Stopping the Lick-a-thon: A Guide to Managing Excessive Licking in Senior Dogs

Excessive licking in dogs, especially older ones, can be a perplexing and sometimes concerning behavior for pet owners. While occasional grooming and self-soothing are normal, constant or intense licking can signal underlying medical issues, behavioral problems, or a combination of both. Understanding the potential causes behind this behavior is crucial in effectively addressing it and improving your senior dog’s quality of life.

This comprehensive guide delves into the common reasons for excessive licking in older dogs, provides practical steps for diagnosis and treatment, and offers tips for managing the behavior and preventing it from becoming a chronic issue.

## Identifying Excessive Licking: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to distinguish between normal grooming behavior and excessive licking. Dogs naturally groom themselves, licking their paws, legs, and other areas to keep clean. However, if you notice any of the following signs, your dog’s licking might be excessive:

* **Constant licking of a specific area:** Focusing on one spot repeatedly, often leading to redness, hair loss, or skin irritation.
* **Licking objects excessively:** Licking furniture, floors, or other objects for extended periods.
* **Licking even when there’s nothing to clean:** Licking the air or themselves seemingly without purpose.
* **Self-mutilation:** Licking, chewing, or biting themselves to the point of causing wounds or sores.
* **Interference with daily life:** Licking disrupting sleep, eating, or other normal activities.
* **Vocalization during licking:** Whining, groaning, or other vocalizations while licking.

If you observe any of these behaviors, it’s time to investigate the potential causes.

## Potential Causes of Excessive Licking in Older Dogs

Excessive licking in senior dogs can stem from various medical, behavioral, and environmental factors. It’s often a combination of issues that contributes to the problem.

### 1. Medical Causes

Medical conditions are often the primary suspect when a dog suddenly starts licking excessively, especially if it’s a new behavior.

* **Pain:** Pain is a major trigger for licking. Older dogs are prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal issues, and other painful conditions. They may lick the affected area in an attempt to soothe the discomfort.
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, possibly including X-rays or other imaging tests, to identify the source of the pain.
* **Treatment:** Pain management is crucial. This may involve pain medications (NSAIDs, opioids, gabapentin), joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin), physical therapy, acupuncture, or other therapies.
* **Skin Allergies:** Allergies to food, pollen, dust mites, or other environmental factors can cause intense itching and skin irritation, leading to excessive licking and scratching.
* **Diagnosis:** Allergy testing (skin or blood tests) can help identify the specific allergens. A food elimination trial may be necessary to rule out food allergies.
* **Treatment:** Avoidance of allergens is ideal, but often difficult. Medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be prescribed. Special shampoos and topical treatments can also help relieve itching.
* **Skin Infections:** Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin can cause intense itching and discomfort, leading to excessive licking. These infections are often secondary to allergies or other skin problems.
* **Diagnosis:** A skin scrape or culture can identify the type of infection.
* **Treatment:** Antibiotics or antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the infection. Topical treatments may also be used.
* **Dry Skin:** Dry skin, common in older dogs, can be itchy and uncomfortable. Licking can exacerbate the problem, creating a vicious cycle.
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s skin condition.
* **Treatment:** Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Bathe your dog less frequently and use a moisturizing shampoo. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also improve skin health.
* **Gastrointestinal Issues:** Problems like acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or pancreatitis can cause nausea and discomfort, leading to excessive licking, especially of surfaces or the air.
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, fecal tests, ultrasound, or endoscopy to diagnose gastrointestinal issues.
* **Treatment:** Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include dietary changes, medications to reduce acid production, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other therapies.
* **Neurological Issues:** In rare cases, excessive licking can be a sign of a neurological problem, such as a seizure disorder or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian may perform a neurological exam and recommend imaging tests like MRI or CT scan.
* **Treatment:** Treatment depends on the specific neurological condition and may include medications to control seizures or manage cognitive decline.
* **Anal Gland Issues:** Impacted or infected anal glands can cause discomfort and lead to licking of the anal area.
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian can examine the anal glands to determine if they are impacted or infected.
* **Treatment:** Expressing the anal glands, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.

