What is considered excessive licking in dogs? A Complete Guide

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When is licking private parts considered a problem?

Frequent or sustained licking of the urogenital (urinary and genital) area may indicate that a medical problem exists. Alert your veterinarian if you see any of the following signs:

  • swollen or red penis, vulva, or anus
  • presence of pustules (pimples) or red bumps on the skin
  • discoloration of the skin (black or rust colored)
  • straining to urinate
  • increased frequency of urination
  • scooting or rubbing the rectal area on the ground
  • presence of a foul odor between eliminations
  • discharge from penis or vulva

    • Symptoms of Excessive Licking in Dogs

    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. Here are some things you might notice in this area:

  • Excessive licking of air, your face, the furniture, his paws, other animals, his genitals, the tile, the carpet — virtually everything within reach
  • The licking is prolonged – It lasts longer than is required to explore or investigate the object
  • 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

    • Types

    There are two types of excessive licking categories:

  • Licking of surfaces in his environment – This type is called Excessive Licking of Surfaces and can include anything and everything within reach in your canine family member’s world
  • Self-licking – 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. Of course, underlying medical issues such as atopic dermatitis and parasites must be ruled out if we are to confirm the diagnosis of a behavioral issue.

    • Should I let my dog lick my face?

    Whether you should let your dog lick your face or not is an entirely personal decision, but be aware that your dog’s mouth is full of natural bacteria and their saliva may contain parasites. The chances of you becoming unwell from being licked on the face are probably very small, but you’ve seen your dog licking or eating things you wouldn’t normally, which begs the question, what are they putting in their mouths that you haven’t seen? If you do let your dog lick your face, make sure you wash it with soap and water afterwards to minimise any unpleasant contamination.

    Excessive Paw Licking? Why it happens and What you can do.

    Dogs lick for a variety of reasons but excessive licking can not only be annoying but an indication of a problem. Here are a few reasons your pet might be licking:

    Injury If your dog is licking or chewing at one spot in particular, such as their paw, it’s a good idea to check the area for an injury or debris. They can get thorns or burrs between the pads of their feet and dogs with thick coats may have a laceration or puncture wound under all that fur.

    Nausea Just like people, dogs get upset tummies and just like people, it can cause excessive salivation and/or a gross taste in their mouth. Dogs who suffer chronic stomach upset can benefit from something as simple as a dietary change. ​Hill’s Prescription ​i/d food is specifically formulated for dogs with sensitive GI systems.

    Hunger or Dehydration Remember Pavlov’s dogs? Dogs who are hungry or think they are about to eat salivate more which can lead to increased licking.

    Itchy Skin If your dog’s licking is accompanied by chewing, scratching or head-shaking, your pet may be suffering from allergies. Other symptoms can include nasal or eye discharge, rash and itchy or painful ears. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things so you’ll want to work with your veterinary team to determine the right treatment. Dogs with severe allergies may need to undergo allergy testing.

    Dental Disease If your dog is licking and has stinky breath or changes in their eating habits, it might be time for dental cleaning. Oral lesions and foreign objects may also cause your dog to lick excessively.

    Neurologic Problems Canine distemper is not a disease we see often thanks to vaccinations but infected dogs can have what are commonly referred to as “chewing gum fits”. What looks like excessive licking may in fact be a seizure. It’s important to keep your dog up-to-date on his or her vaccinations.

    Cognitive Dysfunction Older dogs can develop something like dementia. As their brain function becomes impaired you may notice things such as tremors or excessive licking.

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Dogs can experience psychological disorders which can lead to compulsive behaviors such as excessive licking. Stress, anxiety, separation and boredom can all lead to excessive licking.

    Since dogs can’t tell us why they’re licking, we as caregivers have to do some investigating. Figuring out the cause and the appropriate treatment can prevent a transient behavior from becoming a habitual behavior. Your veterinarian can help but since your dog spends the most time with you, he or she will be relying on your keen observations. Some details to note are:

    You’ll also want to note any changes in your dog’s environment such as the addition of a housemate, some moving away or construction going on. Sometimes, things as small as re-arranging furniture can be stressful for our pets so make note of any changes in your pet’s routine or environment.

    Once you and your veterinarian have determined a suspected cause, you can then move on to treatment. Your vet may recommend flea treatment, allergy medication or maybe a dietary change helps you and your pet find relief. If no clinical diagnosis can be made and the licking is behavioral, your veterinarian can make some recommendations on behavior modification or the introduction of medications that reduce anxiety. He or she may even recommend consulting a dog trainer to work with you and your pet to help curb habitual excessive licking.