Decoding Your Pup: When is Licking a Dog Health Warning Sign?

Licking is one of the many ways dogs communicate with us and each other. They use it as a tool for interaction, to show respect or affection, and sometimes to let us know if something’s bothering them.

Understanding exactly why your dog is licking may require some detective work. Are you being greeted with a flurry of excited licks when you come home after a long day? That might be your dog’s way of saying they’ve missed you. 

Is the licking slow, focused, and happening while you pet them? That might be them politely hinting it’s time to stop. 

Licking can be an invitation to play, a sign of respect, or even a way for your pup to seek attention. But, sometimes, those incessant licks are a signal that something’s not quite right – and that’s when you need to pay closer attention.

The Various Meanings Behind Dog Licks

Affectionate Licks: Love or Anxiety?

Dogs often express their love through licks, mimicking the maternal bond they experienced as puppies. It’s their cozy way of saying, “You’re the best!” But, are they pouring out their doggy hearts – or is there a touch of anxiety in those love licks? 

Dogs also seek comfort and security from their human pack leaders. So, if you notice your dog alternating between cuddles and licks, it might be a request for reassurance. If they’re licking excessively, especially during times of change or after a long separation, it could be their way of coping with stress or fear.¹

Alert Licks: When Licking Signifies a Problem

When your dog switches from occasional licks to a persistent tongue marathon, something’s up. Just as people might bite their nails or tap their feet when stressed, dogs may lick to soothe themselves if they’re feeling discomfort or stress. It’s about reading the room – or in this case, your dog.² 

If your dog is relentlessly licking the air, themselves, or objects without any obvious reason, they might be waving a red flag at you. Dogs can’t tell us their symptoms, so these licks could be their way of alerting you to pain, itchiness, or some internal unease. Don’t shrug it off; it’s always worth checking with your vet if your dog seems to be on a licking loop with no “off” switch.

Possible Medical Reasons for Excessive Licking

Skin Issues That Lead to Licking

If you’ve ever had a relentless itch, you know: it’s awful. For dogs, certain skin conditions can turn their world into an itchy arena. Their response? Lick, lick, lick! It’s their go-to strategy for soothing those pesky irritations. Consider it a dog health warning sign when you see your dog focusing intensely on one particular spot, or if you notice hair loss and red, irritated skin. They might be dealing with dermatitis, an allergic skin condition, fleas or mites, or even a bacterial or fungal infection.³ 

A vet can best decipher doggy skin issues and provide relief, so don’t put off having a chat. 

Other Health Problems Indicated by Licking

Dogs have a less-than-perfect way of dealing with gastrointestinal discomfort – licking. Whether it’s a case of an upset tummy or something more serious, excessive licking can be a clue. And, it’s not just about licking themselves; some dogs will lick floors or walls when their stomachs are in distress. If you’ve got a canine licking thin air like they’re trying to catch invisible butterflies, it might be time for a vet visit to determine what’s going on.⁴

Pups also commonly lick areas of the body that are causing them pain. Conditions like arthritis, wounds, or even fractures could all be reasons for overgrooming and licking.⁵ 

Behavioral Aspects of Dog Licking

Compulsive Licking and Psychological Concerns

Is your dog’s licking obsessive? You might be looking at something deeper than skin or tummy troubles. Just like people, mental health can skew doggie behaviors. When a dog’s licking morphs from casual to non-stop, they may be showing signs of psychological issues, like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

These dogs may lick themselves raw, or have a favorite spot on the furniture they just can’t leave alone. Managing these behaviors often requires a blend of training, environmental tweaks, and sometimes, with a vet’s guidance, medication. It’s about creating a safe, stress-free zone where they can swap out licking for more serene activities.^6,7

Licking as a Stress Response or Fear Indicator

If your dog’s licking seems out of place, consider what’s happening around them. Are they in a new environment or around unfamiliar dogs or people? Reading these potential signals is important, so you can help ease any potential anxiety or fear your dog might be experiencing.  

In this case, excessive licking is like a polite hand raise. It’s your dog’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m not okay with this situation.” 

Observing and Responding to Your Dog’s Licking

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Licking?

Keep your eyes peeled for the switch from cute to concerning: excessive grooming to the point of hair loss, licking non-food objects compulsively, or fixating on a spot that seems to make them groan or whine. Remember, these excessive licking episodes are their SOS signals, asking you to step in and help find the source of their stress or discomfort.

Steps to Take if Your Dog is Licking Excessively

If your canine companion is on a licking spree and it’s got you worried, it’s time to slip on your detective hat. First things first, book a chat with your vet because it’s crucial to rule out health hiccups. They may recommend allergy tests, a change in diet, or a closer look at any skin lesions. 

If the coast is clear medically, consider a heart-to-heart with a pet behaviorist, who might suggest stress-busting toys or a zen-inducing exercise regime. And there’s work for you too – keeping life predictable and positive for your pooch can do wonders. Sometimes, it’s the small changes, like a consistent routine or a calm-down corner, that can bring the licks back down.

Addressing Unwanted Licking

Training Tips to Minimize Inappropriate Licking

If your dog is licking excessively, begin with the basics – a command such as ‘leave it’ works wonders when delivered in a firm, yet gentle, tone. Positive reinforcement is also a solid choice. Offer treats and praise when your dog refrains from licking on cue. 

Need a distraction? Those tantalizing toys and licky mats aren’t just fun and games; they’re tools to help redirect those busy tongues away from you or the furniture. And remember, dogs are social scholars – they read you like their favorite book. Ensure you’re not inadvertently rewarding the licking with attention, even if it’s just a “stop that!” Instead, ignore the unwanted licking, and give them lots of pats for behaving.

Seeking Professional Help for Persistent Licking Issues

If training tricks aren’t doing the trick, it’s time to bring in the pros. Persistent, hard-to-break licking habits might need the finesse of a professional pet behaviorist or a vet with a knack for neurotic noses. These specialists can dive deeper into a dog’s psyche or physiology to root out the cause of compulsive licking. From behavior modification plans tailored to your dog’s needs to medical interventions for underlying conditions, they’ll plot the course for a no-lick fix. They’re also great at guiding you, the pet parent, on how to provide a supportive environment for these treatments to be successful. It’s all about teamwork.

Final Thoughts

While licking is a natural behavior for dogs, it can sometimes serve as a signal that something is up and warrants your attention. By understanding the context and frequency of your dog’s licking, you can better assess whether it’s a harmless habit or a symptom of a potential health issue, anxiety, or discomfort. 

Always consult with a veterinarian if you notice persistent or unusual licking patterns to help ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy. Being attentive to these signs can help you address any concerns early, so you can help maintain your dog’s well-being.