### 2. Behavioral Causes

Even if a medical cause is ruled out, behavioral factors can still contribute to excessive licking.

* **Anxiety and Stress:** Older dogs can experience anxiety and stress due to changes in their environment, separation anxiety, or fear of loud noises. Licking can be a self-soothing behavior.
* **Diagnosis:** Observe your dog’s behavior to identify potential stressors. Consider consulting with a veterinary behaviorist.
* **Treatment:** Identify and eliminate stressors whenever possible. Provide a safe and comfortable environment for your dog. Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers (Adaptil) or supplements (Zylkene). In severe cases, anti-anxiety medication may be necessary.
* **Boredom:** If your dog is not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they may lick excessively out of boredom.
* **Diagnosis:** Evaluate your dog’s daily routine and activity level.
* **Treatment:** Provide more opportunities for exercise, play, and mental stimulation. Use puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games to keep your dog engaged.
* **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):** In some cases, excessive licking can be a manifestation of OCD. This is more common in certain breeds but can occur in any dog.
* **Diagnosis:** A veterinary behaviorist can diagnose OCD based on your dog’s behavior and history.
* **Treatment:** Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral modification techniques and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
* **Attention-Seeking:** Sometimes, dogs learn that licking gets them attention from their owners, even if it’s negative attention. This can reinforce the behavior.
* **Diagnosis:** Consider whether your dog’s licking behavior is more frequent when you are present.
* **Treatment:** Avoid reinforcing the licking behavior. Ignore the licking or redirect your dog’s attention to something else. Provide plenty of positive attention when your dog is not licking.
* **Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS):** CDS, similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, can cause behavioral changes, including excessive licking. Other signs of CDS include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, and loss of housetraining.
* **Diagnosis:** Your veterinarian can diagnose CDS based on your dog’s age, history, and behavioral signs.
* **Treatment:** There is no cure for CDS, but medications like selegiline (Anipryl) can help manage the symptoms. Provide a consistent routine and a stimulating environment.

### 3. Environmental Factors

The environment in which your dog lives can also contribute to excessive licking.

* **Allergens:** As mentioned earlier, environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold can cause skin irritation and licking.
* **Diagnosis:** Allergy testing can help identify the specific allergens.
* **Treatment:** Minimize exposure to allergens. Regularly clean your home, especially bedding and carpets. Use air purifiers to remove allergens from the air.
* **Cleaning Products:** Certain cleaning products can irritate your dog’s skin and cause them to lick excessively.
* **Diagnosis:** Consider whether your dog’s licking behavior started after you began using a new cleaning product.
* **Treatment:** Switch to pet-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. Thoroughly rinse any surfaces that your dog may come into contact with.
* **Dry Air:** Dry air can lead to dry skin, which can cause itching and licking.
* **Diagnosis:** Assess the humidity level in your home.
* **Treatment:** Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

