What this means
Constant licking is often the first sign that a dog is in pain or itchy, not a habit or a trait of character. A dog may lick one spot over and over, for example a leg, a joint, the belly or the base of the tail, or lick itself all over for long stretches. From constant licking the coat in that spot can turn rusty brown or wet, the skin can redden and the hair thin out.
The reasons vary a great deal. A dog may lick a painful joint, a wound or a cut, itchy skin from an allergy, fleas or inflammation, and sometimes it licks because of anxiety or stress. Since these cannot be told apart from the outside, a vet's examination comes first. Do not hurry to call licking a behaviour problem before you know whether your dog is in pain.
Write down which spot your dog licks, when it began, whether the licking gets worse at night or after a walk, and whether redness, a wound, swelling or hair loss can be seen there. Notice whether your dog also limps, scratches or is restless. Photograph the licked spot over several days in a row.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Pain in a joint or muscle
A dog often licks a spot that hurts. If it licks a joint, the joint may be painful, especially when the dog also limps or gets up with difficulty.
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A wound or a cut
When the skin is damaged a dog licks that spot constantly. Licking can irritate the wound and hold back healing.
About the condition: Skin cuts and tears -
Itchy skin
Allergy, fleas or inflammation make a dog lick its paws, belly or other places. The coat there can turn brown and the skin red.
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A foreign body or an injured paw
A thorn, grass seed or a torn nail can make a dog lick one part of its paw again and again.
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Nausea or belly discomfort
Some dogs that feel sick or have belly pain lick the air, the floor or themselves for a very long time.
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Anxiety or stress
A dog may lick itself because of stress or anxiety. But before deciding that, always make sure there is no pain or skin disease.
About the condition: Anxiety
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which spot your dog licks and whether it is always the same one
- When the licking began and whether it gets worse at night or after a walk
- Whether redness, a wound, swelling or thinning hair can be seen there
- Whether the coat in that spot has turned brown or damp
- Whether your dog also limps, scratches or has difficulty getting up
- Whether it seems restless, is eating less or its behaviour has changed
When to book a routine visit
If your dog keeps licking the same spot for more than a few days, show it to a vet. Licking often points to pain or itch that has to be found out.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Anxiety General health Anxiety is a state in which a dog feels tension and fear constantly or far too strongly, even when there is no real danger. It can be set off by being left alone, loud noises, new surroundings or strangers, and long-lasting anxiety wears down both the dog and the whole household. It helps to understand that this behaviour is not stubbornness or disobedience but a sign that the dog is struggling.
- Arthritis Bones and joints Arthritis is inflammation of the joints in which the cartilage gradually wears down, leaving the joint stiff and painful. It can develop with age, after an injury or because of joints that did not form properly. Ongoing pain limits how freely and comfortably a dog moves, so changes are worth showing to a vet.
- Atopic dermatitis Skin and coat Atopic dermatitis is a long-term allergic skin disease driven by an inherited tendency: the skin overreacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, house dust mites or moulds. These dogs have a weaker skin barrier, so allergens get in more easily, and scratching irritates the skin even further. Signs can begin in young dogs and, depending on the allergen, may flare up at certain times of year.
- Skin cuts and tears Skin and coat This is an umbrella term for a range of skin wounds, from shallow scrapes to deep cuts or tears left by sharp objects, branches, fences or bites from other animals. Thin or loose skin, the paw pads and the edges of the ears are injured more easily. Even a small wound can be deeper than it looks and can become infected, so how badly the tissue is damaged is for a vet to assess.
- Anal gland problems Digestion and liver The anal glands are two small sacs either side of the anus that hold a strong-smelling secretion. When they don't empty, become blocked or get inflamed, the dog feels itchy and sore, and an abscess can form in a gland. Whether the glands or something else are behind a dog's scooting is for a vet to work out.
Body systems: General health Bones and joints Skin and coat Digestion and liver