Why do dogs lick themselves? Not to mention, why do they lick their human and canine friends, their favorite toy, the carpet, and any number of other objects?
Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. It was learned as puppies, when their mother licked them in order to clean and groom them. Continuing into adulthood, licking is a social behavior that can express affection and camaraderie. Licking can also signify submissiveness or respect to a pack leader.
However, too much licking can be a sign of a problem. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common reasons why dogs lick themselves and others, when this behavior may be a concern, and how to decrease a dog’s licking.
Ever caught your furry friend in an intense licking session and wondered if this behavior is normal? You’re not alone! As a pet owner who’s spent countless hours observing my own dog’s grooming habits, I’ve asked myself this same question many times.
Dogs naturally lick themselves as part of their normal grooming routine It’s an instinctive behavior that helps them stay clean and comfortable However, there’s definitely a line between normal self-grooming and problematic excessive licking that might indicate health issues or anxiety.
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about dog licking behaviors – from what’s perfectly normal to when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help your pup if they’re overindulging in this habit.
Normal Dog Licking: What’s Actually Healthy?
Dogs are naturally clean animals (despite what some of their outdoor adventures might suggest!). Licking is one of their primary methods of keeping themselves tidy and it’s completely normal behavior in most circumstances.
When Normal Licking Occurs
- Basic grooming: Just like cats, dogs use their tongues to clean their fur and skin
- After meals: Cleaning food remnants from their face and paws
- Minor wounds: A dog’s saliva contains some antibacterial properties
- Paw maintenance: Cleaning between toe pads after outdoor activities
My dog Rusty always gives himself a good once-over after we come back from muddy walks. He’ll focus on his paws, legs, and occasionally his sides. This type of routine grooming is absolutely normal and helps him stay comfortable.
Health Benefits of Normal Licking
Believe it or not, there are actual benefits to your dog’s self-licking habit:
- Hygiene maintenance: Removes dirt, debris and loose fur
- Wound cleaning: Mild antiseptic properties in saliva
- Temperature regulation: Evaporating saliva can help cool them down
- Stress relief: Releases endorphins that can be calming
I’ve noticed that my dogs seem more relaxed after a short grooming session. It’s almost like their version of a quick shower – refreshing and comforting at the same time.
How Much Licking is Too Much?
While licking is normal, there is definitely such a thing as too much of a good thing. Excessive licking goes beyond routine grooming and can indicate underlying issues that need attention.
Signs of Excessive Licking
Keep an eye out for these warning signals:
- Hair loss or bald patches where constant licking occurs
- Redness, irritation, or skin discoloration
- Sores, hotspots, or open wounds from persistent licking
- Discolored fur (often reddish-brown from saliva staining)
- Constant focus on one specific area
- Interrupted sleep due to licking urges
- Whimpering or moaning while licking
- Inability to enjoy normal activities due to compulsive licking
Last summer, my neighbor’s retriever developed a hot spot on his back leg from excessive licking. The area became red, irritated, and eventually lost fur entirely. That’s when we knew something wasn’t right.
Common Causes of Excessive Licking in Dogs
When dogs lick themselves excessively, there’s usually an underlying reason. Understanding these causes can help you address the problem effectively.
Medical Causes
Many health issues can trigger excessive licking:
Allergies
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, grass
- Food allergies: Commonly to proteins like chicken, beef, dairy
- Flea allergy: Hypersensitivity to flea saliva
Infections
- Bacterial infections: Often accompanied by odor and discharge
- Yeast infections: Common in warm, moist areas like paw pads
- Fungal infections: Like ringworm, causing circular lesions
Pain and Discomfort
- Arthritis or joint pain: Dogs often lick painful joints
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, or wounds may trigger licking
- Nail problems: Cracked or split nails can be painful
Other Health Issues
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: May cause licking of lips or surfaces
- Anal gland problems: Leads to licking around the base of tail
- Urinary/reproductive infections: Results in excessive genital licking
My sister’s terrier was constantly licking her paws until the vet discovered she had developed a yeast infection between her toes. With proper treatment, the licking behavior stopped completely within a week.
Behavioral Causes
Not all excessive licking stems from physical problems:
Anxiety and Stress
- Separation anxiety: Common when left alone
- Fear responses: To loud noises, new environments
- Changes in routine: Moving homes, new family members
Boredom
- Lack of exercise: Physical energy with nowhere to go
- Mental understimulation: Not enough engaging activities
- Loneliness: Too much time alone without interaction
Compulsive Disorders
- Canine OCD: Similar to human obsessive behaviors
- Developed habits: Started for one reason, continued as habit
When we first adopted our rescue pup Bella, she would obsessively lick her front legs when left alone. Our trainer helped us recognize this as an anxiety behavior, and with patience and training, we were able to help her overcome it.
