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.
Have you ever watched your cat meticulously grooming itself for what seems like hours and wondered if your dog should be doing the same thing? As a pet parent who’s had both cats and dogs, I’ve often found myself comparing their grooming habits and wondering if my dog is just being lazy or if there’s something else going on
The short answer? No, dogs do not clean themselves like cats do – and that’s completely normal! Let’s dive into the fascinating differences between how our furry friends keep themselves clean.
The Fundamental Difference in Self-Grooming
Cats are renowned for their obsessive self-cleaning. They spend hours each day licking their fur, maintaining a pristine coat without much human intervention. Dogs, on the other hand, have very different grooming behaviors.
According to veterinary experts, if you notice your dog “bathing” itself excessively by licking parts of its skin, it’s likely not natural grooming behavior but potentially a sign of:
- Allergic skin itch
- Skin irritation
- Underlying health issues
Dr. Jangi Bajwa, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, emphasizes that dogs typically should not lick themselves for more than a few minutes a day. If your pup is spending significant time licking, it might be time for a vet visit.
How Dogs Actually Clean Themselves
While dogs don’t have the same comprehensive self-cleaning routine as cats, they do have some natural grooming behaviors:
- Licking: Dogs use their tongues to lap up water and remove dirt from their fur
- Teeth scraping: They use their teeth to scrape off dirt and dead skin cells
- Rolling: That muddy roll your dog takes might actually serve a cleaning purpose!
- Paw sweating: Dogs sweat through their paws, producing an oily substance that helps repel dirt
Interestingly, dogs also clean their faces in a way that might remind you of cats. When your dog licks its face, it’s not copying feline behavior but fulfilling its own natural cleaning instinct. Unlike cats who have a special Jacobson’s organ in their mouths to identify smells, dogs rely on their keen sense of smell, and face-licking helps them pick up subtle scents.
Why Dogs Can’t Clean Themselves Like Cats
There are several anatomical and physiological reasons why dogs don’t clean themselves like cats
- Thicker fur: Dogs typically have thicker coats than cats, making it harder to reach all body areas with their tongue
- Different sweat mechanisms: Dogs sweat through their skin while cats sweat through paw pads
- More active lifestyle: Dogs tend to get dirtier than cats due to their activity levels
- Different tongue structure: Cat tongues have specialized barbs perfect for grooming
Do I Need to Bathe My Dog?
Since dogs don’t effectively clean themselves, regular bathing is essential. The general recommendation is at least once a month to remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. Dogs with lots of fur might need more frequent baths.
When bathing your dog, remember to:
- Use warm water
- Avoid getting water in ears or eyes
- Don’t scrub too hard (can damage skin)
- Use a gentle dog shampoo
Many dog owners wonder about drying their dogs after baths. While it’s not absolutely mandatory, there are benefits to thoroughly drying your dog, including:
- Preventing them from getting cold
- Removing leftover soap or shampoo
- Keeping fur looking clean and healthy
Choosing the Right Dog Shampoo
Finding the right shampoo is crucial for maintaining your dog’s coat health. If your dog has allergies or sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic, gentle formulations. Products like TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo can be excellent choices, offering gentle cleansing properties with soothing ingredients.
When evaluating dog shampoos, consider:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Natural, hypoallergenic components for sensitive skin |
| Purpose | Specific formulations for issues like itching, odor, or shedding |
| Scent | Pleasant but not overwhelming (dogs have sensitive noses) |
| pH Balance | Formulated specifically for canine skin pH |
When Dog Licking Becomes Problematic
While dogs naturally lick themselves sometimes, excessive licking can indicate problems. According to Dr. Bajwa, if your dog is obsessively licking parts of their body, it might indicate:
- Allergies (food or environmental)
- Skin irritation or infection
- Parasites
- Pain or discomfort in that area
- Anxiety or boredom
Contrary to what some might think, a dog doesn’t learn to groom like a cat just because they live together. Dr. Bajwa notes that “just as cats do not learn species-specific dog behaviors by living with them, it is highly unlikely for a dog to start demonstrating cat-specific behaviors that are not natural to dogs.”
