Itching, scratching, biting, chewing. On some days, your dog displays signs of distress by repeatedly digging at his feet, chewing on his legs, or rubbing his ears. Learning the causes of excessive licking and employing four fantastic methods to stop it will help your dog feel better and prevent you from going crazy worrying about the problem.
When is licking private parts considered a problem?
Urogenital (genital and urinary) area licking on a regular or persistent basis could be a sign of a medical condition. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away:
Is licking private parts ever acceptable?
A moderate amount of licking is common grooming behavior for dogs. For instance, both male and female dogs may lick their genitalia after urinating to clean them. When this is the case, licking has no other purpose than to eliminate waste. A simple swipe of the area is all that is necessary.
Dogs rarely lick the anal region after urinating, but if the stool is sticky or watery, the dog might feel the need to clean up a little. Normal, firm bowel movements are not usually followed by licking.
Ways to Fix the Itch!
(Fish Oil may be one way to help!)
There are several treatments available, both natural and conventional, to help break your dog’s habit, heal the underlying problem, and get him feeling better! Here are four ways you can help relieve the itch and heal your dog’s skin once the underlying cause behind your dog’s increased licking behavior is identified.
FAQ
Why does my dog lick his self so much?
There are six main reasons why your dog might lick itself excessively [3]. Allergies, boredom, dry skin, hormonal imbalance, pain, and parasites are a few of them. Allergies may be environmental or food-based.
How do I stop my dog from licking herself?
Some suggestions include keeping your dog close to you when you’re home, using bitter sprays to deter licking, having your dog wear a special collar to prevent access to hot spots. Addressing anxiety or boredom.
How much licking is normal for a dog?
One way a dog senses its environment is by licking, and the occasional licking is perfectly normal behavior and causes no alarm. However, if your dog licks excessively, it may be a sign of underlying issues, or the licking itself may result in issues and injuries.