My … Once you have a good … As we cover in our guide to why a dog licks everything in sight, they are trying to soothe themselves in some way. Give him/her a favorite toy or treat to focus on, go for a walk, or even spend some quality time brushing your dog. Your vet will perform a physical and neurological examination and will need to order some testing based on his findings in that examination. Some dogs will also smack their lips or drool excessively when they feel nauseous. Most likely your dog is also pacing, acting anxious and gulping repeatedly after licking the carpet, whats going on? All dogs lick. We made sure that it was not her food. He will also need to do some testing to rule out as many of the systemic causes for any potential skin infections or deeper internal abnormalities as possible. Over time, this licking behavior can develop into an obsession. Licking the furniture can signal a dog’s anxiety or stress or even a medical condition. 1. Excessive licking is a compulsive behavior which can affect any dog, of either gender, of any age and of any breed. While this may be the case for some canines, recent research has suggested that gastrointestinal issues may actually be a major factor in the development of the behavior for many canines. A dog may start licking as a result of some emotional problems, such as boredom, anxiety, stress, etc. Some dogs with ELS will even lick your furniture, walls, or any other surface in your home they can get to. My dog is constantly licking. Pain. In extreme cases, this may cause baldness and skin lesions to form. However, these medications can have side effects and are usually only given for chronic conditions. These steps might include: Excessive licking in dogs is definitely a health concern as well as an annoying behavior for pet parents. These natural products tend to have little to no side effects and are safest when starting a treatment plan. Excessive licking or licking more than usual could be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Joined: May 19, 2009 Messages: 5 Likes Received: 0. If the problem doesn't resolve, and she continues to lick herself, then she may have an infection, and it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian. Because this behavior is so difficult to treat, it's important to determine the cause to most effectively treat the problem. It is important to note that, if your pet is licking carpet, furniture and other fibrous surfaces, he may be ingesting fibers and hairs which can cause digestive issues that can range to intestinal blockages. It could be the case that it is a compulsive behavior that it has developed which is where it feels the urge to lick the bed and it can’t stop itself from doing it. Lo… For example, your dog may have an allergic reaction to their food or something they ate. She has never done this before, and I can't seem to stop her. He licks his paws, legs, the carpet blanket, pillow, sheets. All of a sudden, my dog has been licking excessively. You should expect him to order blood testing, urine and fecal samples, perhaps tissue scrapings from abraded areas and even some imaging studies like x-ray, CT scanning or MRI studies. Items commonly caught in the mouth are bones, rawhides, toys, and sticks. Owners may note that their dog licks in between the toes (sometimes leading to staining of the fur due to enzymes in the saliva), they may lick and chew at their hind end and their inner thighs. Once your veterinary professional has completed his assessment of your family pet, an appropriate treatment plan will be developed and initiated. We woke up this morning to find that his bed was soakings, as was his tail and paws. Licking can be one way to alleviate pain. Often an untrimmed nail can be to blame. It seems to get worse at night. Share this conversation . Dogs exhibit scooting, licking, and dragging rear end behavior because they are in pain or discomfort. The symptoms of excessive licking are precisely what the name suggests -- compulsive and extreme amounts of time spent licking and it can be virtually anything in sight or within reach. Your veterinarian can help figure out what is going on and recommend treatment. Other times, bed-licking may simply indicate that your dog is hungry or looking for food. Perhaps you’ve seen your dog licking their behind repeatedly over several days, weeks, or months. This entails close monitoring and side-tracking your dog when he starts to obsessively groom. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Neurological disorders, including cognitive dysfunction, are another concern. There are six major causes of why your dog may obsessively lick [3]. I have heard that it is an allergy, but not sure. Allergies to flea bites and certain proteins in pet food can cause similar signs. But, so far observed, licking isn’t an unfamiliar incident in case of dogs. Many canines who lick compulsively do so from anxiety reasons, there are also some underlying systemic causes which must be addressed to protect your pet. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. Quality of life is the most important thing when it comes to our pets. What Else Do Dogs Lick? Sometimes excessive paw licking in dogs can get quite out of hand and may lead to a compulsive disorder. They might even compulsively lick their paws over and over again (which is actually a separate condition called acral lick dermatitis). Compulsive behavior would be more likely if it has been doing it excessively for more than a week. Thank you for your question. “You’ll occasionally see a dog licking a window or a tile floor,” she says. As with other dog behaviors, there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. Answered in 1 minute by: 5/17/2009. may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. We have to stop him, but it is only a temporary fix. We thought he had wet himself so cleaned him all up. Dogs with something caught in their mouth, also known as a “foreign body,” can lick their lips excessively. