Puppy
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10 min
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It’s a truth universally known that dogs love to lick! Whether it’s trying out the taste of something or just saying ‘hey’ to someone they love; dogs lick to connect with others and to explore the world around them - much like humans touch and use their hands.
That being said, there are many reasons dogs lick, and there is such a thing as excessive licking. Constant licking could be a sign your pup needs more training; it could also indicate a medical issue. In this article, we’ll go into the reasons dogs and puppies tend to lick everything, and whether constant licking could be a sign of an underlying problem.
There are many reasons why puppies lick things - it’s a way to communicate and explore their environment, but also to express their many emotions:
There are also lots of common places and scenarios where puppies will lick you or others.
This could be first thing in the morning, as a way of saying hello to you; after you’ve finished exercising or showering (they might like the taste of the shower water - or your sweat); or they may lick your face or feet randomly just to show they are bonded to you. If you’re crying or seem unwell, they will lick you because they can sense something is wrong and they’re concerned about you.
When pups are licking themselves this is often harmless - but see below for when it could be a cause for concern. Puppies will often lick their own lips, their paws or their privates just as an instinctual behaviour or to self-soothe themselves.
If puppies lick objects, that’s usually because they like the taste, they are showing affection to the object (perhaps it’s a favourite toy or pillow), or because they’re anxious in some way and are seeking comfort. It could be a way for them to cope with stress.
Licking is a natural canine behaviour and usually, nothing to be concerned about. Excessive licking can be a sign of something wrong, however, so keep a look out for the following signs:
As we’ve explained, though there are many reasons for your puppy’s licking, excessive licking could mean that medical issues are to blame. If you suspect any of the following problems could be the cause, get in touch with your vet to identify what’s going on.
>> Allergies. Reactions triggered by food, pollen, dust etc. could manifest as skin irritation or soreness, which your pooch will try to ease with licking their skin and fur.
>> Infections and skin conditions. Similarly, if your puppy has a yeast infection or a skin rash of some kind, you may notice them licking their paws, groin or stomach area, as well as overly scratching themselves.
>> Dental/mouth issues. Your dog will likely lick the air or floor a lot if they have toothache or gum issues. They might also drool or keep their mouth open, have bad breath, and whine or cry a lot.
>> Underlying pain. If your dog has a pain or discomfort in their body that isn’t immediately obvious to you, such as their tummy, nails, paws or joints, they’ll probably overly lick there to self-soothe. Their demeanour will probably shift, even being grumpy or aggressive if you try to touch them. This is a good indication to you that your pup needs attention in a specific area.
If you suspect any of the above issues, you should get your pup to a vet to rule out anything serious and identify the problem. If your pooch has a skin allergy triggered by a certain food, for instance, you’ll need to start the process of identifying what they’re allergic to.
If your dog is licking excessively as well as being sick, having diarrhoea, coughing, or struggling to walk or breathe, get them to a vet as a case of emergency.
After a while of getting to know your puppy, you may find they’re just a pup who likes to lick - and you know this isn’t due to a medical issue. So, what should you do about it?
Whether you like your puppy licking constantly or you want to take steps to prevent it, is down to personal choice. Some dog owners like their dog to lick their face and hands a bunch, others don’t like it at all. Even if you’re fine with it, you might want to train your puppy not to lick guests excessively, or to stop on command, as there are many people who won’t like it as much as you do.
To reduce the amount your puppy licks you, people or objects, try the following techniques:
Distract with alternatives. Provide your over-licking puppy with calming dog chews, treat-dispensing toys, interactive games or lick mats smeared with something tasty (like Pooch & Mutt wet food for example) - this will keep their mind engaged and reduce the urge to lick out of habit or stress.
Rotate toys. Your pup might get bored with the same toys and again overly lick things (or you) either out of habit or for attention. Rotating toys and treats keeps things interesting, and teaches them that there are more suitable items to focus on.
Training and redirection techniques. Use positive reinforcement to train your puppy not to lick excessively. Say ‘No’, ‘Stop’ or ‘Leave it’ when they’re licking, and when they learn to stop on command, reward them with praise and tasty puppy treats. Try to redirect them to a fun game when they start licking, such as playing fetch or tug-of-war.
Get them outside more. If your pup isn’t getting much stimulation (if they’re indoors a lot or in the same environment each day), consider whether they’re getting enough exercise. Perhaps they’d enjoy taking a different route on their next walk.
Puppies might overly lick for reasons linked to their age, such as a lack of confidence or because they’re uncomfortable from teething - these things they’ll hopefully grow out of. However, if they’re a puppy who just licks a lot out of habit or anxiety, it’s unlikely they’ll grow out of this without training and positive reinforcement. Decide what kind of licking behaviours you don’t mind and which you’d like to curb, and lovingly train your puppy accordingly. You could also get help from your vet or a pet behavioural specialist.
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