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You can’t get your dog to stop licking herself. Or perhaps she can’t stop licking you, or inanimate surfaces such as the floor or furniture. What’s going on?
“There are many possible reasons a dog licks more than seems right,” says the head of the Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic, Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM. Sometimes, the itching can become so obsessive that it causes problems of its own — hot spots or hair loss or ulcerations in the skin that lead to infections. “The first step is to rule out medical problems that could cause or contribute to licking,” the doctor says.
Medical reasons for licking
If a dog keeps licking herself, particularly her paws, it’s often the sign of an allergy. Allergies can cause itchiness, and licking is a canine way of trying to “scratch” the itch. Infections from bacteria or yeast, or parasites like fleas, can cause itchiness, too.
Pain can also cause a dog to keep licking, including but not limited to joint pain. Think of the licking as rubbing something that feels sore. The behavior releases endorphins that can tamp down on the discomfort.
In some cases, particularly when a dog licks inanimate surfaces such as floors or furniture, the licking is a sign of a gastrointestinal problem. Conditions causing gastrointestinal upset may come with nausea that the licking helps to relieve. Studies have shown that when the gastrointestinal problems of dogs who lick excessively are successfully treated, the licking resolves.
Behavioral reasons for frequent licking
If the veterinarian rules out a medical reason for constant or seemingly near-constant licking, it’s time to consider behavioral reasons. These can include boredom and anxiety. An under-stimulated dog who has to wait around all day for her walk with very little other interaction might resort to licking as a way to pass the time — and end up with skin irritation as a result. Such a dog requires more activity, more fun.
If a dog licks because of anxiety, it is to soothe or calm herself. Perhaps she has been through something traumatic or has a fearful temperament. In that case, the dog needs reassurance from you in the form of attention provided gently and lovingly.
Some dogs might also lick as a solicitation or deference behavior. If your dog licks you frequently and it’s not just to say hello or show affection for a moment or two, she may be trying to tell you that you’re the boss and she knows it. (That said, it should be noted that some dogs may lick you a lot because they like the taste of your skin. Perhaps it’s the lotion or makeup you have on.)
Whatever the reason for behavioral licking, if you find it’s too much or that your dog is injuring her own skin or hair because she can’t stop, the trick is to find activities she enjoys that are incompatible with licking — playing fetch or chase or perhaps getting more physical activity into her routine by taking an agility class or being taught more tricks by you that require concentration and cooperation.
