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All dogs have their quirks. Maybe your otherwise normal pup only likes food when it’s served on a blue plate or presented by a certain human. Perhaps your pooch’s best friend is the squirrel that lives in the oak tree outside. These types of quirks can be seen as cute, but there are others that are downright frustrating, such as when you look at your pet and wonder, “Why is my dog licking everything in sight?” Is this behavior is just another quirk or a sign of something more serious?
If you want to understand what’s going on in that sweet (yet admittedly, strange) mind of theirs, keep reading and we’ll discuss how excessive licking can sometimes be a sign of anxiety in dogs and how to differentiate this cause from others. After all, the more you understand your dog’s behavior, the better you can care for them!
Understanding Normal vs. Excessive Licking Behavior
Let’s start off by saying that the typical dog will lick themselves a few minutes every day. In fact, if your dog isn’t doing so, that could be an issue in itself. Why do dogs lick themselves? In short, it’s the doggy version of bathtime! Your little Dachshund can’t exactly grab a loofah and bar of soap, so when he gets covered in dirt throughout the day, he licks himself to get rid of debris. While canines aren’t as meticulous about their hygiene as felines, dogs are usually pretty good at keeping themselves presentable.
We should note that it is also completely normal for your dog to lick objects from time to time, too. Just like humans, dogs rely on their sense of taste to learn more about the world around them. For instance, your dog might lick a new stuffed bear toy to determine if it’s really a bear or just something that looks like one.
What isn’t normal, however, is excessive licking. This is behavior that goes beyond cleaning themselves or learning information about their environment. Excessive licking may happen multiple times throughout the day and for extended periods of time. It might even lead to injuries. For example, your dog might lick all the hair off one leg. Constant licking can also be irritating to humans since no one wants dog breath in their face 24/7!
Behavioral Reasons Behind Excessive Licking in Dogs
If your dog’s licking borders on excessive or has already reached that point, you’ll need to learn the reason for the behavior. It could be crucial to their health. Before you start to panic, take a deep breath and know that in most cases, problematic licking is completely treatable.
Sometimes, the cure is as simple as meeting your dog’s mental stimulation needs better. In other words, your dog might be licking because they’re bored. Owners that are working long hours or simply not spending enough time with their dog may begin to see signs of boredom in their dog. Try offering your dog more puzzle toys, taking them on more walks, and giving them more attention throughout the day to keep their brains occupied.
“But why does my dog lick everything even though I spend plenty of time with them?” you might ask. This could be a sign that they are stressed or anxious. Situations like moving to a new house or the birth of a new child could wreak havoc on your furry friend’s sense of security. This can manifest as excessive licking, especially of their own lips. Similarly, separation anxiety can cause your dog to display the same behavior. Making sure your dog has her own space, food bowl, and time alone with you can help them feel more secure. If their behavior seems to be linked to a new pet in the home, try slowly introducing the animals for a few minutes at a time over the course of several days rather than having them spend lots of time together immediately.
Compulsive disorders in dogs can be another behavioral reason for nonstop licking. This cause can be among the trickiest to treat because scientists aren’t exactly sure why compulsive disorders develop in the first place. While a stressed dog may develop a compulsive disorder, some dogs have this condition even when they’re perfectly content otherwise. Training can help some canines, while others benefit from medication and behavior modification strategies.
Health-Related Causes of Excessive Licking
Sometimes, licking is due to a physical problem with your pup. Skin conditions like dermatitis can be extremely itchy for canines, and licking can alleviate the discomfort. It’s also common for dogs to have allergies to the same environmental triggers that affect humans, such as grass or dust. If this is the case for your dog, the vet may make recommendations such as giving your dog more frequent baths and using a special shampoo. Some dogs may require immunotherapy to eradicate their symptoms.
Dog owners also need to rule out neurological causes for their pets’ constant licking. Sometimes, seizures can manifest with repetitive motions that include licking. Additionally, dental problems (such as sore gums or something stuck in the teeth) can make your dog lick nonstop.
You may have even noticed your dog licking its wounds on occasion, such as if they get a few scratches walking near a thorny bush. This is because their saliva can actually help keep scrapes and nicks from getting infected thanks to antibacterial nature! In these instances, once the wound heals, your dog should stop licking themselves.
Decoding What Your Dog Is Licking and Why
To determine the root cause of your pup’s licking, spend some time considering the circumstances that lead your dog to go on a sudden licking spree.
They’re licking because they’re hungry.
For instance, if you’re wondering, “Why does my dog lick the couch for no reason?” or “Why is my dog licking the floor all of a sudden?”, consider what occurs in these spaces. Maybe you unintentionally dropped popcorn kernels in the couch cushions on movie night, and your dog is after those. Did your child spill a soda in the kitchen last week? If so, perhaps there’s a small amount of residue left on the tiles.
They’re licking because they’re trying to bond.
Often, though, it’s not food your furry friend is after. They might be licking furniture because it smells like you and that’s their way of bonding with you. Or it could be that your dog is just after the minute salt deposits you leave behind when you sit somewhere.
