Does Your Dog Lick Too Much?

Do you have a dog that just won't stop licking, either themselves, or you? This could be nothing serious, or something very serious. Did you know that dogs have mental disorders, just like humans? It is called Canine Compulsive Disorder. It is characterized by repetitive activities such as fly biting, tail-chasing, obsessive barking, circling, and the worst of all, self-mutilation, yes, I said, self-mutilation Just as humans will cut themselves with a knife, a dog will chew themselves until they bleed. This is the most severe of all disorders of this kind.

As I am writing this, I realize Chance, my yellow Lab, has this disorder. He obsesses over flies, and licks me alot, particularly after I feed him, or we go to bed. The flies are the worst, though. Dogs with this disorder seem incapable of stopping this behavior to the point they fore go normal activities, i.e. eating, playing or sleeping. Vet's don't know why some dogs develop this disorder. Some reasons could be:

Genetics - some breeds seem to be predisposed to certain disorders such as spinning in Bull Terriers.

Attention-Seeking: Sometimes this disorder starts as seeking attention, like my dog. And, in the beginning, I used to re-enforce his behavior, thinking the fly obsession, as funny. I also enjoyed the licking, thinking he was just giving me those famous "Chance puppy kisses." By reinforcing it, he continued.

Irritation or Inflammation: Dogs lick irritated spots or inflamed spots to soothe them.

Encouragement: Owners may unknowingly encourage the behaviour their dog is exhibiting by allowing it to continue. You may think your dog is stressed out and say, "it is OK honey, I am here." "He just licks to show his love."

Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs left for long periods of time, sometimes will engage in compulsive behaviors due to being bored or stressed out.

The first step in diagnosing the problem is a thorough exam by your family vet. Ruling out any medical problems is paramount to getting to the root of the problem. If your vet suspects this disorder, he/she may prescibe a treatment with medication or sending your dog to a veterinary behaviorist. This is a vet that specializes in mental disorders and animal behavior.

The medication used is called clomipramine, and anti-depressant, and behaviour modification techniques such as distraction and stress and boredom relief. This disorder can not be cured, but can be managed. Be patient and persistent with your treatment of this disorder. It may take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the problem, to see major results.