Author: Evie Van Hove
My dog licks everything: a scientific exploration
If your dog has a tendency to lick everything - furniture, the floor, other animals, or even you - you may be wondering why this behaviour takes place. Although licking in dogs is often seen as a normal behaviour, there may be underlying reasons why your dog licks excessively. In this blog, we explore the different angles, ranging from instinctive behaviour to possible medical causes.
1. Olfactory communication
One of the main reasons why dogs lick things has to do with their sense of smell. Dogs have a highly developed olfactory system, which means they can extract a lot of information from scents. When a dog licks on something, this can be a way to better analyse the smell.
Dogs have an organ in their mouth known as Jacobson's organ, or the vomeronasal organ, which allows them to detect pheromones and other chemical signals. By licking, they can pick up molecules that they can analyse with this organ. This behaviour is especially common when licking other animals or humans, where pheromones or other odour compounds may be present.
2. Exploration and learning
Dogs use their mouths in a similar way to how humans use their hands to explore the world. Especially in puppies, licking is an important part of learning about their environment. However, this behaviour can also persist in adult dogs. They may lick objects or surfaces to learn more about their environment, such as the texture, taste or even temperature of an object.
3. Stress and anxiety
Excessive licking can be a sign of stress or anxiety. Dogs that feel uncomfortable may start licking as a way of calming themselves. This behaviour is often referred to as self-soothing behaviour. For example, a dog may obsessively lick its paws or excessively lick furniture in response to anxiety or tension.
This can especially become a problem if the dog has a medical condition, such as a skin problem, which makes the licking worse. In some cases, this can lead to a condition called acral lick dermatitis, in which the dog licks an open wound until it becomes a chronic problem.
"Although licking in dogs is often seen as a normal behaviour, there may be underlying reasons why your dog licks excessively."
4. Medical causes
Besides psychological reasons, excessive licking can also indicate a medical problem. For example, dogs may lick if they suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as nausea. It is not unusual for a dog that feels nauseous to start licking surfaces or objects as a way of calming itself.
Other medical causes may include:
- Allergies: Dogs may lick in response to allergies, both food-related and environmental.
- Pain: If a dog is in pain, it may lick the painful area as a way of seeking comfort.
- Neurological disorders: Sometimes neurological problems can lead to compulsive licking behaviour.
5. Lack of stimulation
A dog that is bored or does not get enough mental and physical stimulation may lick as a form of self-amusement. Dogs are active and intelligent animals that need challenge and interaction. Lack of sufficient stimulation can lead to behavioural problems such as excessive licking.
6. Attention seeking
Some dogs lick simply because they have learned that this behaviour gets attention from their owners. If your dog discovers that licking gets him a response from you, this behaviour may develop into a habit. Even negative attention, such as pushing your dog away or forbidding the behaviour, can reinforce this behaviour.
7. Taste or smell
A simpler reason may be that the dog simply likes the taste or smell of a particular object. This can occur when licking the floor after spilling food, or licking your skin when you have applied a cream or ointment.
When should you be concerned?
While occasional licking is usually harmless, excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying problem that needs attention. If you notice that your dog is constantly licking specific objects, surfaces, or himself, it may be wise to consult a vet to rule out medical causes.
How can you treat the behaviour?
Depending on the cause of the licking, there are several ways to address the behaviour:
- Enrichment: Provide adequate mental and physical stimulation through games, toys and regular exercise.
- Training: Train your dog to handle stressful situations appropriately, and teach him alternatives to licking.
- Medical treatment: If a medical problem is the cause, the vet will prescribe appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Dog licking behaviour can stem from a wide range of causes, from instinctive behaviour and exploration to medical and psychological problems. By paying close attention to your dog and seeking professional advice if necessary, you can better understand and, if necessary, address this behaviour.
If you notice that licking is a recurring problem, it is important not to hesitate and consult an expert to ensure that your dog remains healthy and happy.
Evie Van Hove is PgD Clinical Animal Behaviour, certified puppy coach, dog trainer and behaviour coach. She has been business manager of Pettherapy.be since 2021.
