Why Is Your Dog Licking Excessively?

We love it when our dogs lick us to say hello or simply to clean themselves after a good meal!  Licking is really a part of your dogs’ daily routine, and each dog will lick for a different reason. But when the licking becomes excessive, it can become harmful for your dog. 

Understanding Excessive Licking in Dogs

There are many reasons why your dog might be licking excessively. Identifying the root cause is the best way to address the issue effectively.

Compulsive Grooming

Most of the time, repetitive paw licking is part of a dog’s typical grooming routine. A good rule of thumb is to first try to pinpoint everyday triggers for paw licking.

For example, if your dog has just come inside and licks her paws for a few minutes, she is most likely exhibiting completely normal grooming behaviors. It’s the dogs who lick endlessly without any external trigger or who lick to the point of self-injury that may indicate a medical or behavioral condition.

Compulsive grooming can become problematic when it leads to hair loss, skin irritation, or sores.

Anxiety and Stress

When dogs lick compulsively, it’s not unlike the nervous habits we humans exhibit regularly, including nail-biting or knee bouncing. Licking releases endorphins, which are mood-altering brain chemicals that soothe your pup and make him feel happy or take the edge off a stressful situation.

For example, a dog rescued from a stressful living situation or whose home life has since improved may continue to demonstrate the same ticks that he developed as an earlier coping mechanism. If your dog is licking due to anxiety, addressing the underlying stressors is essential.

Skin Irritations and Allergies

Constant paw and feet licking can be a symptom of allergic reactions to irritants or something consumed orally. One condition that can arise from excessive licking is called lick granuloma. This occurs when the vicious cycle of a dog’s habitual licking causes irritation, often resulting in exposed welts or raw skin where hair has been abrasively removed.

Your dog might have a skin allergy that can cause your dog to lick excessively.

Lick granulomas can originate from an allergic reaction or injury that has since healed, but the licking behavior continues on, sometimes developing into a disorder similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Identifying and eliminating allergens from your dog’s environment or diet can help alleviate this issue.

Boredom

Excessive licking can also be caused simply by boredom. Make sure that your dog has plenty of toys and mental stimulation. When your dog tries to lick his paws, give him a chew toy instead. Ensuring your dog gets daily exercise is also crucial as it helps tire him out and reduces the urge to lick out of boredom. If the licking has already started, gently wash your pooch’s paws in warm water after walking outside to avoid further irritation.

Dry Skin

Warm, dry weather, climate changes, and a lack of fatty acids in your dog’s diet can cause dry skin. Your dog may respond to the discomfort by scratching or licking her skin or fur. Adding Omega-3 or other fatty acids to your dog’s diet can help improve skin health.

Thyroid hormone imbalance can also cause excessive licking, so if dietary adjustments don’t help, a vet check might be necessary to rule out hormonal issues.

Pain and Discomfort

Your dog might be licking a certain spot because he or she is in pain. If you notice your dog biting his paw repeatedly, he could have a thorn or sharp stone stuck in his foot pad.

Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a response to orthopedic problems, including back pain and hip dysplasia. If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to address the underlying issue.

Medical Conditions

Sometimes, excessive licking can be a sign of more serious medical conditions such as infections, parasites, or neurological disorders. If you can’t find an obvious trigger for your dog’s licking or if it continues despite addressing potential causes, make sure to consult your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatments or behavioral interventions.

Excessive licking in dogs can be a symptom of various underlying issues, from anxiety and boredom to medical conditions and dietary deficiencies. Understanding the root cause is key to addressing the behavior effectively.

If your dog’s licking becomes problematic, make sure to get professional advice from your veterinarian. Ensuring your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing will help prevent excessive licking and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.