Dogs commonly lick stuff, which is usually normal canine behavior. However, if this becomes excessive and compulsive, it will prompt you to ask, “Why is my dog licking everything?” This is entirely understandable, as this can be a cause for concern.
Constant licking can be a sign of discomfort and anxiety, but it can also inadvertently lead to other problems. That’s why you must work on finding and fixing the cause of the issue. Below, you’ll learn precisely how that’s done and how Maven Pet can help.
Why Does a Dog Lick Everything?
When your dog licks themselves or a person occasionally, most people don’t notice, but when they lick their paws constantly or various objects, you’ll start paying attention.
Such a compulsive dog-licking demeanor can result from various things, many of which can be pretty benign. They might not be as obsessive as they seem, or they could stop eventually with or without your input, so let’s review the most common reasons overall:
- Exploration and curiosity: Dogs often explore the world with their mouths and noses, so it’s normal for them to lick things to understand the taste or texture. This is especially common with puppies.
- Seeking attention: If you give your dog treats after they lick you, they’ll eventually learn that licking will cause such positive outcomes, so they’ll do it more.
- Affection: Dogs can lick other animals or people as a show of affection, which shouldn’t be a cause for concern in most cases.
- Anxiety and stress: In cases of stress and anxiety, dogs tend to lick themselves, objects, or even the air. This action releases endorphins, so they use licking as a self-soothing mechanism.
- Boredom: If you rarely interact with your dog, and they have nothing to do, even the dog licking the carpet can become a standard occurrence.
- GI issues or nausea: Dogs will often lick the air or surfaces when they have stomach issues.
- Cognitive decline (in senior dogs): The question of “Why is my dog licking everything?” can be different with older dogs because cognitive decline, which can come with advanced age, can lead to compulsive and repetitive licking.
- Dental problems: A loose tooth or pain from a dental disease can lead to more licking.
- Skin issues: Skin problems like an infection, injury, or a parasite can lead the pooch to lick the affected area of their skin.
- Pain from injuries and conditions: If your pup has had an injury or is suffering from arthritis, they might start licking a part of their body excessively.
Is Excessive Licking in Dogs a Problem?
Yes, excessive licking can be a problem with dogs. However, you shouldn’t judge quickly because some behaviors might only seem excessive. The Maven Pet monitor can be a helpful instrument here because it’s made for optimal pet wellness. It will track patterns over time and identify repeated behaviors like compulsive licking.
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Health Monitor
#1 Vet-recommended pet monitor! Tracks activity, rest, respiratory rate, water intake, scratching and other health indicators 24/7
But when exactly does licking become compulsive? There’s no clear answer, but it’s usually relatively easy to distinguish between a dog licking floors occasionally or constantly. The frequency, duration, and intensity of licking will undoubtedly help you get the answer.
Moreover, there are some red flags that can help you decide. For instance, sores, vomiting, and restlessness can be signs. If the activity causes the dog to eat, sleep, or play less, it’s likely an issue worth checking into.
Also, it can be an issue whenever the dog repeatedly licks unusual objects like the floor, furniture, objects that aren’t food-related, or the air.
What Are the Most Common Triggers Behind Licking?
Several triggers might lead your dog to start licking everything or specific things. If any of these might be true, then it’s the right time to stop asking the question of why is my dog licking everything and work toward solving them:
- Allergies or sensitivities
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Anxiety or boredom
- Neurological changes
- Nutritional deficiencies
What Can I Do to Help My Dog?
If you want to stop the dog licking floors or something else compulsively, there are a few things you can do:
- Give them other stimulants, exercise, and toys — If the licking happens at specific times in the day, it’s best to give them some other form of stimulation, like a toy, or you can play with them.
- Remove environmental triggers — Remove what might be causing the licking, or keep the environment clean. This will reduce odors that attract your dog.
- Use positive reinforcement training — Reward your pup with praise, toys, and treats when they are not licking inappropriately.
- Manage their stress and anxiety — If the licking is caused by stress or anxiety, you should try to eliminate the stressors and create a safe den-like space for your pup. If the vet allows, you can also use pheromone diffusers and calming treats.
- Get a vet evaluation — Visit your vet to get an assessment and answers as to why the dog is constantly licking everything. They’ll also help you develop a plan to change this behavior.
- Use real-time health tracking to detect early changes — With a real-time health tracking device like our pet smart collar, you can detect changes much earlier than you would on your own. It notes behavioral changes, and you can add them manually, too.
Bottom Line
As you’ve seen, the answers to the question of why is my dog licking everything can be more complex than expected. In most cases, the reasons are simple, and you can easily change their behavior with a bit of work.
However, sometimes, it can be a deeper issue you can’t uncover on your own, and it will require more attention. If the licking is overly compulsive and there’s no apparent reason, a visit to the vet is your best course of action.
If you want to have an easier time noticing such behavioral changes and tracking various health indicators of your dog, try the Maven Pet smart collar. Subscribe to our service to get one as soon as possible.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