The Rise of Pet Grooming Trends
The pet industry has seen interesting trends related to grooming:
- Natural product demand – Pet parents increasingly seek organic grooming products
- Professional grooming services – More owners rely on professional groomers for regular maintenance
- Self-cleaning products – Items like grooming wipes and dry shampoos help between baths
- Dental care focus – Grooming now includes dental health with specialized products
- Tech-based solutions – High-tech grooming tools and apps offer innovative approaches
- Customized grooming plans – Personalized routines based on breed, age, and health needs
- Eco-friendly practices – Sustainable grooming products gain popularity
Common Grooming Concerns for Dogs
Dog owners often have specific grooming worries. Here are solutions to some common issues:
- Persistent doggy odor: Regular grooming with quality shampoos helps minimize natural oils that cause “dog smell”
- Itchy skin: Consult your vet to determine if allergies, parasites, or skin infections are the cause
- Tear stains: Regular cleaning around the eyes and proper grooming can reduce these marks
- Bad breath: Regular dental care including brushing and dental chews improves oral hygiene
- Long nails: Regular trimming prevents discomfort and potential paw injuries
- Greasy coat: Regular baths with proper shampoos control excess oil production
- Skin rashes: Veterinary consultation helps identify and treat underlying causes
Creating a Healthy Grooming Routine
Even though your dog won’t clean itself like a cat, you can establish a regular grooming routine:
- Brushing: Regular brushing removes loose fur and distributes natural oils
- Bathing: Monthly baths (more for active or long-haired breeds)
- Nail care: Trim nails every 3-4 weeks or as needed
- Ear cleaning: Check and clean ears weekly, especially for floppy-eared breeds
- Dental care: Daily tooth brushing or dental treats several times weekly
- Eye cleaning: Wipe away discharge as needed with a damp cloth
The Bottom Line
While I used to wonder if my dog was just being lazy compared to my fastidious cat, I’ve learned that dogs and cats simply have different biological grooming needs. Dogs rely on their human companions for proper grooming and hygiene maintenance.
A professional pet groomer summarizes it well: “While dogs do have some self-cleaning behaviors, it’s important for pet owners to take an active role in grooming their dogs to ensure they stay clean and healthy. Regular baths, brushing, and grooming are essential for maintaining a dog’s hygiene.”
So next time you see your cat meticulously grooming itself while your dog lounges nearby looking slightly disheveled, remember – your dog isn’t being negligent! They’re just being a normal dog who needs your help to stay clean and healthy.
Do you have any special grooming routines for your dog? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Remember: If your dog suddenly changes its grooming habits or begins excessive licking, consult your veterinarian as this could indicate an underlying health issue.
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.”
Is It Safe to Let My Dog Lick My Face?
In general, it’s best to avoid a dog licking your face—especially for children. At the very least, try to avoid your dog licking your mouth, and clean your face after your dog licks it.
One potential health concern is parasites, since dogs may become exposed by eating another dog’s poop or licking their own backsides. Keeping your dog on regular parasite prevention will greatly reduce this risk. However, it is still possible.
Additionally, dogs can carry bacteria in their mouths, which can be especially pronounced if they have dental disease. Plus, dogs often put gross stuff—like garbage, roadkill, or poop from another animal—into their mouths. And we probably don’t want those sorts of things on our faces.
Some dog owners find it’s simpler to let a dog lick their hands rather than their face, then wash their hands right afterward.
Why Does My Dog Clean Himself Like a Cat? – PetGuide360.com
FAQ
Do dogs lick themselves?
A: Dogs don’t groom themselves as a cat would. If a dog is “bathing” himself or herself and licking parts of their skin, chances are that your dog has an allergic skin itch as opposed to being a self-groomer. Dogs typically should not lick themselves for any more than a few minutes a day.
Do dogs lick themselves clean?
The reality, however, is that dogs hold themselves to a natural level of cleanliness. Here’s how to monitor your dog’s hygiene habits, and when your dog might be indicating that something is wrong. Cats are notorious for constantly licking themselves clean, but dogs engage in this behavior too.
Is licking a dog a grooming Lick?
Cats are notorious for constantly licking themselves clean, but dogs engage in this behavior too. You may not always associate your dog’s licking with hygiene, and to be fair, it may not always be a grooming lick. That being said, most licking that dogs do on themselves is a cleaning, healthy process.
How often do dogs lick themselves?
The Daily Wag! After rolling around in the dirt, or after a refreshing splash on the beach, your dog wants to be clean. He may lick himself or groom himself with varying regularity, depending on how gritty your dog likes to be.
How do I know if my dog is licking?
If you notice that your dog is persistently licking on a spot that has not wound to clean, you should check for other, more subtle indicators of pain around the area. Signs like bruises or swelling are typical indications that something painful is lurking below the surface of the skin.
Does licking a dog cause anxiety?
Dogs that clean themselves too much, especially by licking, can be suffering from a condition called canine compulsive disorder. The act of licking, nibbling, or self-grooming in general releases endorphins in a dog’s brain, which in turn combats anxiety, pain, and stress.
Do dogs lick themselves to clean themselves?
Dogs Like to Groom
You might not think that your dog is as concerned with hygiene as your cat, but dogs often engage in licking to clean themselves. However, be aware if your dog seems to be excessively licking his anal area, as this may indicate a problem with the anal glands.
Is it normal for a dog to clean itself like a cat?
These include: Grooming. A quick lick of the fur every now and then is perfectly normal and is how dogs keep themselves clean.
Do dogs self-groom like cats?
Dogs do not clean themselves in the same way that cats do. While cats are known for their grooming behavior–licking their fur to clean it and remove loose hair–dogs typically rely on their owners for grooming and bathing.
What kind of dog cleans itself like a cat?
Basenjis are fastidious and will groom themselves like cats. This has been called a ‘cult breed”small in numbers, but those lucky enough to own one do so with singular devotion.