the pros and cons with your veterinarian prior to starting your dog on these medications. Quality of life is the most important thing when it comes to our pets. Excessive licking can cause that quality to decrease over time. If you think your dog is excessively licking, it is pertinent to discuss these signs with your veterinarian. Home News Health And Science.