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Pet Licking Behaviour Problems including overgrooming

Pet licking problems

Pet Licking Behaviour Problems

Why does my cat lick…? Why does my dog lick…?

Understanding Pet Licking Behaviour Problems: Summary

  1. Pets lick naturally but too much or inappropriate licking behaviour is unwanted by most owners.
  2. Management of the pet licking behaviour problem involves health checks and subtly interrupting any licking behaviour.
  3. Long term solutions involve looking after your pet’s needs to use their mouth, reducng any anxiety and providing appropriate activities for their mouths.

Understanding Pet Licking Behaviour Problems and Overgrooming

Does your pet lick a lot? They may lick themselves, you, your guests or other objects and it can be annoying or even hurt them. Licking behaviour is natural in the animal world but too much or inappropriate licking is not desirable behaviour by most owners.

Learn how to reduce pet licking behaviour problems with these tips from Dr Jo Righetti and Pet Problems Solved…

Causes of pet licking behaviour problems

Grooming behaviour

Most animals, cats especially, self-groom. This is natural behaviour but can become excessive, with overgrooming (read more below), due to conditions such as parasites, allergies or anxiety.

Many animals also like to groom others, including humans. Most animals are able to tolerate this grooming behaviour Some even indulge in mutual grooming, where they groom one another.

Tasting or exploring the world

Like humans babies, young kittens and puppies explore the world with their mouths. This leads to chewing and licking behaviour.  Dogs continue chewing throughout their lives, sometimes to their owners’ dismay.

Most animals will be attracted to surfaces that have food on them.  

Satisfying dietary needs

Licking may be a way of sampling what’s around you and animals may do this to try to make up for missing elements – vitamins or minerals – in their diet. Dietary deficiencies may also be caused by physiological conditions so have your pet checked at the vet.

Some animals seem particularly attracted to sweat, after you have exercised for example, or dirt, after gardening.

Sore mouths

Dogs and cats with sore mouths – teeth or gums – will often try to relieve the pain by licking or chewing on objects around them. A dental check will ensure your pet’s mouth is as healthy as possible. 

Reducing anxiety

When animals feel anxious, activities such as self-grooming may calm them down. This is especially true of cats. If your cat is over-grooming, ask yourself if they could be anxious. Read more about cat anxiety.

OCD

Is your pet obsessive-compulsive? Do they lick the air for apparently no purpose at all? Again, this could be caused by anxiety or other medical conditions. Please speak to your vet.

Pet licking behaviour can sometimes be seen in stressful situations

Attention seeking

Our pets will often lick us to gain attention. This works as we push them away, shout at them to stop or glare at them. Sometimes we even laugh.

All of these humans responses will encourage your pet to lick you more.

Itchy skin

Allergies are common in pets and most excessive scratching and skin conditions are due to allergies. Skin conditions can also cause over-grooming.
Parasites can also cause your pet to groom more. Learn more about flea treatments to keep your pet parasite-free. Check with your vet. 

Calming down

When dogs are stressed they may lick their lips or yawn. These are signals of mild stress and owners need to heed their dog’s signals. If your dog looks stressed, remove them from the situation.


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