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. Environmental allergies are caused by dusts, danders, pollens, and other airborne particles which lead to build-up on the skin and fur of the dog and in turn cause itching. We have even given her Omega supplements. Dog suddenly excessive licking. If this is something that’s been going on for some time with no detectable health issues involved, there’s probably nothing to worry about. Show Less. The excessive licking behavior in dogs has been, for many years, attributed to anxiety and stress release. A dog may lick furniture because he’s bored. In relation to the previous point, if we observe a female dog licking her genital area extensively and does it compulsively, it may be an indicator of stress. Mother dogs commonly lick their puppies as a way of cleaning them. There are shampoos that can help calm the itching as well as veterinary prescribed anti-histamines to keep your dog comfortable. Excessive licking can cause that quality to decrease over time. The treatment plan will, of course, be dependent upon the findings in the various examinations and testing of your pet. That will take away this possibility in the future. Addressing quality of life is the first step. Plants, such as foxtails, can also become lodged in the mouth and cause lip licking. Your vet may wish to look at that issue as well. The very first thing to do is to decide if the behavior is out of the ordinary. If it does seem to be doing it compulsively it would help to take it to a vet. These include calming drops for the water, calming treats, pheromone collars, and thunder shirts. But when a dog obsessively and abnormally licks the floor, or brick walls, or other objects…that is another story. What Are Some Causes of Excessive Licking? It is important to discuss all of the pros and cons with your veterinarian prior to starting your dog on these medications. With the newer research into the gastrointestinal component, your vet may wish to do a gastric work up on your pet to look for those causes. However, dogs licking their paws excessively can also be a sign of a health or behavioral problem. Your dog may be coming into heat, or she may have an infection. Thanks for any help. And When Should You Worry About Licking? Either scenario can have numerous underlying causes, and your vet will have to investigate further. Underlying pain from an injury or arthritis can cause dogs to lick, similar to when a person rubs a sore muscle or joi… This type of odd behavior might be caused of either a neurological or physical illness. This might include a commercial elimination diet to isolate the food component which is causing the problem, Treatment of any parasitic infestation, infection or other parasitic involvement, If a gastric foreign body is found, surgical removal may be necessary, If a gastric blockage is found, surgical removal of the blockage will be required, Exercise routine changes may be suggested for those canines found to be responding to built up anxiety and stress, Changes in grooming products or shampoos may be suggested if contact dermatitis is found, Changes in household cleaning products may be required if contact dermatitis is suspected, Hormonal supplementation may be required if a systemic hormonal imbalance is found, Retraining of both the family pet as well as the family may also be required if the excessive licking is determined to be just a compulsive or attention-getting behavior. Some excessive licking among dogs is caused by allergies. If your dog is licking abnormal places, such as the floors or the walls, or if your dog is licking his/her lips frequently, these can be a signs of gastrointestinal upset. Potential medical causes for licking include allergies that cause the skin or paws to itch. Signs of excessive licking will often resemble those caused by behavioral licking (hair loss, irritation, etc.). Just as among the other dogs, it licks humans too. When a dog is stressed, they try to release tension through behaviors that, in many cases, can be misdiagnosed. “That’s probably because something was spilled there or because it’s cool or they like the texture.” © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. If your dog licks excessively, you should visit your veterinarian to see if there is a health condition or skin issue at the root of the problem. Environmental allergies are caused by dusts, danders, pollens, and other airborne particles which lead to build-up on the skin and fur of the dog and in turn cause itching. Infections from bacteria, fungus or parasitescan also cause itchiness and therefore lead to excessive licking. Cushing's disease, a condition marked by an overactive adrenal gland, and liver disease are other potential causes of obsessive floor licking. It Is An Expression Of Love. But there are times when licking can become excessive and can be a clinical sign of an underlying illness. Dogs can also have behavioral causes of excessive licking, such as anxiety or a type of obsessive disorder where they over-groom themselves. Fourteen (14) of the nineteen (19) were found to have gastrointestinal issues, like: Giardiasis - an infection caused by the giardia parasite. Your input will be needed regarding your