Understanding Dog Excessive Licking: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Is your dog frequently licking you and even itself? This will make you wonder things like, 'Why does my dog lick me so much?' or 'Is this behavior normal?' You are not alone in having been puzzled by this conduct.

A dog's excessive licking is another typical behavior that most pets exhibit. It might be cute or even funny initially, but if it happens frequently for longer periods of time, then it can start to cast some doubts on the health and well-being of your dog.

In this article, we will talk about the reasons behind dog licking behaviors, why a certain dog can begin sudden, excessive licking repeatedly and inconsiderately, as well as how to handle this situation.

What Does Dog Licking Mean?

Why do dogs lick? This act can be linked back to the instincts of a dog. Licking is a method used by dogs to interact with their owners, express affection, and clean themselves. Although the habit of licking is quite normal in the behavior of a dog, extreme licking is at times an indication of some underlying problems that should be addressed.

Your dog licks excessively because of a number of reasons. Dogs may lick as they wish to express affection to you, release stress, or simply communicate to you. Nevertheless, we are expected to draw the line between excessive and normal dog licking.

Why is My Dog Licking So Much? Common Causes

There are several reasons your dog might engage in constant licking behavior, and not all of them are cause for concern. Usually, it’s due to a dog’s normal behaviour, but some cases might need attention.

Let’s break down the most common causes.

1. Stress or Anxiety

Stress or anxiety is yet another frequent reason behind the excessive licking of a dog. Dogs may lick when they are intimidated or scared. A dog’s sudden, excessive licking might be a calming mechanism.

In case you believe that your dog is excessively licking due to anxiety or stress, you should set a routine. To get additional recommendations on how to cope with the separation anxiety, here is a guide for how to calm down separation anxiety in dogs.

2. Affection and Bonding

Dogs usually lick their owners as a way of expressing love to them. When your dog licks you constantly, it is probably a sign of love and them establishing a connection between the two of you. Most of the time, this is why your dog will lick you.

3. Exploration

Dogs use their nose and their mouth to explore the world. They will habitually lick more whenever they are exposed to new smells or sensations, and this is their instinct to explore stuff. It is not generally risky but can be exorbitant when your dog gets overly inquisitive about something.

4. Boredom

When your dog is left unattended, it will resort to licking due to boredom. Mental and physical stimulation is very necessary for dogs. It helps to prevent unwanted behaviours such as licking, which in turn helps to keep them healthy.

To learn more about how to keep your dog active, you can read this blog post about 15 tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy.

5. Health Issues

Over-licking of the dog in certain circumstances is an indication of a health problem. When you notice that your dog is constantly licking the same section of his body or his paws, it may be an indication that they are itchy or that something is wrong.

In this situation, it is better to use the services of a veterinarian to diagnose an underlying health condition in time. There is a good chance that it might have just been harmless licking, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Common health-related causes of excessive licking:

● Skin allergies: Itching hives caused by fleas, food allergies, or environmental allergens also result in the dog’s excessive licking. 

● Hot spots: These are hot and sore areas of the skin that may be licked by the dogs to ease the pain.

● Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea and a bad stomach also contribute to the excessive licking of dogs.

When Should You Be Concerned About a Dog's Excessive Licking?

Although it is quite normal to occasionally lick, constant licking or sudden excessive licking in a dog that may continue over time must not be overlooked. When the licking of your dog starts to harm them, resulting in irritation of the skin, loss of hair, or even infections, you need to take your dog to a vet.

Here are some signs that Your Dog’s Licking May Be a Problem:

● Your dog is licking some area excessively, like their paws, face, or genitals.

● The licking is also damaging the skin physically, including giving it a red look, sores, or baldness.

● Your dog licks more often without a distinct cause, though you have already taken care of the potential environmental or emotional stressors.

● Your dog seems to be anxious or agitated.

In case these signs are relevant to your dog, you should refer to a veterinarian to eliminate any medical conditions or underlying problems. Take action immediately to make sure that the problem does not worsen.

How to Stop Dog Excessive Licking

In case you think your dog’s excessive licking is causing harm, and you want to get it to stop, the following are some of the measures you can take to ensure that you bring the behavior under control:

1. Provide More Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Increasing exercise and mental stimulation for your dog is one of the best strategies to make sure your dog does not lick excessively. Fatigued or mentally occupied dogs will not develop undesirable habits such as over-licking.

You can also think about buying toys that will be interesting to play with, like puzzles or interactive playthings, so that your dog does not get bored. Explore a high-quality selection of interactive toys here that can keep your furry friend busy, as well as entertained.

2. Consider Anti-Licking Products

In case you think that the licking is a behavioral problem, you may resort to anti-licking sprays or licking deterrent collars. These are products that prevent licking and may help to break the habit. However, before doing so, it is important to ensure that the licking is a problem, otherwise licking itself is harmless.

3. Check for Health Issues

Health issues, as it has been stated above, can also be the cause of excessive licking. In case your dog is licking too much in a specific area or it appears to be in pain, then visit a doctor and have it examined accordingly. In order to guarantee that your dog is healthy, visit a doctor occasionally.

4. Establish a Routine

You need to develop a schedule of eating, walking, and playing with your dog every day when your dog is overly licking as a result of stress or boredom. Such activities help the dog to calm down, resulting in less licking due to less stress and anxiety.

To be able to feed with greater ease and efficiency, use an automatic pet feeder. These feeders are made to make sure that your dog gets to eat on time, even when you are not at home. They also provide controlled portion sizes, allowing you to take care of your dog’s diet.

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance for a Dog's Excessive Licking

You may need to consult someone in case home remedies are failing to help you control your dog that continuously licks. A vet could carry out a complete physical examination, prescribe drugs and provide a course of treatment based on the character of the problem.

A veterinary behaviorist may potentially give a more useful contribution to licking associated with anxiety or behavioral issues and offer a behavioral change plan that can assist your dog.

Conclusion: Understanding Dog Excessive Licking

In conclusion, it is possible that a dog’s excessive licking is a result of a broad scope of factors, which include love and health conditions. Though it is natural for dogs to lick, you must be very keen about the manner in which your dog licks so that you are able to monitor its behavior and prevent an underlying issue.

In case your dog is licking too much, you have to fix the reason and take the appropriate steps so that you can avoid further pain and damage. The knowledge of the reasons why your dog is licking will assist in making the surroundings healthier and happier for the dog.

When you are planning to buy the items that can help to improve the health of your dog, visit WOPet and select from a range of high-quality dog toys, accessories, and behavioral aids.