How to Address Excessive Licking
If you’ve noticed your dog is licking themselves excessively, here’s what you can do:
Veterinary Care
Always start with professional guidance:
- Consult your veterinarian: They can examine your dog and run appropriate tests
- Diagnostic testing: May include skin tests, blood work, or allergy testing
- Follow treatment plans: Which might include:
- Medications (antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics)
- Medicated shampoos or topical treatments
- Prescription diets for food allergies
- Pain management for arthritis or injuries
Home Management
There are several things you can do at home:
For Allergies
- Regular bathing: With gentle, vet-recommended shampoos
- Wiping paws: After walks to remove allergens
- Food trials: Under vet supervision to identify triggers
- Flea prevention: Year-round protection even if fleas aren’t visible
For Behavioral Issues
- Increased exercise: Tire them out physically
- Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys, training sessions
- Distraction techniques: Toys or activities when licking starts
- Consistency: Regular schedule to reduce anxiety
Environmental Changes
- Comfortable resting areas: Clean bedding that’s regularly washed
- Appropriate humidity: Especially in dry climates
- Protection from irritants: Booties for sensitive paws outdoors
We found that increasing Bella’s daily exercise routine and providing more interactive toys dramatically reduced her anxious licking behavior. Those puzzle treats toys were a game-changer!
Behavioral Modification for Excessive Licking
Sometimes, breaking the licking habit requires specific training approaches:
Positive Reinforcement
- Reward your dog when they’re not licking
- Teach an alternative behavior like “go to mat” or “play with toy”
- Never punish licking – this increases stress and can worsen behavior
Calming Aids
- Thundershirt: Provides gentle pressure to reduce anxiety
- Pheromone products: Like Adaptil diffusers or sprays
- Calming supplements: Such as Composure, Zylkene, or CBD products (with vet approval)
Professional Help
- Veterinary behaviorists: For severe cases
- Certified dog trainers: Can help with behavioral modification
- Medication: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed
Preventing Excessive Licking
Prevention is always better than cure:
- Regular grooming: Keep fur clean and mat-free
- Consistent vet check-ups: Catch problems early
- Proper nutrition: High-quality diet appropriate for your dog
- Parasite prevention: Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm protection
- Enrichment: Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation
- Stress management: Maintain routines and create a secure environment
I’ve found that maintaining a consistent daily routine has been super helpful in preventing stress-related behaviors in our dogs. They know what to expect each day, which seems to keep them more balanced and less prone to anxious behaviors like excessive licking.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Sometimes, excessive licking requires immediate attention:
- Bleeding or open wounds from licking
- Sudden onset of intense licking
- Signs of pain such as crying, limping, or sensitivity
- Accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms
- Ingestion of toxic substances that may cause licking of lips or surfaces
Final Thoughts
Yes, dogs are supposed to lick themselves as part of their natural grooming routine. However, when this behavior becomes excessive or obsessive, it’s important to pay attention and take action.
By understanding the difference between normal and problematic licking, you can help ensure your furry friend stays healthy and comfortable. Remember, you know your dog best – if something seems off about their behavior, trust your instincts and consult with a professional.
In my experience as a dog owner, addressing excessive licking early leads to the best outcomes. Whether it’s a quick vet visit for a skin issue or working with a trainer on anxiety behaviors, being proactive about unusual licking has always paid off in happier, healthier pups.
Have you noticed excessive licking in your dog? What solutions have worked for you? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Why Does My Dog Lick So Much?
Reasons can range from social to hunger to medical conditions. Here are twelve of the most common reasons why a dog might lick themselves, people, other dogs, or objects:
1. Grooming. Although dogs don’t groom themselves as extensively as cats do, self-bathing and grooming is still a normal behavior for dogs. For example, you may notice your pup licking their paws after spending time outside to remove dirt and debris.
2. Itchy skin. A dog may lick due to allergies, skin parasites like fleas or mites, dry skin, skin infections, or anything else that causes itchiness.
3. Pain or discomfort. For example, a dog with arthritis may lick the skin over their achy hips or another joint that is bothering them. A dog with full anal glands may lick their rear end, in addition to scooting their bum on the ground. A pup may lick a skin wound. And a dog with a urinary tract infection may lick their genitals more than usual.
