It must be a familiar sight for dog parents. Their four-legged loyal companions seem to lick everything they encounter, from your hand to the floor, their favorite toys, or even the air for no reason. Initially, it appears to be a cute gesture, but when dog owners find out that they are doing this repeatedly, they are curious about the reason.
For your information, licking happens to be one of the most common canine behaviors. Yet, humans often misunderstand it. Although occasional licking is perfectly normal and a sign of the dogs showing their affection, excessive licking can be a cause of concern, signaling health issues or underlying stress. So, let us try to decipher the science behind dog licking, and when to consider it to be normal, and when it might be a case of worry.
Licking is every dog’s natural instinct
To be precise, licking is rooted in each dog’s instincts. Even before dogs were domesticated, wild dogs used licking as one of their main tools for communication and survival. This must be a familiar sight, pups licking their mother’s faces. Adult dogs lick each other to build social bonds. Thus, when you observe your pup is licking you or any random things around the house, it is their way of expressing affection, submission, or curiosity.
Licking as a sign of affection
There is no doubt whatsoever that the reason your dog licks you is its way of expressing love. When they lick your face, hands, or feet, they are trying to illustrate you as their favorite human. Interestingly, dogs realize that licking lets people pay more attention to them. For example, after licking, the dog parent will usually smile back at them, or pat them, or might even offer a treat. Gradually, these positive reinforcements make licking a natural way for the dogs to show affection.
The taste factor
Then, of course, dogs lick everything because they taste or smell something interesting. As we all know, our (human) skin bears traces of salt, lotion, and sweat. Likewise, floors also leave subtle scents from spilled drinks or dropped food. The nose of dogs is very sensitive and it catches even the faintest of aromas, which allows them to lick the place to inspect. For dogs, tasting things around them is as natural as sniffing considered to be their key to happiness. Licking helps them to gather information, and it helps them to understand the surroundings better.
Licking for comfort or anxiety relief
When we are anxious, many of us tend to bite our nails or fiddle with things in our hands. It is a natural way to calm tense nerves. Likewise, licking for dogs is equally necessary. When they lick, it releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that calm and comfort dogs during stressful moments. You will notice that dogs are licking more in the following situations:
When you leave the house
- There are loud noises around, like those of firecrackers or even thunder.
- When strangers and other pets visit your home.
In each of the abovementioned scenarios, licking helps them to cope with the existing situation. However, if you notice the dog is licking more than it should, it could be a sign that it is getting more anxious.
Boredom triggers licking behavior
Regardless of their types, big or small, every dog thrives on mental and physical stimulation. When they are deprived of either of these, boredom creeps in, and licking becomes their only source of self-attainment. Often, when your dog does not get sufficient exercise or engagement, they will start licking the walls, floors, or even furniture to fill in the void.
Excessive licking can be a sign of health issues
Consider it a red flag when your dog starts licking excessively. It is a definite sign of an underlying health issue. Here are some possible causes:
- Allergies: Dogs tend to lick their paws or skin to relieve itching caused by various environmental factors or food allergies.
- Pain: Instances like an injury, insect bite, or arthritis can trigger focused licking. In this case, they will lick the same spot repeatedly.
- Discomfort: Dogs tend to lick more when they are dealing with issues like an upset stomach dealing with some kind of illness, or feeling sick.
- Dental issues: Gum disease or oral pain can also make dogs lick in the air, their lips, or all the other surfaces.
Therefore, if you notice your dog is suddenly licking more than normal, it is time to book an appointment with a vet. Remember, early intervention can prevent small health issues from becoming chronic.
When licking becomes obsessive
In a few cases, licking becomes a compulsive behavior for dogs. Vets describe this as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD). In this condition, dogs tend to lick excessively, go tail-chasing, and spin, without any possible or understandable cause. Various factors can trigger CCD, which can be in the form of long-term isolation, lack of stimulation, or extreme anxiety.
Then again, dogs that have experienced trauma or major environmental changes, like moving from one place to another, or losing their favorite companion, can show such behavior. In such scenarios, a vet or animal behaviorist can help. They can recommend various behavior modification techniques, supplements, or anxiety-reducing medications to overcome their condition.
Safe and possible ways to manage licking
If you observe, of late, your dog has been licking more than ever, don’t worry instead, try out these methods to channelize their behavior:
- Increase physical activity: Go for daily walks, engage them in fetch games, and it will help them release their energy, and they will stop their habit of excessive licking.
- Mental stimulation: Give them various things to remain engaged, like puzzle feeders, scent games, and interactive toys. Each of these will keep their minds occupied, and they will not lick like before.
- Stick to a routine: When you set a routine, it helps the dogs to reduce anxiety, and thus it will help the cause of the ones that lick out of stress.
- Regular vet checkups: Most importantly, schedule vet checkups regularly. It will help rule out medical causes like allergies or infections early.
When to seek professional help
If, despite trying the aforementioned steps, the licking habit does not stop. Then it is worthwhile to seek professional help. Moreover, every dog parent should watch out for the following:
- When the dog licks a specific area of the body
- The dog is losing hair randomly, getting affected by sores, and experiencing skin irritation.
- When the dog shows signs of anxiety, such as whining, pacing, and destructive chewing.
Each of the above conditions can trigger their licking, and it is time to seek professional help in the form of a vet, who may suggest allergy testing, dietary adjustments, or behavior therapy depending on the diagnosis.
Understand dogs and be patient
As a responsible dog owner, you must understand that every dog licks for a specific reason. Although most of the time it should be regarded as their natural behavior, only in the cases discussed earlier do you need to pay attention. When you concentrate on their triggers and body language, you will soon determine when they are licking out of affection and the times when they are licking out of stress or under the influence of a health condition.
Dealing with the situation with patience, observation, and proactive care can help both the dog and its owner for a long time.