Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Normal vs Excessive
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Vet verified. Written and reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, Team Vet.
Brief grooming licks can be normal, but repeated licking is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Location, frequency, skin change and the dog's ability to stop help distinguish routine grooming from itch, pain, infection or a behavior problem.
Key Takeaways
- Reasons why dogs lick themselves include grooming, boredom, injury, chronic pain or skin issues.
-While some licking is a harmless habit, excessive licking can be indicative of a skin or coat issue that needs addressing.
We’ve all been there. It’s late at night and you’re trying to sleep when suddenly you hear an incessant ‘Lick, lick, slurp!’.
Your dog is merrily licking its paws or belly and the noise is akin to torture. You tell them to stop and they settle for a few minutes, only to pick right back up where they left off. Why do they do this?
Well, there are actually more reasons than you might realize why a dog may lick themselves.
Reasons why dogs lick themselves
Grooming. A quick lick of the fur every now and then is perfectly normal and is how dogs keep themselves clean. However, dogs shouldn’t do this excessively and we should pay attention if they are always licking the same spot as this likely indicates an issue.
Boredom. For some, grooming themselves and licking can help to fill a void and they may lick their skin and fur to keep themselves occupied. This is more common in those with behavioral disorders such as separation anxiety. For some, it can become a bad habit and they may even cause fur loss and irritated skin. To reduce this behavior, ensure they are getting lots of mental and physical stimulation and try to keep their lives as stress free as you can. Simple games like hiding some treats around the living room can usually keep a dog busy for a solid 15 minutes.
Due to an injury. When dogs get grazes and cuts, their natural instinct is to lick the area. While this can be helpful in removing debris and dirt, it is actually counter-productive. The licking prevents healing and introduces bad bacteria from the mouth. Stop this type of licking by using a buster collar and/or pet t-shirt as appropriate.
On top of this, dogs may lick when there is an issue with the skin itself:
Pruritus. Pruritus is the technical term for being itchy. While dogs will rub and scratch when they feel an itch, they will also lick. This is especially true when it comes to inflamed and irritated paws. Itchy skin has a wide range of causes including Atopic Dermatitis, Endocrine Disorders, Parasitic Infestations and Infections. It is best to have an itchy dog examined by their veterinarian so the most appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Dry and flaky skin. Dry skin equals itchy skin, and as we know, dogs will lick to try and calm the itch. Dry skin can occur when dogs are bathed too often, when an improper diet is fed or when there is an underlying medical issue.
How to help your dog maintain a healthy coat
What diet helps maintain a dog's skin & coat?
The salmon in this premium dog food is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are key in promoting a healthy skin barrier. They contribute to the natural lipid layer, locking moisture inside and defending against irritants and pollutants.
This is especially critical for those with skin allergies who can be extra sensitive to things in their environment. Another crucial ingredient is the mix of prebiotics which can support a robust digestive system; benefiting overall health and the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infection.
When licking needs a veterinary check
Book an examination when licking is new, persistent, focused on one area or strong enough to interrupt sleep and play. Redness, odor, greasy skin, scaling, hair loss, swelling, discharge, a wound, a lump, limping or sensitivity makes assessment more important. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain or a rapidly spreading reaction.
Record the pattern before the visit
- Photograph the same area in similar light once daily.
- Record the time, duration and body location.
- Note walks, grooming, food, medication and parasite prevention.
- Check whether the licking follows activity, rest or being left alone.
- Prevent further injury with veterinary guidance rather than applying human creams.
Why a diet change is not the first test for every itchy dog
Parasites, bacterial or yeast infection and environmental allergy are common possibilities. A food allergy cannot be diagnosed from an ingredient list or a few days on a new bag. When a veterinarian recommends an elimination diet, every food, flavored medication and reward must fit the protocol, followed by a controlled challenge. Random diet switching can blur the evidence and unbalance intake.
Trusted veterinary source
Merck Veterinary Manual: itching in dogs
Related guides: why dogs scratch and bite, chicken allergy in dogs and the dog behavior hub.