4. Exploration. Since dogs don’t have opposable thumbs, they explore the world with their mouths. Their amazing sense of smell contributes to this. For example, a dog may lick the kitchen floor, furniture, or their pet parent’s hands because they smell food particles that are undetectable to us.
5. Hunger or thirst. If a dog is excessively licking their owner, that can also be their way of telling us they need something. Check if their food or water bowl needs to be refilled. Some experts have even theorized that licking a person’s face could be a way of asking us to regurgitate our last meal for them—similar to how a wolf cub would like their mother’s face. For many wild dog species, the mother regurgitating a meal for her pups is normal and natural.
6. Behavioral causes. Licking may be a way to pass the time if a dog is bored, such as if they’re home alone for much of the day or if they don’t get enough physical or mental activity. Anxiety-related licking could be due to a stressful event (loss of another pet in the home, a child going back to school, or moving to a new house) or storm phobias, separation anxiety, etc. Licking is self-soothing and can make a pet feel better in the moment. Eventually, this can turn into a learned habit or compulsive behavior.
7. Cognitive dysfunction. Older dogs may develop this condition, which is similar to dementia in people. Excessive licking is one of many possible symptoms. Other common signs include disorientation, pacing, wandering around the home at night, potty accidents, sleeping more, and less interest in interacting and doing their usual activities.
8. Nausea. Dogs who are feeling nauseous may lick (themselves, others, or objects) more often due to increased saliva/drooling or trying to relieve the uncomfortable feeling or bad taste in their mouth. Often, this licking is accompanied by ‘lip smacking’ or other symptoms like a decreased appetite.
9. Dental disease or another issue inside the mouth. A painful tooth or gum disease/gingivitis could cause a dog to lick more. It may be their way of trying to relieve the discomfort or deal with something that feels abnormal, such as a broken tooth.
10. They like the taste. A dog may lick their human companions simply because they like the taste of our skin. Dogs don’t sweat (other than a little from their paw pads), but humans have sweat glands over their whole bodies. This means our skin can have a bit of a salty taste. Dogs may also enjoy interesting-smelling lotions and odors of their owner’s previous meal.
11. Attention. If a pet’s licking is met with affection, praise, laughter, or other positive signs, they could learn that licking is a desirable behavior that results in attention. Even “negative” attention (such as saying “no”) could be a reward to pups who are bored or looking for interaction with their favorite person.
12. A sign of affection. Since licking is a social behavior, it could be your dog’s way of showing you they care about you. They could also be showing you respect as their trusted “pack leader.”
How to Reduce a Dog’s Licking Behavior
Whether your pooch is licking themselves, you, or anyone/anything else, much of the process will be the same:
- Start with a veterinary consultation. This will help to rule out any medical condition, pain, or behavioral issue that needs to be treated. If your dog has a behavioral cause of overgrooming, such as anxiety, this may require additional training techniques, anxiety medications, or referral to a veterinary behaviorist.
- Provide enough physical and mental enrichment for your dog. This helps prevent boredom and anxiety. The amount of physical activity needed (and physical capabilities) varies from dog to dog. But short walks or a little extra playtime are usually a good place to start. Also, consider your dog’s mental and emotional health. Dogs are smart. They enjoy puzzles and learning. This could mean a puzzle feeder that distributes food or treats slowly. Or, it could mean training or another fun and interactive activity.
- Train your dog to not lick. This can be as simple as ignoring your dog when they lick you, then giving praise and attention when they sit next to you calmly or demonstrate any behavior you’d like to see. You can also train your pup to do things like “hug” instead of lick.
- Wipe your dog’s paws after a walk to remove pollen, dirt, and other debris. And if your dog has any additional grooming needs (anal gland expression, wiping their skin folds, etc.), talk to your veterinarian about the best way to help your pet.
Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Explained
FAQ
Should I let my dog keep licking themselves?
No, you shouldn’t stop them. It’s only natural for them to do so, for it being a part of their grooming habit. That is what they do. However, frequent or sustained licking of the genital area may indicate that a medical problem exists.
Is it normal for a dog to lick its private area?
What does it mean if a dog licks himself?
When should I worry about dog licking?
If your dog licks to the point of causing sores, or if they focus on one area excessively, it may indicate an underlying condition. Scheduling an appointment for Charlotte vet care allows experts to examine your pet and provide proper treatment.