SHOULD I STOP MY DOG FROM LICKING ITSELF?
Source: The South African (Extract)
Posted: August 31, 2023
Excessive dog licking can cause limping, bald spots, red patches, pimple-like sores, dandruff, discoloured skin or coat, and hair loss.
Dogs licking excessively can create sore, infected skin. It’s crucial to find the cause to stop them.
They must be kept from licking wounds, including surgical ones.
While dog saliva helps against some bacteria, licking adds more bacteria, irritating and harming nearby tissue.
This hampers wound healing and opens them up.
Although licking their genitals sometimes is normal, it shouldn’t happen too often. Frequent urogenital licking could signal a health issue.
WHAT KIND OF DOG LICKING IS EXCESSIVE?
When a canine suffers from the bad effects of constant licking, it’s considered excessive behaviour.
This can cause limping, bald spots, red patches, pimple-like sores, dandruff, discoloured skin or coat, and hair loss.
Some dogs might show obvious signs of discomfort while licking or grooming.
Vocalizing, moaning, whimpering, or groaning are such signs.
If a dog can’t relax or sleep because they keep needing to lick an area, that’s also a sign of excessive licking.