They’re licking because they’re attracted to a chemical.
More concerning is the potential for your dog to be attracted to a new floor or upholstery cleaner you’re using. Always ensure your cleaning products are pet safe and not poisonous to your dog!
They’re licking because they’re seeking attention.
Attention-seeking behavior is another frequent cause of licking issues. If your pup’s excessive licking tends to be aimed at people, they might have learned that licking your hand is a quick way to get you to notice them. Even if you ask them to stop, they might be so desperate for your affection that they keep doing it. Make sure to put firm boundaries in place. Of course, you’ll also want to provide them with plenty of bonding time throughout the day, so they get their fill of human attention.
They’re licking because they like other dogs.
Why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? This is a frequent question pet owners ask themselves as they watch their beloved pup awkwardly interact at the dog park. Fortunately, in the canine world, licking isn’t considered quite so awkward! Dogs sometimes lick each other’s ears as a way of bonding. They might be cleaning their friend’s ear to help groom them. Another possibility is that they are picking up on the scent of the other dog’s owner or another pet in the household.
Age-Related Licking Behaviors
In many cases, your dog may grow out of their love for licking. This is especially true for puppies. Similar to the way human babies try to put random objects in their mouths, young dogs have a tendency to lick to try and learn more about objects.
Older dogs are also predisposed to excessive licking because they’re at a higher risk of cognitive problems. Over one-third of dogs older than eight have cognitive dysfunction syndrome. A dog may lick because they’re confused or don’t have control over their bodies.
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Licking So Much
Wondering how to get your dog to stop licking so much? The way you deal with this behavior depends entirely on the cause. Here's a step-by-step approach to get to the bottom of the issue and find a solution that works for both of you.
Step 1: Become a Licking Detective
Before you can solve the problem, you need to understand it fully. For a few days, become a detective and keep a detailed log. Note the specifics of the behavior:
What is your dog licking? Is it the floor, furniture, their paws, or people?
When does the licking happen? Is it tied to a specific time of day or a particular situation, such as when you leave the house?
What else is happening? Look for other signs like chewing, scratching, or visible skin irritation.
This information is crucial for pinpointing the root cause and will be incredibly helpful if you need to consult your veterinarian.
Step 2: Rule Out Common Behavioral Causes
If you think your dog's licking might be a behavioral issue, here are some actionable steps to try.
Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
Increase their mental stimulation. Introduce puzzle feeders, new chew toys, and take them on "sniff walks" where they can explore different scents.
Anxiety and stress
Provide a safe, quiet space for your dog to retreat to, and try to maintain a predictable daily routine.
Attention-seeking behavior
Don't react to the licking by yelling or pushing them away, as even negative attention can reinforce the behavior. Instead, get up and walk away, only offering them attention when they're calm.
Step 3: When to Consult Your Veterinarian
If the licking persists despite your best efforts, or if you've noticed any physical symptoms, it's time to involve a professional. This is the most crucial step because repetitive licking can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. The sooner a medical problem is identified and treated, the better the outcome for your dog. For example, if the cause is a skin allergy, a specific treatment plan can stop the itching and prevent the licking from becoming a compulsive habit.
Step 4: Implement a Long-Term Management Plan
Based on your vet’s diagnosis, you can create a comprehensive plan.
For Health Issues: Follow your veterinarian's treatment plan. This might include prescribed medications, a change in diet, or a different grooming routine.
For Behavioral Issues: Consistency is key. Continue with the strategies from Step 2, and consider working with a certified animal behaviorist if the problem is severe or you are struggling to make progress.
By following these steps, you can move from questioning why is my dog licking everything to confidently addressing the root cause and ensuring your beloved pet gets the care they need.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
It’s always a good idea to schedule a visit with the vet if your dog’s behavior changes. While excessive licking can have a simple cause, sometimes, there’s an underlying medical problem that can be complex and difficult to treat. The earlier you address problems the better, as quick intervention can keep a condition from escalating.
If you're worried about the cost of diagnosing and treating a serious medical issue, pet insurance can provide essential financial protection. A plan helps cover the costs of unexpected accidents and illnesses. For example, a severe allergy requiring ongoing medication, specialized food, or even immunotherapy can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a dog's lifetime. Pet insurance can make these expensive, unforeseen treatments, including for other issues like neurological conditions or dental issues, much more manageable.
In addition to insurance, an optional wellness plan can be a great way to help you budget for and afford routine care. These plans often cover things like annual check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. By allowing you to catch potential health issues before they become serious, a wellness plan can save you money in the long run. They can also help you budget for training sessions for excessive licking or even professional grooming, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.
You can get a quick, customized quote in under 30 seconds by filling out this short form!
Excessive Licking Has Many Causes
Why do dogs lick so much? In summary, there are a number of reasons, and it is up to you and your pet’s veterinarian to determine whether there’s a physical, neurological, or other cause at play. Happily, many times, solutions are relatively simple and affordable. For problematic licking caused by complex medical issues, pet insurance is available to make navigating high costs easier.
With a little bit of investigation, your pup will be back to normal in no time!