4 Reasons Why Dogs Lick Excessively And What You Can Do About It

Dogs lick excessively for many reasons, some of which are behavioral and others medical. Here are four of the most common reasons why dogs lick and some helpful tips on how to deal with it.

1. Dogs lick themselves for a variety of reasons, including to cool down or cleanse their bodies.
2. Dogs may lick furniture, walls, or other surfaces to clean them or they’re drawn to the taste of a particular item in your home. This could also be a behavioral issue if the dog is bored and is trying to occupy their time by licking the same area repeatedly.
3. Dogs may lick people to get a “salty” taste or to soothe them if they are stressed or anxious.
4. Dogs may lick excessively due to a medical condition, such as allergies, pain, stress, infection or, some other health issues. If your dog is licking excessively and you’re not sure why, it’s best to consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.

Whether your dog licks excessively because of a medical problem or because they are bored, there are tips/tricks you can use to curb this behavior. Here are a few tips that may help prevent your dog from licking excessively:

• Keep your home clean. Pay special attention to the surfaces and objects your pet loves to lick and clean frequently with a nontoxic cleaner.
• Create “safe-zones” for your dog. A safe zone is a place that is off limits to your pet and cannot have access to that part of the home without you there supervising their activity. Keep bathroom doors closed and use baby gates to block off areas of the home you do not want your pet to be in. Blocking access to parts of your home where it may not be clean or safe for your dog is a great option to ensure that they don’t lick something toxic or unsafe or something they may not like the taste of.
• Provide plenty of toys and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. If the licking is a result of boredom, providing diversion such as playing fetch or tossing a toy will keep them busy and distracted.
• Redirect the licking behavior with an antler they can chew. Giving your dog an antler as a way to redirect away from licking behavior is great because antlers are tough, taste great, can help alleviate stress, and clean your dog's teeth.

Licking is a natural instinct for most dogs. Many owners wonder why their dog licks them or why they lick everything in their path. The answer is usually pretty simple - it’s just a habit! While there are few medical reasons why dogs might lick excessively, the vast majority of cases are simply due to boredom or stress. If you find your dog licking excessively, don’t be concerned. It’s just a sign that they are doing what comes naturally to them.

About Us:

Acadia Antlers is a small family business that has its roots deep in the Acadia National forest of Maine selling only the highest quality, naturally shed moose antler dog chews for over ten years and counting!! Our humble beginning started at a roadside stand right on the outskirts of the Acadia National Forest selling to tourists visiting the area as well as locals. The response to our all-natural, long-lasting chews has been incredible, and we strive to continue to be the premier source of moose antler dog chews across the country. Our antlers touch the lives, hearts, health, and happiness of not only the pet but the pet owner as well. We are proud to be environmentally responsible – the recovery and use of our sheds and drops minimize our carbon footprint while enabling us to provide our pets with an all-natural, green product. Visit our website, acadiaantlers.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook – to continue to receive more great pet information, please sign up for our newsletter.

Welcome to our family – Happy Chewing!!