Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Vet-Approved Facts & When to Worry
By Grant Piper
Updated on
If you have a dog, you will likely notice them licking themselves. Some owners find this behavior aggravating and annoying, but generally speaking, it is a natural and instinctive behavior. Dogs lick themselves for a number of different reasons based on their mental state and environment. Occasionally, dogs will lick themselves too much, and that can be a problem that needs to be addressed. This brief guide will cover everything you need to know about why your dog licks themselves so much and what to do if you think they might be licking too much.
The 4 Reasons Dogs Lick Themselves
Dogs lick themselves for a number of reasons, and many of them are of little concern. Licking only becomes a problem when it is excessive, constant, or causing harm to your dog. Otherwise, licking is a totally natural behavior. Some dogs lick themselves more than other dogs. Dogs lick for many different reasons. Here are four of the most common reasons that dogs lick themselves.
1. Grooming
Dogs are not known for grooming themselves as much as cats are, but they still partake in the activity. Dogs lick themselves to groom their coats. Licking removes dirt, dust, and other debris from the top layer of the coat. If you spot your dog licking themselves when they are calm or resting, they are likely just grooming themselves.
Dogs also like to groom themselves after they urinate or if they get a small amount of discharge from their genitals. However, this should not be excessive. If your dog is constantly licking their rear end, they could have trouble with their anal glands, and that is something worth keeping an eye on.
2. Pain
A wound, scratch, or painful spot will trigger your dog to start licking the affected area. Many people believe that a dog should be allowed to lick their wounds to aid healing. Nothing further than the truth, this creates the perfect environment for germs to proliferate and reduce healing times and promote infection.Â
If you notice your dog constantly licking a certain spot, you should do your best to stop this and investigate the area to check for obvious wounds. You might find a wound that needs veterinary intervention. It is also possible that you find nothing wrong in your dog’s skin. In that case, you should watch your dog for any signs of pain, such as lameness or lethargy.Â
Speak to your vet if your dog is licking any body part excessively because it can only mean one thing: something is bothering your dog and they need your help.Â
3. Anxiety
One concerning reason that dogs lick themselves is because of stress or anxiety. If your dog is anxious, it could lead to excessive licking. Some dogs will lick their paws, or lick the air, as a way to attempt to soothe themselves. If your dog shows signs of anxiety or stress that leads to intense or constant licking, you should talk to your veterinarian about finding out the reason why this is happening and have them create a treatment plan that may involve behavior modification techniques, help from a behaviorist, or medications.Â
4. Itchy
Dogs can also lick themselves if they are itchy. In fact, this is one of the big reasons why your dog may lick themselves excessively. Many dogs get itchy. Some itches are minor, but other times the itch can be indicative of a more significant or chronic skin problem.Â
Some of the most common causes of itchiness include allergies, contact dermatitis, and fleas. Speak to your vet if your dog is licking since the solution could be as easy as getting them some flea treatment. If the itchiness is consistent and doesn’t seem to go away, then your dog could have allergies that should be investigated and managed. Dogs will lick themselves to try and reduce the itchiness, like how people scratch themselves.
How to Stop Your Dog from Licking Too Much
Licking is a natural behavior in dogs. Licking in moderation is natural, healthy, and instinctual. If your dog seems to be licking too much, then this turns into a problem. The way to stop your dog from licking too much is to identify the cause of the excessive licking and treat it at the root. If your dog is licking due to itchiness, you should treat the itch. If your dog is licking due to anxiety, you should work to reduce their stress levels.
What you should not do is to try and discourage licking by yelling at them or punishing them for licking. Since licking is so instinctual and habitual, trying to punish them for licking will only be confusing and can actually cause their anxiety to rise and lead to further licking. That will be counterproductive to your overall goal. The best approach is to use a physical barrier, like a protective collar or a light bandage until you get an appointment to see your vet.Â
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Licking can be problematic if your dog is licking a wound or it is due to itchiness or anxiety. Signs that your dog is licking too much include redness, loss of hair, or excessive heat or humidity in the area. Dogs that lick too much will typically focus on one specific area, like the paws, that they lick over and over again until they start to cause damage to the skin. If your dog’s licking is causing this kind of damage, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately to identify the root cause of the licking so that you can treat it. Most excessive licking issues can be treated and reduced with professional help.
Final Thoughts
If you are curious about the amount of licking that your dog does, there are fitness trackers and smart collars that will let you know how much time they spend licking. This can help you detect allergy flare-ups or periods of anxiety when you are not around. If you suspect your dog is licking themselves too much, contact your veterinarian. In most cases licking is totally natural and benign behavior.
Featured Image Credit: Julia Kaysa, Shutterstock
