Dogs licking is a common behaviour, but it can be annoying when your pup licks you too much. If...
How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Themselves
Do you have a dog that licks itself constantly? Is it starting to become a problem? If so, you may be wondering how to stop your dog from licking themselves. In this article, we’ll discuss the various methods you can use to prevent your dog from licking themselves, such as distracting them with toys, providing them with a more comfortable environment, and seeking professional help if needed. Read on to learn more about how to stop your dog from licking themselves.
Understand the Reasons Why Dogs Lick
Before trying to stop your dog from licking themselves, it’s important to understand why they’re doing it. Generally, dogs lick themselves for one of three reasons: to groom themselves, to show affection, or as a sign of anxiety.
If your dog is licking themselves to groom themselves, it’s likely because they’re bored or have an itch that they can’t reach. If they’re licking to show affection, they may be licking you, other people in the house, or even their favorite toy. Lastly, if your dog is licking as a sign of anxiety, they may be licking themselves as a way to cope with the stress they’re feeling.
Once you’ve identified why your dog is licking themselves, you can start to take steps to stop it.
Distract Your Dog with Toys
If your dog is licking themselves out of boredom, one of the best ways to stop it is to distract them with toys. Buy your dog some new toys and keep them in a basket near where your dog spends most of their time.
When you notice your dog licking themselves, immediately give them one of their toys to play with. This will help break the habit of licking, as your dog will be distracted by the toy and will forget about licking themselves.
Provide Your Dog with a Comfortable Environment
Another way to stop your dog from licking themselves is to make sure they are comfortable in their environment. Make sure your dog has a comfortable bed and that their living space is free of any clutter or objects that may be causing them stress or discomfort.
You can also provide your dog with a safe space, such as a crate or playpen, where they can go when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. This will help them feel secure and less likely to engage in self-licking behavior.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If you’ve tried the above methods and your dog is still licking themselves excessively, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Your veterinarian can help you determine if there is an underlying medical condition that is causing your dog’s behavior and can provide you with advice on how to stop it.
Your veterinarian may also recommend medication or behavior modification therapy to help your dog stop licking themselves. If your dog’s licking is due to anxiety, your veterinarian may also recommend anti-anxiety medications to help them manage their stress.
Conclusion
If your dog is licking themselves excessively, it’s important to take steps to stop it. Try distracting your dog with toys, providing them with a comfortable environment, and seeking professional help if needed. With the right approach, you can help your dog stop licking themselves and live a happy and healthy life.
