My Weimaraner, Zoey, licks everything constantly. She does not have acral lick granuloma/dermatitis. The licking is not isolated to her legs or her body. She licks the couch, the bedsheets, the tables, the floor, etc.etc.etc. Does anyone have any idea why she does this (aside from the fact that she is a neurotic breed)? Is there any way to stave this off? I have already tried several "lick/chew" deterrants and to my horror, she LOVES them. So, sadly that will not work.
2007-01-21 05:08:39 · 5 answers · asked by CFMs 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hi CFMs!!
Dogs lick for a lot of reasons. Since dogs don’t use words, no one can interview a dog and find out what thoughts accompany the dog’s behavior.
Some dogs lick as a substitute for puppy mouthing behavior. They've been trained not to put their teeth on people, so they lick to occupy their mouths.
Though it's usually harmless, licking can be a problem if carried to an extreme. Sometimes dogs can lick compulsively or as a response to stress or boredom.
Ask the veterinarian what bittering agent will be safe to use to discourage lick. One approach—pending the veterinarian’s approval—is to spritz the area with Bitter Apple four times a day, so that the dog’s first attempts to lick will be met with an awful taste and that taste will be renewed often enough to keep the reminder working.
Obsessive dogs that lick themselves non-stop can lick their fur off and even injure their skin. This is a behavioral problem that may require veterinary intervention. If you're worried that your dog's licking is unusual, consult your veterinarian.
Jason Homan
2007-01-21 05:53:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You already realize the behavior is obsessive, or it wouldn't have appeared in the question. In the wild, when dogs/wolves make a kill, they lick the meat to get the fur/feathers off. The digestive enzymes in the saliva helps to tenderize the meat. This is where the licking behavior comes from - your girl's feeling her wild roots. You need to make sure she's properly exercized every day so she doesn't have the energy to lick all night long. Think walkies, think fetch for hours, think of using (neighborhood) kids to play with her till she's exhausted. Consider buying supplements from GNC - they carry dog supplements and are a reasonable price. If you re-directed her with a treat and it didn't work, your treat wasn't payoff enough - consider alternative treats. Research raw diet options - I know of no dog who would prefer licking sheets to chomping on a raw chicken neck or turkey leg. If raw's not for you, consider cooked chicken or other wonderful things, and put them in a kong-style toy for her to obsess over all night long. Remember, if all else fails, you can try keeping HER up all day because paybacks are h-e-double hockey sticks!!
2016-05-24 05:58:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a stress behavior. It may be a good idea to increase the amount of exercise your dog gets, and to look into some remedy for the stress. See your vet.
2007-01-21 05:57:06 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gosh! My little dog use to do the same thing I'm not sure if it was out of being bored or like to clean everything haha but I taught her how to fetch and if she wasn't fetching I made a noise(pssst) to get her attention and nudged her at the same time and she finally quit about a week but you have to be consistent with it to let her know you do NOT like it. good luck!
2007-01-21 05:48:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you feed her a good quailty dog food? if not please do so. also check with your vet and see if he or her can help you.
2007-01-21 05:43:14 · answer #5 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