This is when a thorough discussion should be had with your veterinarian about behavior modification drugs such as Fluoxetine and Clomipramine. Fourteen (14) of the nineteen (19) were found to have gastrointestinal issues, like: Giardiasis - an infection caused by the giardia parasite. Dog suddenly excessive licking. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. It’s most likely the result of dental trauma that is giving them a sore mouth. Owners may note that their dog licks in between the toes (sometimes leading to staining of the fur due to enzymes in the saliva), they may lick and chew at their hind end and their inner thighs. This might include a commercial elimination diet to isolate the food component which is causing the problem, Treatment of any parasitic infestation, infection or other parasitic involvement, If a gastric foreign body is found, surgical removal may be necessary, If a gastric blockage is found, surgical removal of the blockage will be required, Exercise routine changes may be suggested for those canines found to be responding to built up anxiety and stress, Changes in grooming products or shampoos may be suggested if contact dermatitis is found, Changes in household cleaning products may be required if contact dermatitis is suspected, Hormonal supplementation may be required if a systemic hormonal imbalance is found, Retraining of both the family pet as well as the family may also be required if the excessive licking is determined to be just a compulsive or attention-getting behavior. We thought he had wet himself so cleaned him all up. One such study was done in Montreal using 19 canines who were suffering from excessive licking of surfaces. Dogs may have something called excessive licking of surfaces, or ELS, where they lick not only the carpet, but also any other type of flooring as well. Discussion in 'Dog Health and Nutrition' started by ell1e, May 19, 2009. ell1e PetForums Newbie. Does your dog lick things obsessively? As we cover in our guide to why a dog licks everything in sight, they are trying to soothe themselves in some way. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. The symptoms of excessive licking are precisely what the name suggests -- compulsive and extreme amounts of time spent licking and it can be virtually anything in sight or within reach. Often an untrimmed nail can be to blame. The excessive licking behavior in dogs has been, for many years, attributed to anxiety and stress release. When a dog is stressed, they try to release tension through behaviors that, in many cases, can be misdiagnosed. Many canines who lick compulsively do so from anxiety reasons, there are also some underlying systemic causes which must be addressed to protect your pet. Your veterinarian can help figure out what is going on and recommend treatment. An underlying health condition is generally causing this pain and discomfort. Owners should seek veterinary attention for their dogs if the skin is changing color, if there are wounds, pimples, or crusts noted on the skin, if there is excessive scratching associated with the licking, and/or if fleas are seen. Some excessive licking among dogs is caused by allergies. Either scenario can have numerous underlying causes, and your vet will have to investigate further. But we, the poor humans do not understand the message it passes on through Licking. Together you can determine if the signs are something to be concerned about, or if your pet is simply taking his/her daily bath. He will also need to do some testing to rule out as many of the systemic causes for any potential skin infections or deeper internal abnormalities as possible. Signs of excessive licking will often resemble those caused by behavioral licking (hair loss, irritation, etc.). These include calming drops for the water, calming treats, pheromone collars, and thunder shirts. Diversion techniques can be instituted if your pet is over grooming. All of a sudden, my dog has been licking excessively. Dogs can also have behavioral causes of excessive licking, such as anxiety or a type of obsessive disorder where they over-groom themselves. Infections from bacteria, fungus or parasitescan also cause itchiness and therefore lead to excessive licking. I hope that your pet is feeling better. Some studies have shown that the act of licking increases endorphins in the brain which calms the dog while it is licking. We cover in our guide to why a dog may have an infection gulping after... 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