5+ Causes of Excessive Licking in Dogs

Dogs use licking as a way to interact with their environment, but what does it mean when your dog seems to be licking everything constantly?

Excessive licking often signals underlying issues, whether behavioral or health-related. It's a behavior that may point to something concerning in their care, environment, or physical condition, all of which need to be addressed.

In this article, we take a closer look at six common causes of excessive licking in dogs to help you better understand this puzzling behavior.

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) represents repetitive and invariant behaviors that are repeated frequently and serve no adaptive purpose.

The most frequent compulsive behaviors in dogs are excessive licking, continuous tail chasing, incessant barking, and fixation with a certain object. Many compulsive behaviors are related to frustrated instincts, so a thorough behavioral development study of your dog must be carried out.

For example, it is possible that your dog is bored and has adapted this behavior to relieve their boredom, something that has become routine. Make sure not to leave them alone for long periods without entertainment.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety can develop suddenly in dogs for various reasons, although each dog will have their own triggers. For example, some dogs may need to be collected, while others may be overly pampered.

Many situations are common causes of anxiety in dogs, such as going to the veterinarian or long car trips. These varying causes can result in different types of anxiety, such as separation anxiety or hyperactivity disorders.

Contact a canine ethologist to assess your dog's individual needs, and they can carry out the corresponding behavioral modifications.

3. Attention Seeking

Another reason why your dog licks everything constantly is because they have previously associated this action with getting your attention.

It's possible that, at a certain moment of boredom, they started to lick everything around them because they know it's a behavior you do not like. Even if you scold them, it is enough for them to know that you are paying them attention.

For example, if they keep licking their paw, they know you will come to examine it. This is a problem if they are overly possessive, overly dependent, or they are experiencing well-being issues that need to be addressed by us.

4. Gastrointestinal Problems

We should look at possible concurrent symptoms when a dog licks everything constantly. For example, if licking excessively is accompanied by vomiting, it's possible they are experiencing a stomach ailment.

Due to sensations of nausea, they may lick surfaces such as floors, doors, or walls as a way to induce vomiting, similar to how they might ingest grass to do the same thing. Constantly licking their lips is also a way they can stimulate saliva production.

Doing so may introduce fluid into their stomach and result in vomiting. If you notice your dog is also apathetic, has diarrhea, is in pain, or has similar symptoms when licking, you will need to go to a vet.

5. Dental Problems

When faced with dental problems where there is inflammation, pain, or infection, licking can help relieve negative sensations.

A broken tooth, inflammation from a foreign object stuck in their gums, or periodontal diseases are common causes. Examine their mouth to find out if there is a problem.

6. Expressing Happiness

Dogs use their tongue to show you affection, submission, and approval. It’s also an instinctive behavior that can be associated with you, especially when reinforced as they develop.

This is when they display this behavior the most, so they will be more likely to do it as adults if reinforced as a puppy. If you do not like your dog licking you, you should show them that it is not always okay.

This is especially important in nervous dogs that lick you excessively when you arrive home. Although they are expressing the happiness they feel at seeing your return, it is an excessively nervous behavior, and they will do it every time you talk to them or when they feel happy.

For some people, this can be a little annoying. Try to ignore them every time they do it and redirect this behavior to something of which you are more tolerant.

Final Thoughts:

Excessive licking in dogs can be more than just an annoying habit—it's often a sign that something is wrong, whether it's related to their emotional well-being, physical health, or the environment they live in.

By identifying the root cause of this behavior, you can take steps to improve your dog's quality of life. Whether it's addressing anxiety, seeking medical treatment, or making lifestyle adjustments, understanding why your dog is licking can help you provide the care they need.

If you've noticed any of these behaviors in your dog, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian or a canine behavior expert for guidance. Thanks for reading, and remember to give your furry friend the attention and care they deserve!