Why Do Dogs Lick Excessively?
Most dogs lick themselves on odd occasions, which is quite normal behavior, but if your dog starts to lick himself all the time, then you can take this as an indication that there is something wrong, either physically or emotionally, or even both.
Excessive licking can also create wounds that will only get worse over time, unless you stop the licking behaviour. Here's what you need to know.
Why Do Dogs Lick?
There are many reasons why dogs lick themselves, and often, they have a very good reason to be licking. Some of the factors that could be causing your dog to lick excessively are:
Allergies – allergies irritate the skin, which usually causes itchiness, which, in turn, causes your dog to lick the affected area. His saliva will give him temporary relief by cooling his skin.
Mites and fleas – these external parasites can cause plenty of discomfort to your dog, and again, he will try to ease his discomfort by licking his skin as much as possible.
Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin – hives, ringworm, mange, and eczema will cause your dog’s skin to become itchy, and he will try to deal with the problem as best he can by licking the affected area.
Emotional problems – if other medical conditions can’t be found that is causing your dog to lick himself obsessively, then it is very likely an emotional issue, such as stress, depression, or anxiety, that is the cause of the problem.
Cuts or open wounds – apart from the saliva numbing the area for a while, it also helps heal wounds a lot faster as well. Check to see if your dog has any open wounds or cuts that are causing him to lick excessively.
Aches and pains – Your dog will also lick any area on his body that is causing him pain. His excessive licking could be an indication that he has arthritis, a fracture, or some other type of injury.
How to Stop Excessive Licking In Dogs
If your dog is licking themselves, the first thing you need to do is try to find out the root cause of the problem by working through this list or taking your dog to the veterinarian. Often, when you treat the cause of the licking behavior, you will also solve the problem of excessive licking.
However, sometimes, dogs will keep licking, even when you're treating the underlying problem. In that case, you may need to take steps to break the habit of licking.
Fortunately, there are several ways to do that.
Option 1: Topical Treatments |
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If you want to stop your dog's excessive licking and they've already created a wound or made one worse, then a topical treatment like Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage is a great first step. This veterinarian-formulated spray has antiseptic properties to promote healing, but it also has a bitter taste that discourages further licking. So you can help to resolve the cause of the licking while you stop the licking, and it's easy to use! |
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Option 2: Cover Their Body |
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If they can't reach it, they can't lick it! A post-surgical dog onesie like this one from Etdane is designed to ensure that your dog can't reach the areas they should not be licking. It's a short-term solution, but as long as your dog isn't prone to eating their clothing (we know they're out there!), it should be enough to break them of the habit. |
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Option 3: The CONE! |
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If your dog is a clothing muncher, and a onesie won't work, then you can always resort to a cone. Dogs do tend to hate these kinds of things, but they do get the job done. We like this version with the inflatable neck collar because it makes it a little harder for dogs to contort themselves into a pretzel to lick off-limit areas. |
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In most cases, if you take a dual approach, treating the cause of excessive licking and taking steps to prevent the licking habit they might have developed, you should be able to break this kind of habitual behavior in your dog.
It's important to do that, too, because, over time, excessive licking in one area can result in serious wounds and infections. So, a little earlier attention is always a good thing.