As a dog owner, chances are you’ve noticed your dog licking itself on numerous occasions. Dogs groom their fur by licking and often express their affection by licking you too! But does your dog do an excessive amount of licking? Maybe it focuses on one area, like its feet, or maybe it seems to be just a general habit. Constant licking is often a symptom of other issues, so noticing where and how often it’s occurring could be extremely important. If you notice a constant licking pattern in your dog, there are several causes to be considered.
Skin issues
Itchy skin can often cause your dog to lick a specific area. If your dog is focusing on its feet, especially after you’ve been outside, it could be having an allergic reaction to something that it is picking up as he walks around, making its feet itchy.
Food allergies can also make your dog’s skin itchy, causing it to lick itself. If you suspect that your dog may have a food or environmental allergy, you should check with your veterinarian before making any changes to its diet or other regimens.
Fleas may also be a culprit, making it resort to licking itself to groom off the fleas and alleviate the itchiness. Talk with your veterinarian about a consistent flea treatment that works for you and your dog.
Constant licking can also indicate other types of skin problems like hives, legions or rashes. Be sure to inspect the area your dog is licking to see if you notice any of those symptoms.
Pain
Dogs will often lick wounds to clean the area and try to relieve any itchiness or pain that is associated with it. Dogs with persistent pain like arthritis will also lick the area that is bothering them. If you notice your dog consistently licking its joints, you should consult a veterinarian to see if arthritis may be the issue.
More serious types of infections like urinary tract infections can be caught early if you notice your dog constantly licking their genital or rear area. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you think a urinary tract infection is the source of your dog’s licking.
If your dog is consistently licking their rear area, it may have impacted anal glands. All dogs have small glands around their anal regions that produce an excretion whenever your dog has a bowel movement. This excretion contains a scent that acts as your dog’s “identification” and can tell other dogs its age and state of health. If, for some reason, these glands are not functioning properly and are not excreting when your dog has a bowel movement, they can become impacted and very uncomfortable for your dog. This discomfort is often expressed by excessive licking of the region, or by your dog scooting his rear across the ground.
Relieving the impacted anal glands is a simple but rather smelly process. Many people pay to have their veterinarian or groomer do it for them. If you would prefer to do it yourself, take your dog to the vet or groomer once and have them show you the process before attempting it yourself.
Behavioral issues
If you have ruled out medical issues as the cause of your dog’s licking, the root may be behavioral instead.
Dogs use licking as a way to release endorphins that make them feel good. If your dog is anxious, it may lick itself as a way to relieve tension. This is perfectly normal every once and a while, but if the anxiety becomes worse and your dog continues to lick itself, the licking may turn into an obsessive-compulsive habit. If you suspect your dog may have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a behavioral specialist.