WHY DO DOGS LICK? Written by Dr Gretta Howard in partnership with Black Hawk Pet Care
Licking is a common dog behaviour and while in some situations it is a normal interaction, some types of licking is undesirable or may even be a sign of disease. Dogs licking people: Is this safe? Dogs often greet people with a lick if they are friendly but it is not necessarily a safe habit to encourage, given the potential for germs or even parasites which can be transferred to humans. It’s important to ensure your dog is always up-to-date with parasite preventatives, and that basic hygiene is carried out in the home when living with a dog, such as ensuring hands are washed prior to eating. It is not recommended to allow a dog to lick your face. It is best to discourage your dog from licking your children’s hands and faces.
Dogs licking themselves: Is this normal? When dogs excessively lick themselves, it is can be a sign that they are feeling itchy. Sometimes the focus is
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DOG WORLD July 2021
just the paws, and their saliva can stain them brown, whereas sometimes the base of the tail can be the focus of attention. Allergic skin disease is common in dogs and the most common causes are atopic dermatitis, flea-allergy dermatitis and less often, food allergy. Atopic dermatitis is by far the most common cause of allergic skin disease, but the other causes have to be ruled out first. While humans tend to get hayfever signs from inhaled allergens, dogs get itchy, resulting in excessive licking and secondary infections (yeast, bacterial or both). Flea-allergy dermatitis tends to cause licking and biting at the base of the tail. Sometimes there are no fleas seen as they’ve jumped off, or your dog has already removed them, but in allergic dogs, a single flea bite every 2 weeks can keep them licking until they are treated. Food allergy can cause allergic skin disease but is a much less common cause than thought, making up less than 5% of itchy dogs1. Licking excessively can be a sign of food allergy. If your dog is licking him or herself excessively, then consult with your veterinarian to determine the best way forward.
