It is not uncommon for dogs to excessively lick objects. Obsessive behaviors like licking are disruptive and detrimental to both the dog and their family. Understanding why dogs do it, explore the cause, and the steps to stopping the behavior are important to the dog's welfare and role in family life.
Lick, Lick, Lick
Licking is a normal behavior for dogs. They lick to groom. Also, like toddlers who put things in their mouths, dogs lick to get information. Because their taste ability is far superior to humans, they gather a great deal of information. However when the licking becomes obsessive, it can be harmful, destructive or disruptive. Dogs who lick obsessively are not gathering information any more than an obsessive hand washer is cleaning his hands. The behavior is compulsive, meaning they must do it even though it is detrimental to their well-being.
Impact on Pet and Family
When a dog occasionally licks interesting items or people, it can be charming. When the dog spends time licking everything in the house it can reach, the behavior indicates a problem with the dog. It also disrupts how the dog interacts with the family, how the family reacts to the dog and ability to have a normal relationship with the dog. Frustration with the behavior can lead to negative responses to the dog, worsening the behavior and causing stress to humans and dog.
Exploring Causes
There are a variety of causes for obsessive licking including boredom, pain, allergies, disease and stress. The first step to stopping the behavior is discovering why it is happening. Examine all changes to the household, routine, environment, food and family dynamics. The second step is a thorough check by the veterinarian. Blood work and an exam may either indicate a problem or rule out medical conditions as the cause.
Removing the Cause
The first part of changing the behavior depends on understanding and removing the cause for the licking progressing to this level. Dealing with the cause is necessary to begin making changes. However, dealing with the cause, whether medical or not, is only the beginning because once the behavior has been established, it has to be dealt with separately. If the behavior is severe, a veterinarian may recommend medication to help deal with anxiety.
Changing the Behavior
To change an obsessive behavior, it has to be stopped and alternative behaviors put in its place. Finding good safe chew toys like Kongs or toys that entertain dogs will help decrease licking when the family is not home to supervise the dog. Some dogs can be deterred with bitter apple and other sprays, but most simply think you provided basting sauce. When the family is home, stop the behavior by leashing the dog to a family member so that licking can be prevented. Say in a stern but not loud voice "no licking" if the dog starts to lick and then give the appropriate toy. Give the dog positive attention when not licking. Schedule regular and frequent short exercise, play and training new tricks as productive ways to change the dog's routine, decrease stress, and provide alternate behaviors to occupy its time.
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