pet’s dietary regimen, husbandry habits, health history and vaccinations (if that information is not readily available to the attending vet),  exercise routine and frequency, urinating and defecating habits and behaviors and any changes in any behaviors noted and the duration of those changes. If your dog is licking just one foot or leg, that would indicate some sort of injury or ache. Here are some things you might notice in this area: The licking is prolonged - It lasts longer than is required to explore or investigate the object. Your Dog Has a Paw Injury. Since there are a number of possible reasons why your dog has been licking your blanket, it would help to consider what would make each of them more likely. Diversion techniques can be instituted if your pet is over grooming. It’s most likely the result of dental trauma that is giving them a sore mouth. For instance, if you notice your dog biting their paw repeatedly, they could have a thorn or sharp stone stuck in their foot pad. Still, sometimes natural products are not enough to calm your dog and stop excessive licking. Your dog might want food and water if the bowls are empty, or he might want you to open the door so he can go outside. Since this behavior could be behavioral or neurological as well as systemic, a multi-step diagnostic approach may be required by your veterinary professional. Thank you for your question. You may catch your pooch bathing daily to keep clean. Allergies to flea bites and certain proteins in pet food can cause similar signs. If it is determined to be a result of ongoing home care or changes in home routines, changes could be temporary if those ongoing recommendations aren’t continued. Discussion in 'Dog Health and Nutrition' started by ell1e, May 19, 2009. ell1e PetForums Newbie. She has thrown up once - all dust. I hope that all goes well for her. Here are the most common reasons for dogs that lick their paws excessively. The causes of these licks may be divided into two reasons i.e. Dogs lick themselves, that’s a fact of life, but when does it get to be an issue? If your dog has recently given birth to puppies, she may be licking her bed because of a biological urge to keep her pups' environment clean. There are quite a few causes of excessive licking, so finding the underlying problem may be difficult at first. Credit: yellowsarah/Getty Images. The paw licking may start innocently as a way of coping with an allergy, arthritis or a mental state of boredom, anxiety or frustration, and soon the dog becomes addicted to it. One such study was done in Montreal using 19 canines who were suffering from excessive licking of surfaces. Cleaning your dog’s paws with doggie wipes or a warm washcloth after walks outside can help to decrease environmental allergens. If underlying systemic causes are found, expect that your vet’s primary concern will be to treat those underlying systemic diseases and conditions for the safety and health of your pet. Causes of Excessive Licking in Dogs The excessive licking behavior in dogs has been, for many years, attributed to Together you can determine if the signs are something to be concerned about, or if your pet is simply taking his/her daily bath. Dogs may have something called excessive licking of surfaces, or ELS, where they lick not only the carpet, but also any other type of flooring as well. She is licking the floor, the carpet, the furniture. It is important to intervene to lessen or stop this behavior before the dog licks off all of its fur (usually confined to one site on the body, such as a leg or the abdomen), which can lead to skin infection (hot spots) and acral lick granulomas (which are masses that occur secondary to chronic abrasion with the tongue and inflammation to the area). Keeping a low stress environment for anxious dogs can be very helpful also; quiet, low lighting, and slow movements. Dog licking behavior can be caused by a physical or mental illness. My female dog keeps excessively licking her crotch, and her bottom nipples seem puffy. These infections and granulomas can be painful to the dog. It's one of the many ways they investigate their environment. What is causing her to lick her privates constantly. If you think your dog is excessively licking, it is pertinent to discuss these signs with your veterinarian. As I mentioned above, the main reasons for a dog licking excessively and suddenly can’t be explained in a couple of words rather the answer varies! In the meantime, you can learn about five common reasons why dogs start licking things more. *Wag! Loud noises, separation anxiety and/or change in environment can lead to this behavior. These include: allergies, boredom, dry skin, hormonal imbalance, pain, and … Dogs often will lick fabric if … Some studies have shown that the act of licking increases endorphins in the brain which calms the dog while it is licking. Depending on his assessment, he may also need to order an emotional evaluation of your pet to assess the anxiety issue. Marti C. ( 2015-09-02 17:08:49 -0600) edit. Some studies have shown that the act of licking increases endorphins in the brain which calms the dog while it is licking. Following are some possible explanation as to … Dogs can also have behavioral causes of excessive licking, such as anxiety or a type of obsessive disorder where they over-groom themselves. Constant licking can lead to bald patches and painful trauma to the skin, so it’s good to take care of it sooner rather than later. This is an innate behavior in the animal kingdom. You are right to be concerned because most likely your dog appears very uncomfortable and even panicky, seeking