What's with the licking all of the sudden?

[micro202]

Are there any medical reasons why a dog might become obsessed with licking all of the sudden? What about behaviorial reasons?

Delia has never been a "licker". Maybe a quick one when she says hello, but that's it.

However, in the last month that's completely changed. She's crazy about it now and will try to lick you any chance she gets. I have to kick her out of bed now because she tries to lick my arm all night long otherwise

Nothing else really seems out of place, though. Her temperment and activity level are unchanged.

I mean I've known several dogs like that in the past, but just think it's weird that it just seemed to be a sudden, abrupt change in behavior.

[bubbatd]

Any change in your skin lotion ?

[DryCreek]

Originally Posted by bubbatd

Any change in your skin lotion ?

Or changes in your, or your dogs diet?

[micro202]

No, nothing that I can think of off the top of my head. I recently switched foods but the licking episodes started before that.

[skyeboxer]

From what I understand (which may be completely wrong) excessive licking may be classed as a obsessive-compulsive behaviour like tail or light chasing. Stress or boredom can cause odd behaviour but if nothing else has changed and you cannot distract her before she sets off on a licking jag you may just want to call the vet and run it by them.

[hollybea]

how old is she?

[micro202]

Originally Posted by hollybea

how old is she?

She's probably about 20-22 months. I adopted her in April of this year.

[micro202]

Originally Posted by skyeboxer

From what I understand (which may be completely wrong) excessive licking may be classed as a obsessive-compulsive behaviour like tail or light chasing. Stress or boredom can cause odd behaviour but if nothing else has changed and you cannot distract her before she sets off on a licking jag you may just want to call the vet and run it by them.

She is a clingy dog and does exibit some other behavior like obsessive tail chasing, but she's done that since I've adopted her.

There were a couple big transistions about 4 months ago with a move and new job/schedule for me, but she seemed take those very well. I just can't think of anything that recently might have set her off, which is kind of why I wondered if it possibly could be something medical.

But like I said, other than the licking, she's acting like her normal self, normal play, eating and sleeping habits.

I'll be giving the vet a call, regardless.

[LargeDogBreedz]

My girlfriend has a Chihauaha (I guess thats how you spell it) and that dog has always had a problem with licking everything it touches. Always wondered why some dogs lick all the time and others won't lick at all.

[skyeboxer]

Mention the tail chasing as well as any other obsessive habits she has. Owner licking (from what I have read) can simply be a submissive dog seeking assurance. On the other hand, obsessive behaviour can be a sign of a deeper underlying problem.

Please let us know how Delia gets on and if you find a solution to the problem.