The Lowdown on Licking
In this Section:
A dog's tongue on your face can be a wonderful welcome home, and probably our favourite use of a dog's tongue. Dogs also use their tongue to groom themselves. But why do they fastidiously lick their paws, or the carpet, or a favourite toy? There are several possible reasons, and some of them are serious.
Attracted to a Scent
Causes for Excessive Licking
Treatment
Causes for Excessive Licking
Treatment
A dog's tongue on your face can be a wonderful welcome home, and probably our favourite use of a dog's tongue. Dogs also use their tongue to groom themselves. But why do they fastidiously lick their paws, or the carpet, or a favourite toy? There are several possible reasons, and some of them are serious.
Attracted to a Scent
Contrary to the belief that dogs lick owners purely out of affection, the aroma of the skin may actually have more to do with it. If your dog licks your legs after a bath, she could be attracted to your bath salts. Lotions and powders can also attract a dog's olfactory sense. Licking is just your dog's way of exploring the scent. While you might not want your dog licking off your best lotion, the affects on him are usually harmless.
Causes for Excessive Licking
So why do dogs lick themselves, often to the point of creating "hot spots" or sores on their skin? Incessant licking may mean trouble. Some causes include:
- Allergies. Where as humans get itchy eyes, dogs get itchy skin. Licking can help relieve the itching.
- Neurodermatitis. This obsessive self-licking results from anxiety, boredom or stress. Boredom can also cause dogs to lick carpet, furniture or their favourite toy.
- Contact dermatitis is another possibility. This allergic reaction can be from metals, rubber, wool, plastic or irritants such as dyes, deodorisers or poison ivy.
- Atopy may also be the cause. This allergic dermatitis is due to something your dog inhales, such as pollen, dust mites and mould. Signs include licking the feet, inflamed ears and itching.
Treatment
- Just as with humans, there are medicines that can help reduce symptoms associated with allergies. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
- If a dog is licking to relieve anxiety, find the cause of his anxiety and take steps to eliminate the source.
- Treatment for contact dermatitis or atopy may include steroids, fatty acid supplements, or antihistamines.
- You are what you eat, and so is your dog. Eating the right food will help keep your dog's coat healthy and reduce skin irritations.