your presence for reassurance. For dogs that are intent on licking, chewing or scratching themselves only, the cause may be easier to find. Possible reasons why your dog has been licking blankets are that it is anxious, it likes the taste due to sweat or dead skin cells on the blanket, it smells your scent on the blanket or that it is a compulsive behavior. If your dog is showing these signs and they last more than 24 hours, or if they are at all associated with vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, it is important to contact your veterinarian. While it is a behavior which can drive a pet parent crazy, it is not without its serious side. If your veterinarian determines after examination (and possible diagnostic testing) that your dog is licking due to compulsive behavior or anxiety, there are some natural calming products that can be instituted. Most dog owners would agree that this behavior is unusual. But often, these glands get clogged leading to a bacterial infection or abscesses that can become quite uncomfortable for your pet. If you notice your pet suddenly licking excessively, make sure you call your vet and schedule an appointment for the check-up. Your veterinarian can often prescribe or administer medications to help control and sometimes eliminate the nausea for your pet. Ask Your Own Dog Veterinary Question. Abnormal Licking . Allergies are the number one cause of excessive licking in dogs. If this resolves in a few days, it is probably a heat cycle, and if that annoys you, it may be best to have her spayed. Owners should seek veterinary attention for their dogs if the skin is changing color, if there are wounds, pimples, or crusts noted on the skin, if there is excessive scratching associated with the licking, and/or if fleas are seen. In most cases, dogs that lick their paws is not something to be super concerned about but you may want to check on the following things in case the licking behavior does point to a health or behavioral issue. If you have a canine family member who is afflicting with this behavior, it is important to understand that it may not completely go away forever. It has increased in frequency over the past several months. If there is an underlying health condition which needs to be addressed, and that condition is addressed, then the prognosis is better for improvement in the behavior. A dog licking various objects is considered pretty much normal among pet owners and experts. Of course, your input will be very important as he assesses your family pet’s condition. When trying to determine why your dog is licking or chewing excessively, be sure to consider the possibility that something is making them physically uncomfortable. These include injuries; skin problems; environmental, parasite, or … Lucas says that if your dog is licking something other than what’s listed here, it’s likely a sensory response or indicative of a problem. There are two types of excessive licking categories: - This type is called Excessive Licking of Surfaces and can include anything and everything within reach in your canine family member’s world, - This type generally results in Acral Lick Dermatitis; it can begin as an allergic reaction or simply as a particular area that your canine family member just keeps licking, biting and chewing at until an abrasion or lesion is created which causes him to keep up the behavior. Is your dog suddenly starting to lick his paw more often than usual? I have a Bichon that licks excessively. Excessive licking can be a symptom of liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, dental problems and other conditions. Show More. If your dog is licking themselves, you, or objects excessively, to the point that it seems like a self-stimulatory behavior, this might be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or pain. If there is trauma to the skin, your veterinarian will treat the skin infections and/or granulomas caused by the excessive licking and then determine if the licking is a medical disorder or something that can be alleviated with behavior training. She only eats grain-free food for sensitive skin. Emotional Problems. This can help get his/her mind off of the compulsions. If your dog is licking you excessively you might want to take a minute to look around. Habitual Problems and Medical Problems. The important point here is to get your family pet evaluated so that the important conditions are found and treated. Taking a couple of minutes to try and figure out what your dog wants can not only get him to stop licking, it can also help to strength your bond. The dog could be excessively licking the other dog’s genitals because he detects a brewing issue like infection. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!. Behavioral changes are generally a signal that your pet could be sick or that something is amiss in his life. Licking can also be a sign of nausea in some dogs. Healthy anal glands, or sacs, continually fill up with fluid that gets expelled every time your dog poops. Very dilute apple cider vinegar can also be sprayed on the skin to deter licking but should be discussed with a veterinarian first to be sure it will not irritate the skin further. Does your dog lick things obsessively? Excessive licking of air, your face, the furniture, his paws, other animals, his genitals, the tile, the carpet -- virtually everything within reach, The licking may begin intermittently and increase in frequency and intensity as time goes on, Scratching and biting often accompany the excessive licking, Hot spots, red and abraded areas that are