Is there anyway to stop or lessen my dog's constant licking?

Question

He licks himself, his bed while he's lying in it, furniture, people, etc. And, I mean ALOT! - he will lick the whole area where he is going to nap at before he lays down. Is this normal or a breed issue - he's a Shiba Inu. I'm worried about him getting sick from cleaning products or even hair - he coughes up fur balls like a cat! Any suggestions?

Answer 1

We have a male shiba and he does the same thing, drives us nuts! And gross when I sit on a wet spot! :-P
Ask your vet though. Could be allergies. We had a female that had VERY bad allergies and they got SO out of hand that she ended up having to be 'put down' because we couldn't control them :o( She was allergic to 40+ things we found out after taking her to a 'dog dermatoligist' (and $4000 later!) and also that 12 is a 'normal' range (she was 48 I think!)
Simple human benadryl is what we give. (half of a little pink pill) and it helps our male in the summer. Just talk to a vet and get it under control b4 it gets out of control, because it's not a fun trip! (nor cheap- and we lost our fur baby from it!!!!)

Answer 2

I have a female papillion and she does licking all the time. She will lick the air, the couch, herself, everything.

We just found out that my dog is allergic to something around the house, we dont know what yet but are in the process of getting the tests.

http://www.petsinpastel.com/petarticles/dogallergies.htm

*Most dog owners often scold their dog for scratching too much. Any obsessive behavior your dog demonstrates, such as constant scratching, chewing, licking, requires immediate attention. Never assume that this is just a new habit your dog picked up. Dog allergies can make your dog very uncomfortable.
Aside from scratching, some of the other symptoms dogs can experience are:
sneezing
coughing
eye and nose discharge
Itching around the anus
hair loss
loss of appetite
pawing at their ears or head shaking
vomiting
diarrhea
breathing problems

I hope this answer your question.
If its not allergies it could be just a taste that the dog likes. Some dogs really enjoy tasting things, salt in particular.

good luck

Answer 3

Go buy some Bitter Apple.Spray it on him,his bed,and anything you see him licking.The constant licking is now a habit that he is addicted to and can't break.The Bitter Apple spray really works well with most dogs. I have even sprayed it on my kids hands to keep wild puppy bites at bay! You will also want to replace his licking with a more acceptable behavior. Get him things he can mouth on like rawhide treats or other dog chew toys.

Answer 4

Aww, nicely i think of he somewhat likes you for saving his *** and he desires to show he's particularly grateful. while he starts licking you get up and forget approximately approximately him and after a pair of seconds take a seat. shop repeating this to show which you're no longer paying interest and after some training of this methodology he could stop.

Answer 5

Yikes! I'd be worried too!
You could try spraying everything with Bitter Apple or Natures Miracle Best behavior.
You could also try hairball meds if he has a hard time with the furballs. My cat loves the Pounce hairball treats...

Answer 6

bitter apple works great but its hard when hes licking people whenever he does this look him in the eye and in a firm voice tell him no. if you do this constintly it will reduce greatly

Answer 7

Call the dog whisperer...he is excellent at helping compulsive dogs.

Answer 8

wow..........my grandpa's dog does the same thing except he dont cough up hair balls! his dog is a chiwahwah or however u spell it! just when u find out tell me! lol

Answer 9

put a little mustard on it

Answer 10

idk. But my dog does it too but not quite THAT bad. We're thinking about doggie prozac. Or maybe doggie Ritalin.