Constant licking

[Deb]

One of our dogs is constantly licking things - everything. She licks the floors, the carpet, the cupboards, us.... you get the idea. I thought maybe OCD, but if so, how do I correct this and why is she doing it? Great dog if we could get this one last issue fixed. She has overcome major obstacles and behaviors during the past two years. I would like to help her overcome this - she can't be happy if she is that anxious, can she?

[Trish McMillan]

Dogs can have compulsive-type behaviors, and I've met dogs with this type of licking. This is the sort of thing that might need a veterinary behaviorist and medication to correct.

In the meantime you could try increasing her aerobic exercise (I think all dogs should run until their tongues hang out at least once a day, some, like the one in the picture with me, need a lot more!) You could also give her other outlets for her oral fixation, like feeding her all her meals in stuffed Kongs (you can even mix dry and wet food together and freeze it to make them last longer.)

Trish

[Deb]

Thanks Trish, I appreciate the feedback. I will try walking her more and if that does not help, I will look into the cost of consulting a behaviorist. She was incorrectly diagnosed with Separation Anxiety when I started fostering her. It took me months to wean her off the drugs she had been started on so I probably will not want to go that route with her. thanks again!