## Diagnostic Steps: Finding the Root Cause

Determining the underlying cause of excessive licking in your senior dog requires a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. **Veterinary Examination:** This is the most crucial step. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough physical examination. Be prepared to provide a detailed history of your dog’s licking behavior, including when it started, how often it occurs, what areas or objects are being licked, and any other relevant information. The veterinarian will assess your dog’s overall health, look for signs of pain or skin problems, and may recommend further diagnostic tests.
2. **Diagnostic Tests:** Depending on the veterinarian’s findings, they may recommend various diagnostic tests, including:
* **Blood Tests:** To check for underlying medical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid problems.
* **Urine Tests:** To assess kidney function and look for signs of infection.
* **Skin Scrapings and Cultures:** To identify skin infections or parasites.
* **Allergy Testing:** To identify specific allergens.
* **Fecal Tests:** To check for intestinal parasites or other gastrointestinal issues.
* **X-rays or Ultrasound:** To look for signs of arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal problems, or to assess internal organs.
* **Endoscopy or Colonoscopy:** To examine the gastrointestinal tract.
* **Neurological Exam:** To assess neurological function.
3. **Food Elimination Trial:** If your veterinarian suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a food elimination trial. This involves feeding your dog a special diet containing a novel protein and carbohydrate source (ingredients they have never eaten before) for a period of several weeks. During this time, you cannot give your dog any other food, treats, or supplements. If your dog’s licking improves on the elimination diet, it suggests a food allergy.
4. **Behavioral Assessment:** If medical causes are ruled out, or if behavioral factors are suspected, consider consulting with a veterinary behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist can evaluate your dog’s behavior, identify potential stressors, and develop a treatment plan to address any underlying behavioral issues.

## Treatment Strategies: Addressing the Underlying Cause

Once you have identified the underlying cause of your dog’s excessive licking, you can begin implementing appropriate treatment strategies. Treatment will vary depending on the diagnosis.

### 1. Treating Medical Conditions

* **Pain Management:**
* **Medications:** Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, NSAIDs can have side effects, so it’s important to use them under the supervision of your veterinarian. Other pain medications, such as opioids or gabapentin, may be prescribed in some cases.
* **Joint Supplements:** Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help support joint health and reduce pain in dogs with arthritis.
* **Physical Therapy:** Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles. Options include massage, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises.
* **Acupuncture:** Acupuncture can help relieve pain and inflammation by stimulating the release of endorphins.
* **Allergy Management:**
* **Allergen Avoidance:** The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger them. This may involve changing your dog’s food, cleaning your home more frequently, or using air purifiers.
* **Medications:** Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be prescribed to help relieve allergy symptoms.
* **Topical Treatments:** Special shampoos, conditioners, and sprays can help soothe itchy skin and reduce inflammation.
* **Skin Infection Treatment:**
* **Antibiotics or Antifungals:** Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial skin infections, while antifungals are used to treat fungal skin infections. These medications may be given orally or topically.
* **Topical Treatments:** Medicated shampoos, creams, and ointments can help kill bacteria or fungi and relieve itching.
* **Dry Skin Management:**
* **Humidifier:** Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
* **Moisturizing Shampoo:** Bathe your dog less frequently and use a moisturizing shampoo.
* **Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements:** Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health and reduce dryness.
* **Gastrointestinal Issue Management:**
* **Dietary Changes:** A bland, easily digestible diet may be recommended to help soothe the digestive system. Your veterinarian may also recommend a special diet for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
* **Medications:** Medications to reduce acid production, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications may be prescribed depending on the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal issue.
* **Neurological Condition Management:**
* **Medications:** Medications to control seizures or manage cognitive decline may be prescribed depending on the specific neurological condition.
* **Anal Gland Management:**
* **Anal Gland Expression:** Your veterinarian can express the anal glands to relieve impaction.
* **Antibiotics:** Antibiotics may be prescribed if the anal glands are infected.
* **Dietary Changes:** Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can help improve anal gland function.

