Dogs lick all the time. They may lick you to kiss you or lick something delicious they see on the ground. Licking is often harmless but when they lick themselves too often, it can be a sign of trouble. If you have a dog who licks excessively, it can help to understand what may be causing the licking. That way, you can treat the underlying cause and make sure that your dog is healthy, comfortable and happy.
He Has Allergies
Allergies are one of the main causes of excessive licking. Dogs who have allergies tend to lick their paws, bellies or inner thighs. The allergies that your dog has may be seasonal, environmental or dietary. Check with your vet to see if your dog is allergic to something. He can provide treatment for skin that feels itchy, such as Apoquel, and also help you determine what allergen to remove from your dog’s life. Get more info here if that is the route that your vet decides to go. You can also help your dog by cleaning up his environment (removing dust, dander, etc.), wiping his paws when goes outside, and bathing him regularly to remove allergens he encounters outdoors.
He Feels Nauseous
When a dog incessantly licks his lips or nose, or he is licking a surface that he wouldn’t ordinarily (such as the floor or a wall), he may feel nauseous. Licking helps dogs ease gastrointestinal discomfort. If your dog vomits, monitor him to make sure he doesn’t vomit more or that the vomiting doesn’t become severe. If your dog displays more signs of gastrointestinal distress, take him to the vet right away.
He Is Anxious
Dogs with anxiety tend to lick all the time. They’ll lick people, furniture, floors and much more. Dogs with anxiety lick as a coping mechanism, but there are some ways you can help reduce the amount of licking they do. First, try to make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This can help him expel a proper amount of energy and ensure pent-up energy is not the cause of the anxiety. Next, offer soothing options, such as water therapy or walking on a treadmill, which can help calm a dog’s mind, focus his thoughts and help him feel less nervous. Finally, if you can’t seem to alleviate your dog’s anxiety and licking, take him to the vet. The vet may be able to do neurological testing to help you rule out anything more serious going on with his brain or behavior.
He Likes the Taste
This one seems simple: If your dog is licking something nonstop, it might just mean he likes the taste of it. Your dog may lick your legs when they’re sweaty, the floor when you spill something or a plate that once had food on it. If your dog is licking something inappropriate because it tastes good to him, make sure you take that object away so he does not accidentally ingest something he shouldn’t (or ruin one of your belongings). You can distract your dog and move his attention to something else by offering him a treat or toy.
If your dog is an excessive licker, it can help to get him checked out by a vet. That way, you can ensure he doesn’t have a severe underlying health problem. Once you figure out why your dog is licking, and treat any issues he has, you can spend more time enjoying relaxed, fulfilling time with your furry friend.