Licky Dog

[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.

[Dogmama]

One of my cats licks her chops and and grooms herself obsessively when she has gum inflammation due to whenever her kidneys start functioning poorly. The licking apparently soothes her swollen inflamed (and possibly itchy?) gums. Then we need to make sure she gets more fluids in order to flush the toxins from her kidneys better. After a couple of weeks with more fluid in her diet, her gums improve and she doesn't lick so much. Just one possibility of many.

My cat was licking the fur off of his side. Turns out that he has a little arthritis in his hip. We added a glucosamine kitty treat and he's stopped licking.

I thought he was a nut case. Really - my vet said some animals as they age get a little OCD going on. In my house, it's probably contagious. He got it from me.

[katluvr]

Yes, we have a cat named Lucky (maybe it is cuz the name is more like a dog name) and she "licks me like a dawg!" (That is what we say all the time in my house!)
She doesn't lick herself or other excessivly...but I joking call her a dog...she likes my (or her other mommy's) face tries to do it all night long when she is in bed w/ me. I have to cover my face. And lately she has taken to trying to lay on my head to sleep!
Wonder why I am tired in the AM?!

[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