Licky Dog

[kermit]

We have a german shepard at work(police k9) that started licking the inside of the car and seats on a daily basis. He was starting to have an allergy to his food and soon began vomiting, eating grass. Food change helped and it has since stopped. I think like previously mentioned licking can be a sign of pain, especially licking other objects such as your dog. My JRT has BAD food allergies which are shown by him licking his own feet.
It can also be a grooming thing. Really weird. Stop putting peanut butter on the other dogs butt.

[Aggie_Ama]

One of my schnauzers is always liking the other to the point of giving her raw skin! The vet recommended bitter apple sprayed on the one that is getting licked.

[bmccasland]

When Nala was licking to the point of OCD - bitter apple didn't even phase her. We'd bandage her wounds, bitter apple the dressing, she switched legs. Tried Valerian (herbal tranquelizer - on recommendation of her vet), that made her mellow, and a slower licker. It took a lot of work to break the cycle. But what hit home for me was talking to my sister one evening - who pointed out that I was stressed beyond control, and my dog was picking up on that. Not saying that this is true for everyone. Dogs used to be working animals, they had jobs to do, and were happier with duties, rules, and routines. Being just balls of fluff tends to drive them nuts.

[Tuckervill]

My old Percy licked everything in sight for the last few years of her life, especially the carpet. Sometimes she just licked the air. It seemed like the worse her eyesight got, the more she licked. She didn't lick her skin raw, though she did lick herself a lot.

I didn't see it as behavior worth changing, because she was so old (she was 20 when she died). I never allow a dog to lick me, so as long as she didn't lick me, or certain pieces of furniture, I didn't care.

Karen

[jesvetmed]

ZEN: I remember learning in a behavior course that constant licking provides a feedback from the brain that is pleasurable -- sort of like endorphin release (maybe it was endorphins... it's been a long time ago now )

So sometimes they start for a particular reason, and then just continue because they are bored, it's pleasurable, etc.

I'd have your OTHER dog checked for fleas or mild skin infection -- they will clean each other when there is a problem like yeast / bacteria that you and I may not smell, but they can and want to "fix" it!

Also, have your dog checked for any other medical problems. It is a very unusual presentation of medical disorders, but good to have full checkup and blood-work screen done if you can.

I totally second the KONG .. it is an amazing treat dispenser... I stuff them with peanut butter or canned food (or a mix). Also you can stuff dry treats in there. They will spend a lot of time working to get these out.
One warning... my dog is too smart. She learned that if she tosses the Kong the goodies come out easier -- she almost broke our window by throwing the Kong at it. No more Kong for her!

Just interrupting the behavior ("NO"), and then rewarding your dog with a new item to pay attention to. Increased exercise if they aren't getting enough daily. Increased brain activity of any kind.

Pretty amazing to watch, though! If your other dog doesn't have skin problems yet, it will!

Good Luck.
Jes

[Dogmama]

ZEN:
Also, have your dog checked for any other medical problems. It is a very unusual presentation of medical disorders, but good to have full checkup and blood-work screen done if you can.

Good Luck.
Jes

I second the blood work up. I have one done every year on my dog & cat. It's expensive but worth it. Remember that they can't tell us when they're sick.

OTOH, Zen, your dog is probably just a nut case. If I had somebody playing an accordion at me, I'd flip out too.

[ibcycling]

I'd have your OTHER dog checked for fleas or mild skin infection -- they will clean each other when there is a problem like yeast / bacteria that you and I may not smell, but they can and want to "fix" it!

Also, have your dog checked for any other medical problems. It is a very unusual presentation of medical disorders, but good to have full checkup and blood-work screen done if you can.

Good Luck.
Jes

Great idea! Any time a behavior changes and something weird shows up is a good time for a med check. Licking might be OCD but also might have started because of a medical issue. How long has the licking been going on? Any changes in diet, exercise, environment?

Lora