If you’ve ever noticed that your dog licks everything it comes into contact with, you’re not alone. You may be curious as to why they might spend what seems a long time methodically licking the floor, furniture, themselves. But there’s a very simple reason for this. Your dog gets information about the world through its incredible sense of taste and smell, the same way you do through your senses of sight and touch.
How Did Dogs Develop This Licking Behavior?
Dogs have inherited this behavior from their wolf ancestors, who would greet each other and show submission by licking their pack members’ faces. Modern dogs have evolved this to serve multiple purposes beyond simple greetings and social interaction. When your dog licks, its highly developed sense of taste works along with a specialized sensory organ near its nose to gather as much information about its environment as possible. Check out these five fascinating facts about your dog’s nose.
What Information Do Dogs Get From Licking?
Every time your dog licks something, it picks up subtle chemical signals that give information about who or what is around it and what was there before. Their tongues are far more effective than our own, with hundreds more tastebuds, making them extremely sensitive. In addition, your dog’s nose, which assists with taste, is a powerhouse that can detect smells far beyond what a human nose can. This enhanced sensory capacity explains why your dog might spend several minutes licking a seemingly clean floor when, in fact, they’re reading a complex chemical story that’s undetectable to humans.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Dog’s Licking?
While licking is a very typical canine behavior, there are times when it can be an indication of an underlying issue that requires your attention. Medical conditions like gastrointestinal problems can cause your dog to lick surfaces excessively in an attempt to soothe their discomfort. Allergies can also trigger intense licking, particularly of paws and specific body areas. Repetitive licking behavior can also be indicative of anxiety and compulsive disorders in your dog, similar to humans biting their nails when stressed.
What Clues Should I Look For To Understand My Dog’s Licking?
It’s important to take into account the context of the licking as this will provide clues to its cause. For example, anxiety is likely a factor if your dog licks during certain situations, like when you have guests or there’s thunder. If the licking is focused on a particular area of the body, it may indicate pain or irritation. Sometimes dogs will lick surfaces after meals, which is most likely them trying to lick up any remaining morsels, but it could also mean there’s digestive discomfort.
How Can I Tell If My Dog’s Licking Is Normal or Excessive?
Being able to tell what is normal versus what is not will require you to pay careful attention to your dog’s behavior patterns. Occasional licking is natural and healthy, but persistent licking that interferes with normal activities or causes physical signs like sores or bald spots may require the care of a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine if there’s an underlying cause like allergies, pain, or even a behavioral issue that you can resolve through training or environmental changes.
What Can I Do to Manage My Dog’s Excessive Licking?
Various strategies exist to manage your dog’s licking that’s become excessive. These include providing your dog with adequate stimulation through regular exercise and puzzle toys to minimize anxiety-related licking. In addition, ensuring a calm environment and a consistent routine can minimize stress in your dog’s life, which can cause licking. Obsessive licking can be reduced by redirecting your dog’s attention to appropriate activities and rewarding calm behavior.
How Can I Prevent Problem Licking Before It Starts?
Regular grooming and health checks can play a crucial role in preventing problem licking. Check your dog’s skin for signs of irritation or excessive licking, which may indicate a potential health issue. Maintaining a clean environment and using pet-safe cleaning products can prevent your dog from being attracted to harmful residues on the floor and furniture.
When Should I Consult a Veterinarian About My Dog’s Licking?
Sudden changes in your dog’s licking behavior, as well as intense or difficult-to-interrupt licking, should be cause for concern. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination to rule out medical causes and provide appropriate treatment. Often, a combination of medical treatment and behavioral modification yields the best results in managing excessive licking.
Final Thoughts
Some licking is normal and healthy for dogs. It’s an essential part of how they process their environment and express themselves. Recognizing when normal licking becomes problematic is key to taking the necessary steps to address any underlying issues. Knowing your dog’s normalbehavior and keeping an eye out for any sudden changes will ensure that you can help your canine companion and get them the treatment they need to live a happy and healthy life.
