My dog won't stop licking. How can I break this annoying habit?

That sounds frustrating! If she is truly obsessively licking and is not necessarily taking pleasure in it, two things I would consider are a trial on anti-anxiety meds (these are prescription) and/or that some studies are linking OCD behaviors with gastrointestinal imabalances (which may respond to diet change and probiotics). I hope this helps!

Some dogs can exhibit OCD like tendencies. It sounds like Chechen may be one of those dogs. It can occur due to anxiety or boredom. Try to evaluate if Cheech is nervous or anxious typically. Or if you can distract him from licking with play time. Some dogs can be redirected others may not. In some cases you can discuss with your veterinarian and behavior modifying medications can be helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Sometimes this type of behavior can be linked to anxiety or a systemic disease. If Memphis has no other clinical signs and is eating / drinking normal amounts, I would recommend trying to correct the behavior using anxiety relieving products such as Adaptil collar and diffuser as well as NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin. If these do not help, I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian and have his blood tested to check for any abnormal changes. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It would be hard to say. It is a good idea to bring the affected pup into your vet to rule out any health issues or irritation that could be causing the excessive licking by your other dog, such as urinary infections, inflammation, etc. If your pup checks out healthy, distraction with other toys and treats, placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on the licker so they can't lick things, and separating if it does happen may help break the habit.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be medical reasons that would explain this behavior or boredom, stress or curiosity. I would recommend having Snow's feces tested for parasites to ensure this is not the problem, as specific treatment is needed to treat different intestinal parasites. A blood panel may be suggested by the veterinarian as well. However, with Snow's age this is likely a behavioral problem. Floor locking is a common self calming behavior. I would consider dog day care once or twice per week or hire a dog walker if you do not have time. If Snow is alone at home, you can relieve the stress or boredom by using safe dog chews or interactive dog toys such as the Kong toys. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Lucky. Licking objects can be a sign of nausea in dogs, and it may be he isn't feeling well leading to the licking. I'm sure it's pretty annoying for you to hear this licking over and over, and if he's not showing any other signs, I'd put him in a crate or keep him out of your room for the night so you can get some sleep. In the morning, if he's still doing this behavior, then I would take him into the vet to get checked out. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since there are many potential allergens. They can include flea bites, environmental/inhaled allergens or food allergies or sensitivities. It can also be caused by behavioral issues, such as boredom or anxiety. Place an e-collar (cone) on Lou to prevent licking. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with your veterinarian. A short course of steroids followed by antihistamines may help stop any itch and prevent it from returning. This may be a seasonal issue or it could be year round. You can also discuss anxiety medications and behavioral modification with your veterinarian. When you see Lou licking, distract him and offer a task, exercise or treat to redirect his attention. If he complies, praise and reward him. Be patient and be consistent. Limit his exposure to chemicals and cleaners to see if it makes a difference. Remove any candles or air fresheners from the home as well.