Do You Know Why Your Dogs Lick Everything? It Could Be A Medical Problem

Do you notice your pup performing odd behaviors? They might seem amusing to casual onlookers, but you might have found some of them to be a little strange.

For example, some breeds suck their flanks, some bite at imaginary flying insects, and some lick repeatedly at a specific area. Why does this happen? Is it a compulsive disorder?

This type of behavior is referred to as stereotypic behavior – or in layman’s terms, actions that are constantly repeated but seem to have no purpose. They’re usually harmless, unless it stops a pup from being able to do ordinary daily tasks, or if it starts to become so incessant that it disrupts the bond between the pup and their family. So what exactly causes this behavior? Here are some thoughts.

1. Medical conditions

Researches have often suggested that compulsive licking can be related to medical issues, but this has never been confirmed or studied. However, some medical problems that may cause compulsions are skin disease, pain, or cancer.

2. Behavioral disorders

Studies conducted on Doberman pups who compulsively suck their flanks have suggested that there are structural differences between pups who did this and those who didn’t. They seem to indicate that this conduct comes from the brain itself and isn’t a symptom of another issue, and so they may have to be treated with psychotropic medications.

3. Communication

Pups often attempt to communicate with those around them by repeatedly performing the same kind of behavior over and over. Sometimes, they may even be trying to say that they can sense a medical condition in their Mommies and Daddies. So if your pup is exhibiting strange behavior, they may be trying to tell you something.

4. Compulsive Disorder

If the actions are not caused by medical conditions, some pups may in fact suffer from compulsive disorder, which can be treated with anxiety medications. However, this is difficult to assess as there are not many resources available to properly examine mental health in animals.

At the end of the day, if your pup behaves in a way that worries you, the best option is to talk to a vet about your concerns. It’s a bit of a mystery, but not one that cannot be unraveled! Like and share away!