Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Reasons for Dog Licking Behavior

Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves?

Dogs lick themselves for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons dogs lick their bodies include grooming, itching and irritation, affection, curiosity, and instinct.

Grooming

One of the main reasons dogs lick themselves is for grooming purposes. Licking helps keeps a dog's coat clean and free of debris. The moisture from a dog's tongue helps remove dirt and loose hair. Licking also spreads oils across the dog's fur, helping to keep it soft and conditioned.

Areas that dogs frequently lick as part of their grooming ritual include their paws, legs, chest, back, and genital region. These areas can easily collect dirt and debris when dogs spend time running outside. A good lick helps clean up!

Itching and Irritation

Dogs may excessively lick areas that are itchy or irritated. Common causes of itching and skin irritations in dogs include:

• Allergies - Dog allergies to food, dust mites, pollen or mold can cause red, irritated skin that dogs feel compelled to lick.
• Insect Bites - Mosquito, spider or bee stings can cause localized irritation and inflammation.
• Skin Infections - Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can become incredibly itchy.
• Dry Skin - Dry, flaky skin can become extremely itchy and uncomfortable.

The sensation of licking an itchy area of skin can provide temporary relief to dogs. However, excessive licking caused by an underlying medical issue may require veterinary attention and treatment.

Affection

Dogs also lick their owners and other dogs as a way to display affection. Licking triggers the release of feel good chemicals in the brain like oxytocin and dopamine. When dogs lick each other, it helps strengthen social bonds within the pack.

Giving kisses through licking is one way dogs communicate their love for human and canine companions. It's a completely normal dog behavior that helps them convey their emotions.

Additional Reasons Why Dogs Lick

Curiosity

Dogs explore the world heavily through licking. By licking objects, they can pick up chemical cues to learn more about their environment. Puppies especially will lick almost everything as they investigate. Some dogs will compulsively lick floors, carpets or furniture out of curiosity of the smells.

Instinct

The instinct to lick traces back to some of dogs' early ancestral traits. Mother dogs lick their young pups to stimulate bowel movements, clean them, and nurture bonding.

Many dogs retain this innate nurturing behavior and will mimic bathing or grooming other dogs or people in the family. It evokes feelings of comfort and caretaking.

Stress or Anxiety

Dogs may engage is obsessive, excessive licking behaviors when stressed or anxious. Chronic, obsessive licking that leads to self-trauma is known as acral lick dermatitis. It causes destruction of skin due to over grooming.

Acral lick dermatitis usually requires behavior modification training in combination with medication to treat the underlying anxiety. Consulting with a veterinary behaviorist is advisable in these situations.

When to See the Vet

While most licking behavior in dogs is completely natural, veterinary assessment is a good idea if licking becomes excessive or leads to self-trauma. Chronic licking issues point to an underlying health, behavior or environmental issue that needs addressing.

Consult with your vet if your notice any of the following:

• Persistent licking that leads to hotspots, hair loss or skin damage
• Unusual or sudden increase in licking activity
• Ongoing licking directed at one specific area
• Licking accompanied by other symptoms like gastrointestinal issues

With an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, your veterinarian can provide treatments and management plans tailored for your dog’s unique needs!

FAQs

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Dogs lick their paws to groom them and keep them clean. Their paws pick up dirt, mud and debris when they are outside. The moisture and texture of a dog's tongue helps remove the unwanted material stuck between their toes and foot pads.

Is it bad for dogs to lick too much?

Yes, excessive licking can be harmful for dogs. Chronic, obsessive licking behaviors can lead to acral lick dermatitis, causing trauma and infection on areas of damaged skin. Underlying allergies, parasites, anxiety, stress or other health issues may prompt overgrooming.

When should I worry about my dog's licking?

See your veterinarian if licking causes significant hair loss, skin damage or open wounds, if it starts suddenly or seems obsessive, or if it paired with changes in appetite, bowel movements or behavior.

How can I stop my dog from excessive licking?

Identify and address the underlying cause first. Provide plenty of exercise, stimulation and affection. Use bitter anti-lick sprays or clothing/bandages to prevent access to problem areas during retraining. Consult your vet about medication or supplemental treatment if anxiety or allergies are fault.