It is not uncommon for pet dog to lick themselves. It is, after all, the way they groom themselves.  

Your pet dog may also lick you as a sign of affection. It could also be because you taste good due to body wash or scented lotions. 

Don’t be surprised if your pet dog licks you after a workout. There is something about the salty taste that they find quite delicious. 

But if there is excessive licking, it could show that there is a problem. In some cases, it is compulsive behavior. It may be a manifestation of anxiety or other systematic issues. 

The pet could be suffering from poor oral health. You can take care of this with the right veterinary dental products. 

Let’s explore the topic further.  

Excessive Licking in Pets and if It Can Cause a Problem

Excessive compulsive licking is the repetitive licking of one area of the body. Other acts like chewing or scratching may accompany the licking. Over time, hair or skin in the targeted area will diminish significantly. Raw red spots that can be painful may develop due to the aggressive action. 

Sometimes the licking is not limited to a part of their body. Dogs, for example, will lick objects or a particular spot on the floor. They may do the same to people as well. 

So, can excessive licking cause a problem? The simple, straightforward answer is yes. We can summarize them as follows:

• Hot spots or wounds which can present an entryway for bacterial or fungal infections
• Acral lick granulomas or wounds that do not heal. It can lead to the breaking down of hair follicles and rupturing of sweat glands. The result is a vicious, never-ending cycle of excessive licking. 
• Stress for the pets and their owners in dealing with the issues. 

You will get a better understanding as we look at the causes of excessive licking.  

Excessive Licking as a Sign of Dental Disease

It is important to note that pets, like humans, need good dental hygiene. If you do not maintain good oral health, problems will occur. If you notice excessive licking, stinking breath, and a change in eating habits, it is a sign of dental disease. 

Foreign objects in the teeth or oral lesions could be the reason for excessive licking. A solution would be to schedule a visit to the veterinary for dental cleaning.  

Also, stock up on veterinary dental products to maintain the pet’s dental health. There are many different types of approved veterinary dental products. They can help with plaque prevention through barrier sealant technologies. The barrier sealant prevents bacteria from sticking to the surfaces of the teeth resulting in plaque. 

Excessive Licking as a Sign of Skin Infections

As we said in the introduction, pet dog groom by licking. That in itself should not be a cause for concern. But if you notice that they are scratching and licking specific areas, it could be a sign of skin infections. To the touch, the region could seem heated.

 It is important to take a pet to the vet. Some reasons for the skin infections could include:-

• Parasitic attacks from fleas and mites
• Bacterial, yeast or fungal infections
• Skin allergies from environmental factors or food
• Underlying conditions resulting in pain, such as arthritis. The pet will lick the painful area hoping for some relief. But with time, the excessive licking can lead to further discomfort for the animal. 
• Nausea can lead to excessive lip licking. The pet will also do the same on bedding or the carpet.  
• You will also notice the strange behavior of chewing on grass. Also, watch out for other signs like diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and strange stomach noises. Causes of nausea include blockage in the digestive tract or eating non-food items. Other reasons are diet changes, food sensitivity, diseases, or infections. 
• Hormone imbalance due to metabolic diseases such as Cushings. 
• Boredom and other behavioral issues result in excessive licking. Sometimes the pet will continue to lick the area even after the underlying problem is no longer there. Stress can also lead to the same, and licking becomes a way to cope.  

Final Thoughts

Excessive licking is a very real concern that requires urgent attention. We have looked at the causes and the resulting problems. Do seek help from your vet. Also, maintain proper oral hygiene with a wide range of veterinary dental products.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it essential to keep up with oral hygiene for pets?

Yes, it is imperative to maintain oral hygiene for your pets. Like humans, they are prone to dental issues like plaque, gum disease, etc. It is crucial to have the right veterinary dental hygiene products. You can find a range in the form of dental chews, water additives, or plaque sprays.  

What is dental plaque?

Plaque results from a mixture of starchy or sugary foods and bacteria. It presents as a sticky film on the teeth. Over time it hardens into tartar, which is what you see due to the dark color. Your pets can also develop plaque, so keep up with their oral hygiene. 

Plaque sprays for dogs are effective. You should also schedule regular cleanups at the vet.  

Why do pets, especially dogs, lick?

 There are many reasons behind licking in animals. These include;-

• Grooming
• Sign of affection
• Attention-seeking behavior
• They’re exploring the world with their tongue
• Excessive licking can be due to an underlying medical condition. These include dental issues, arthritis, nausea, dementia, etc.
• Hunger or dehydration 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, stress, or behavioral problems
• Allergies

What can I do about excessive licking?

It is crucial to find out the reason behind the excessive licking. The best action is to take your pet dog to the vet for a thorough check-up. 

Understanding the underlying basis for the licking is the first step to finding a solution. This could include antibiotics to kill bacterial infections. You may have to change the pet’s diet if the cause is food allergies. Other interventions include surgical removal of foreign bodies if that is the underlying issue. 

As a pet owner, you must take good care of your animals. That includes keeping them clean. Do keep an eye out for parasites that may cause the itching. Oral hygiene is also critical. 

Also read: The Best Silicone Pet Mat You Could Get for Your Pet

What are some problems that can arise from excessive licking?

There are several problems, including:-

• Open wounds
• Ruptured sweat glands
• Loss of hair follicles
• Wounds that do not heal
• Stress for you and the animal.