Excessive Licking

[jerros]

Vash has always been a bit of a "Funny dog" when it comes to objects, rather than gnawing on them like most dogs he licks them to death. Until recently I just thought it was a personality quirk, there wasn't much harm being done, and I knew he was healthy so I just overlooked it.

In the weeks leading up to the move Vash decided he was going to start new things...he ran into the bathroom when I'd get out of the shower and lick my shins and feet, and if I sat down he'd lick my forehead.

The last few days he's taken to licking my sheets right before it's time to wake up. The last straw was this morning in a bit of a daze I rolled over into a big puddle of dog slobber, my immediate thought was "did that little turd pee in the bed?" and then I realized he had been licking the sheets.

I suppose I could spray the sheets with bitter apple, I think the licking thing is his way of dealing with stress. Which isn't the worst way to deal with stress but it is a bit annoying.

 

[Caro]

Have you had Vash checked for allergies? Tully is a chronic licker, I always thought it was just an annoying habit. But I metioned it to the vet one time and he said licking is often due to allergies because dogs tend to lickto soothe the itchiness or soreness, and this licking usually turns into obsessional licking. Sure enough Tully does have allergies. Her licking is much better when she is on allergy meds and in winter (tends to lick objects less), but she unfortunately now a chronic licker so will never kick the habit.

 

[Hollysdad]

Holly's a licker...I thought it was an affectionate thing because she's very gentle about it and does it when I pick her up or we have cuddles on the couch. The allergies thing could be right, she has had a few allergy issues over the past year (face rubbing).