Why Does My Dog Lick So Much?

All dogs lick things- their paws, your face, or their friends. It’s a perfectly natural behavior, but sometimes it may seem excessive (especially if they start licking their paws at night right before bed) and begs the question- how much licking is too much licking? There are many causes for dogs licking excessively, and they can be categorized under medical and behavioral reasons. 

First, a word about acral lick dermatitis

Have you ever seen a dog lick and lick and lick the same spot on their front legs until they cause a thickened, raised, ulcerative plaque? This is called acral lick dermatitis, or a lick granuloma, a common disease in larger dogs and can be frustrating to treat because it becomes a perpetual cycle of licking, inflammation, and infection. There are many possible physical and psychological causes, such as:

• Allergies (atopic dermatitis, food, and flea allergies)
• Orthopedic or neurological disorders
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Psychogenic disorders (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Parasitic diseases like demodicosis

Treating the underlying issue, taking care of the infection, and addressing the behavioral causes with medication and training is challenging and essential. If you see anything like this on your dogs, please take them to the vet right away.

Medical reasons for dogs licking too much:

Lick granulomas aside, these are some reasons why your dog might lick excessively.

Allergies can cause excessive licking:

There are several underlying medical reasons for dogs licking themselves too much. Most veterinarians will look first to allergies when dogs lick their paws excessively, for example. This is called pododermatitis, which can evolve from inflammation to skin, nails, and pads infection. Allergies can be caused by pollen, grass, and ingredients in food, and some dogs are even allergic to flea bites. 

Immune disease can cause licking:

Itchy skin isn’t only caused by allergies. Itchy skin can also be a symptom of an immune disease, like endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s Disease. If your dog is licking her skin too much and shows other symptoms like excessive thirst and hair loss, you should take her to the vet. You also want to look out for hot spots on your dogs. They may lick them and cause further infection. 

Dogs may lick due to fungal infections

Some infections from fungi, bacteria, or even flea bites can cause a lot of itchiness, which leads to too much licking. You can check the spot that your dog is licking for fleas (or flea dirt, the black material they leave behind). Your vet can also take a sample to see if your pup has yeast or mites. 

Pain from arthritis

Some experts say that dogs will lick themselves if they have arthritis to self-soothe from the pain. Your vet will be able to determine if they have arthritis and prescribe medication if your dog could benefit from it. 

Stomach issues can be a cause of excessive licking in dogs

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that some dogs lick surfaces excessively due to gastric issues. 

“GI abnormalities were identified in 14 of 19 dogs in the licking group. These abnormalities included eosinophilic and/or lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the GI tract, delayed gastric emptying, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, gastric foreign body, and giardiasis.”

The sample size was small but it’s still a compelling reason to get your dog checked out if you see excessive licking of the abdomen or around the stomach. 

Excessive licking due to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Dogs can have obsessive-compulsive disorder, with a symptom being excessive licking. You will need help from a dog trainer or a veterinarian to curb this kind of licking.

 

Why Do Dogs Lick? Understanding Common Behavioral Reasons for Excessive Licking

It’s important to look for patterns when you’re trying to understand why your dog is licking too much. For example, if your dog licks excessively when you’re away, it might be separation anxiety. If it happens while you’re home but busy, boredom could be the cause.

• To Clean Themselves
  • Dogs clean their bodies by licking. You’ve seen them lick their genitals or anal glands. It might be a cause for concern if they excessively lick their anal glands- it could mean it’s time to get them expressed professionally. Excessive licking in the genitals might also mean something is irritating them.
• Boredom or Anxiety
  • Dogs may lick themselves to cope with boredom or anxiety.
  • Licking can release calming hormones like dopamine and endorphins, similar to how some people twirl their hair when nervous.
• It’s a Habit
  • Sometimes, licking becomes a habit. If your dog licks excessively without a clear reason, it might be out of routine.
  • Redirecting their focus to toys or activities can help break this habit.
• Affection, Getting Attention, or Greeting
  • If your dog licks you or another pet, it’s likely a sign of affection.
  • Dogs often use licking as a way to show love or comfort, much like a mother dog licks her puppies.
  • Some theorize that your pup may also be picking up on your emotions and trying to soothe or connect with you (awww). They might also just be saying hello!
• You’re Tasty!
  • Dogs might lick you because they enjoy how you taste. For example, they may be drawn to salty skin after you’ve been exercising or cooking. We know our dogs loved licking us when we use coconut oil as a moisturizer.
• They’re Hungry
  • Licking can also be instinctual behavior tied to hunger. In the wild, puppies lick their mother’s lips to signal they’re ready to eat.
  • Your dog might do something similar when they’re feeling hungry. Just observe your dog around breakfast or dinner. 

There are so many reasons a dog might lick too much. It’s always important to take your pup to the veterinarian when they start exhibiting a new behavior that is excessive or obsessive. Your vet will help you get to the bottom of the causes of this excessive licking, and can help you come up with either a treatment plan or refer you to a behavioral specialist if necessary.

If you figure out your dog is licking out of boredom, you might need to give them more exercise and enrichment. That’s where we can help you! We’re dog walkers with years of experience. We’d be happy to take your dogs out for a break like a nice, brisk walk or a sniffari at their pace. Give us a call at 305-794-3733, or contact us here today!