Stop Your Dog from Excessive Licking: Causes and Solutions (2025)

When my French Bulldog, Milo, started licking my hands excessively after a move to our Texas home, I thought it was just affection. But Dr. Carter, my vet, pointed out it was anxiety from the new environment. With her guidance, I used calm commands and toys to curb Milo’s licking. This guide blends my experience with Milo and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help US dog owners stop excessive licking, whether in a New York apartment or a Texas suburb. With patience and the right approach, you can manage this behavior and keep your dog—and yourself—comfortable and healthy.

Why Do Dogs Lick Excessively?

Dr. Carter explains that occasional licking is a normal way dogs show affection or groom, but excessive licking signals underlying issues [1]. Common causes include:

• Affection: Dogs lick to bond, a behavior learned from their mother’s grooming [1].
• Attention-Seeking: Licking draws focus, especially if owners react (per your prior jumping query [1]) [2].
• Anxiety or Stress: Changes in environment or routine trigger compulsive licking (per your prior whining query [1]) [1].
• Taste or Smell: Dogs may lick skin for sweat or food residue, though this is less common [2].
• Medical Issues: Allergies, skin infections, or pain (e.g., arthritis, per your prior paw licking query [1]) cause licking to soothe discomfort [1].
• Boredom: Lack of stimulation leads to repetitive licking [2].

Excessive licking can irritate skin, introduce bacteria, or signal health problems, making it essential to identify the cause [1].

Is Dog Licking Harmful to Owners?

Dr. Carter clarifies that dog saliva is generally safe for healthy skin but poses risks in specific cases [1]. Zoonotic bacteria like Capnocytophaga can cause infections, especially if licked on open wounds or mucous membranes [2]. For owners with skin conditions (e.g., eczema), licking may worsen irritation or introduce pathogens [1]. While dog saliva contains enzymes like lysozymes with mild antimicrobial properties, these are not sufficient to “heal” wounds and are no substitute for medical treatment [2]. Avoid letting dogs lick open cuts or sensitive areas, and wash hands after contact to minimize risks [1].

How to Stop Excessive Dog Licking

Dr. Carter’s training and management steps focus on addressing the cause and redirecting behavior, suitable for dogs of all ages:

1. Identify the Cause: Observe when licking occurs (e.g., during greetings, alone, or after walks) to pinpoint triggers like anxiety or allergies [1].
2. Ignore Licking: Turn away, avoid eye contact, and stay silent when your dog licks; this discourages attention-seeking behavior [2].
3. Reward Calm Behavior: Offer PetSafe treats or praise when your dog stops licking; use a Kong toy to redirect focus [1].
4. Use a Firm Cue Word: Teach “no” or “stop” in a calm, firm tone during licking; reward compliance with treats [2].
5. Provide Alternatives: Offer a PetSafe chew toy or puzzle to shift focus from licking; ensure it’s engaging [1].
6. Address Taste-Driven Licking: If licking targets skin, use vet-approved bitter sprays (e.g., NaturVet Bitter Yuck) on your hands or arms; avoid citrus, as it may irritate skin [2].
7. Manage Anxiety: Create a calm environment with a PetSafe bed and consistent routines; provide 30–60 minutes of daily exercise to reduce stress [1].

Never yell, hit, or encourage licking, as these can worsen behavior or stress, Dr. Carter warns [1]. Milo’s licking reduced in two weeks with toy redirection and “stop” commands.

Managing Specific Licking Scenarios

During Greetings

To stop licking when you or guests enter:

• Ignore licking by folding arms or turning away; reward sitting with a Kong toy [1].
• Leash your dog (e.g., PetSafe Easy Walk Harness) before guests arrive to control movement [2].
• Ask guests to avoid petting until your dog is calm [1].

When Alone

For anxiety-driven licking:

• Provide PetSafe puzzle toys or a stuffed Kong to keep your dog occupied [2].
• Gradually desensitize to alone time with short absences, rewarding calm behavior [1].
• Use a cozy PetSafe crate as a safe space, but avoid overuse [2].

On Walks

To prevent licking strangers or objects:

• Keep your dog close with a PetSafe leash; redirect with treats or toys [1].
• Train “leave it” to stop licking objects like grass or debris [2].
• Wash hands after walks to remove enticing smells [1].

Breed-Specific Licking Tendencies

This table compares excessive licking tendencies across breeds, based on veterinary data [1][2].

Note: Likelihood (1–10) reflects susceptibility; triggers show common causes.

When to See a Vet or Behaviorist

Dr. Carter advises consulting a vet or certified behaviorist if:

• Licking persists beyond 2–3 days despite training [1].
• Accompanied by skin redness, odor, swelling, or sores, suggesting allergies or infections (per your prior paw licking query [1]) [2].
• Linked to behavioral changes like lethargy or aggression (per your prior biting query [1]) [1].
• Suggests compulsive disorders, such as excessive self-licking [2].

A vet can test for allergies or infections, while a behaviorist can address anxiety-driven licking, per ASPCA recommendations [3].

Preventing Excessive Licking in the Long Term

To maintain progress, Dr. Carter recommends:

• Regular Health Checks: Schedule annual vet visits to catch allergies or pain early [1].
• Quality Nutrition: Feed hypoallergenic diets (e.g., Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA) to minimize skin issues [2].
• Mental Stimulation: Provide Kong puzzle toys to reduce boredom-driven licking [1].
• Socialization: Expose your dog to new people and settings in controlled ways, rewarding calm behavior [3].
• Hygiene: Wash your hands and arms with Zymox Pet Shampoo after outdoor activities to remove enticing smells [1].

FAQs

• Why does my dog lick me excessively? Affection, attention, anxiety, taste, or medical issues [1].
• How do I stop excessive dog licking? Ignore licking, reward calm behavior, use cue words, and address medical causes [2].
• When is licking a problem? If persistent, linked to skin issues, or behavioral changes, consult a vet [1].

Key Takeaways

• Licking Causes: Affection, attention, anxiety, taste, or medical issues.
• Management: Ignore licking, redirect with toys, and address underlying causes.
• Vet Advice: Consult Dr. Carter for persistent licking or health concerns.
• Prevention: Use training, nutrition, and hygiene to curb licking.

Final Thoughts

Milo’s excessive licking stopped with Dr. Carter’s advice on toy redirection and a calm environment. These steps work for any dog, from a sensitive French Bulldog like Milo to a protective Cane Corso like Titan. Shop PetSafe, Kong, or Zymox products at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet or a certified behaviorist for tailored solutions to ensure safe and comfortable interactions with your dog.

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Dog Behavior and Excessive Licking”.
2. Rover, “Pet Behavior and Anxiety Management”.
3. ASPCA, “Pet Health and Behavior”.