### 2. Addressing Behavioral Issues

* **Anxiety and Stress Management:**
* **Identify and Eliminate Stressors:** Try to identify and eliminate any stressors that may be causing your dog anxiety. This may involve making changes to your dog’s environment or routine.
* **Provide a Safe and Comfortable Environment:** Make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable place to retreat to when they are feeling anxious or stressed. This could be a crate, a bed, or a quiet room.
* **Calming Aids:** Pheromone diffusers (Adaptil) or supplements (Zylkene) can help reduce anxiety in some dogs.
* **Anti-Anxiety Medication:** In severe cases, anti-anxiety medication may be necessary. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication if needed.
* **Boredom Management:**
* **Increase Exercise and Play:** Provide more opportunities for exercise and play. This could involve going for longer walks, playing fetch, or engaging in other activities that your dog enjoys.
* **Mental Stimulation:** Provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games. This can help keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.
* **OCD Management:**
* **Behavioral Modification:** Behavioral modification techniques, such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, can help reduce compulsive licking. This should be done under the guidance of a veterinary behaviorist.
* **Medication:** Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage OCD.
* **Attention-Seeking Management:**
* **Ignore the Licking:** Avoid reinforcing the licking behavior by ignoring it. Do not give your dog attention when they are licking.
* **Redirect Attention:** Redirect your dog’s attention to something else, such as a toy or a training exercise.
* **Provide Positive Attention:** Provide plenty of positive attention when your dog is not licking.
* **CDS Management:**
* **Medications:** Medications like selegiline (Anipryl) can help manage the symptoms of CDS.
* **Consistent Routine:** Provide a consistent routine to help reduce anxiety and confusion.
* **Stimulating Environment:** Provide a stimulating environment to help keep your dog mentally engaged.

## Practical Tips for Managing and Preventing Excessive Licking

In addition to addressing the underlying cause of excessive licking, there are several practical tips you can implement to manage the behavior and prevent it from becoming a chronic problem.

* **Elizabethan Collar (E-Collar):** An E-collar, also known as a cone of shame, can prevent your dog from licking a specific area. This is especially helpful for healing wounds or preventing self-mutilation. However, it should only be used under the supervision of your veterinarian, as prolonged use can be stressful for your dog.
* **Bandaging:** If your dog is licking a wound or irritated area, bandaging can help protect the area and prevent further licking. Make sure the bandage is clean and dry, and change it regularly.
* **Bitter Sprays:** Bitter sprays can be applied to areas your dog is licking to discourage the behavior. However, some dogs are not deterred by bitter sprays, so it may not be effective for all dogs. Always use a product specifically designed for pets.
* **Distraction:** When you see your dog starting to lick, try to distract them with a toy, a treat, or a training exercise. This can help interrupt the behavior and redirect their attention.
* **Increased Exercise and Mental Stimulation:** As mentioned earlier, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce boredom and anxiety, which can contribute to excessive licking.
* **Regular Grooming:** Regular grooming can help keep your dog’s skin healthy and prevent skin problems that can lead to licking. Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and debris, and bathe them as needed with a moisturizing shampoo.
* **Monitor Diet:** Ensure your dog is eating a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Food allergies can contribute to skin problems and licking, so it’s important to feed your dog a diet that is free of common allergens.
* **Maintain a Clean Environment:** Keep your home clean and free of allergens to minimize skin irritation. Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery, wash bedding, and use air purifiers.
* **Provide a Comfortable Bed:** Make sure your dog has a comfortable bed to sleep on. Orthopedic beds can be especially helpful for older dogs with arthritis.
* **Limit Access to Licking Targets:** If your dog is licking specific objects, such as furniture or floors, try to limit their access to these objects. You can cover furniture with blankets or use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas.
* **Positive Reinforcement:** Reward your dog for not licking. When you see them engaging in other behaviors, such as playing with a toy or lying down, give them praise and a treat. This can help reinforce positive behaviors and reduce licking.

## When to Seek Professional Help

While you can implement many of these strategies on your own, it’s important to seek professional help from a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist if:

* The licking is sudden and severe.
* The licking is causing self-mutilation or injury.
* The licking is interfering with your dog’s daily life.
* You are unable to identify the underlying cause of the licking.
* You have tried various treatments without success.
* Your dog is showing other signs of illness or distress.

A veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can provide a thorough evaluation, diagnose the underlying cause of the licking, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address the problem.

## Conclusion

Excessive licking in older dogs can be a frustrating and concerning behavior, but by understanding the potential causes, implementing appropriate treatment strategies, and seeking professional help when needed, you can help your senior dog live a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life. Remember that patience and persistence are key, and it may take time to find the right combination of treatments to effectively manage the licking behavior. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatments or medications.