Freeman says that dogs who are separated from their mother too soon can develop compulsive licking later in life. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and licking may be an indicator of nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Many dogs have an intolerance to grains, starches, and soy. They can even be negatively affected by the diet of the chicken or beef in their dog food. Any changes to their diet should be made gradually.
Dogs also groom their fur by licking and often express affection by licking their pet parents, just like their mothers did to them. For some pups, licking is just a behavioral impulse. Plus, dogs lick people because they like us! Tasting our salty skin is one way that dogs experience the world around them. By Lucy Wendel Updated July 16, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Save Pin FB More. Comments 3 Add Comment. View Comments. October 29, Licking from boredom, stress or psychological issues can also cause secondary problems of infections, as well as further stress to both owner and dog. These problems are often found after ruling out the more common underlying causes, and do require the help of a behaviorist, trainer and your veterinarian to solve.
Traditional treatments involve treatment with regular medication. Allergy medications such as over the counter Benadryl, or prescriptions from your vet can help with both food based and environmental problems. External parasites may be treated with a monthly topical product, pill or medicated collar. Infection treatment will vary, but can include pills such as antibiotics, or medicated shampoos to treat fungal and yeast infections. Ointments placed in the ears or on the skin may also help with mites and infections in the ears or located on just one part of the body.
These may be used in conjunction with medications or natural supplements, or may be used on their own. Non-medicinal treatments are often used when the cause of the obsessive licking is due to a behavioral issue rather than an underlying medical one.
This includes boredom, stress, and anxiety. No-lick strips are becoming very popular in the veterinary world, and have a myriad of uses. Traditionally, they were used to prevent patients from licking or chewing at IV lines or bandages to keep them in place. No-lick strips are now being used to help deter licking of a particular area of the body.
They deliver a static charge when your dog places his tongue on it, doing enough to deter the licking without causing any harm. Dog boots are also being used to prevent access to licking feet, while Elizabethan cone collars and inflatable donut cones can be used to stop access to other parts of the body.
For stress and anxiety, pheromone sprays and diffusers are increasing in popularity. These sprays are often used with another no-lick method to decrease anxiety while the behavior is changed.
Additional sprays to deter licking of objects may also be used with the above treatments. Natural supplements are an excellent way to treat some causes of excessive itching without harmful medications or deterrents. Vitamin E and Fish Oil are great to use when the cause of the itch may be due to dry skin, hormonal imbalance causing dry skin as a secondary problem, or to relieve pain and inflammation from allergies or parasite bites. Used with traditional medications, these supplements can help provide extra relief.
Diatomaceous Earth has been used as a natural parasite remedy for a long time. It is non-toxic and made up of crushed fossils of freshwater and marine life. Diatomaceous earth can be placed directly on the body to kill fleas and ticks, can be used in the environment to prevent and kill them in bedding and carpeting, and can even be given orally to stop internal parasites!
Food-based allergies can be a big problem leading to pain, inflammation, scratching, chewing and secondary infection. Whenever the licking begins, try ignoring him and walking away into another room.
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