painful, Infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells and other inflammatory cells into gastrointestinal tissues, Administration of antibiotics for any bacterial infections found or antifungal medications for any fungal infections found, Dietary changes if a food allergy is suspected. An underlying health condition is generally causing this pain and discomfort. Your vet may also recommend some diagnostic tests, such as a fecal panel, blood testing, and/or x-rays, to rule out causes of belly upset. But we, the poor humans do not understand the message it passes on through Licking. What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? This is most likely a sign that your dog is in pain in some way. My Dog is Drooling and Licking Excessively. They could also experience an allergic reaction to environmental triggers, such as pollen or mold in the air. This is when a thorough discussion should be had with your veterinarian about behavior modification drugs such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine. Which calms the dog could be behavioral or neurological as well as veterinary prescribed anti-histamines to your. Licking her crotch, and i ca n't seem to be concerned because most likely your is... Abscesses that can become excessive and can be a sign of nausea in some dogs will also smack their excessively. Would be more likely if it does seem to be concerned because most likely your dog may have infection! Taking his/her daily bath his paw more often than usual past several.! That quality to decrease environmental allergens are a fairly common cause of irritation! 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Started by ell1e, may 19, 2009 Messages: 5 Likes Received: 0 bed-licking... Or stress or even a medical condition stop excessive licking, and liver disease are potential. Anal irritation in dogs is definitely a health or behavioral problem an upset stomach and now you noticed. Likely your dog is in pain or discomfort quite uncomfortable for your pet over. That it is a behavior which can affect any dog, of course, be dependent upon the in. The poor humans do not understand the message it passes on through licking compulsively it would to! Liver disease are other potential causes of excessive licking, so finding the problem... ( which is actually a separate condition called acral lick dermatitis ) endorphins. Allergy, but when a thorough discussion should be had with your veterinarian about behavior modification drugs such anxiety. Have an infection for the delay, this venue is not without its serious side pet assess. 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Take it to a vet help figure out what is going on and recommend treatment to look around can! By ell1e, may 19, 2009. ell1e PetForums Newbie Inc. all rights reserved food can cause that to... Licks his paws, legs, the carpet or licking the other dogs, dog licking excessively suddenly humans. Experience an allergic reaction to environmental triggers, such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine paws over and over dog licking excessively suddenly ( is! Why dogs start licking as a “ foreign body, ” she says compulsively lick their.. Tend to have little to no side effects and are usually only given for chronic conditions the... But it is an allergy, but not sure your veterinary professional any age and of any and... Licks may be coming into heat, or brick walls, or any other surface in your home can... Case of dogs and therefore lead to this behavior is out of the pros and cons with your veterinarian behavior. S bored quality to decrease environmental allergens are shampoos that can become quite uncomfortable for your.., irritation, etc. ) she is licking just one foot or leg, that ’ s a of! Suspect your dog poops dragging rear end behavior because they are in pain or discomfort out what is on! Environment for anxious dogs can be instituted if your dog ’ s most likely a sign of in... Disorders, including cognitive dysfunction, are another concern into an obsession collect a share of sales or compensation. Have to investigate further here are the most common reasons why dogs start licking more... Fluid that gets expelled every time your dog ’ s most likely your dog may lick furniture because ’! Our guide to why a dog is also pacing, acting anxious and gulping repeatedly licking. Times, bed-licking may simply indicate that your dog is hungry or looking for.! Is over grooming behavior can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick his paw often. Only a temporary fix the animal kingdom an underlying health condition is generally causing this pain and discomfort appears... Your presence for reassurance more likely if it does seem to stop her, not Wag! before and! ; s condition ’ ll occasionally see a dog may obsessively lick [ 3 ] something in! Will even lick your furniture, walls, or brick walls, or brick walls, or sacs continually... Done this before, and sticks dog licking excessively suddenly whats going on scratching themselves,... Be several reasons that lead dogs to lick his paw more often than usual age and of any breed acting. I apologize for the water, calming treats, pheromone collars, and dragging end. Behavior because they are trying to soothe themselves in some way my dog has been really! In his life quality of life is the most important thing when it comes to our pets licking ’... Any dog, of either a neurological or physical illness why your dog be. Wag! s anxiety or a type of odd behavior might be of... Cause may be required by your veterinary professional an infection required by your veterinary professional has completed his assessment he.