Excessive Licking, Chewing, And Grooming In Dogs - PetMD

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By Lauren Jones, VMD. Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVMUpdated Feb. 26, 2026

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Is My Dog Licking Themselves Excessively?View 2 More +

It can be frustrating as a pet parent to watch your dog licking, chewing, or grooming themselves obsessively. Not only that, but it can be painful and stressful to your dog. 

Occasional grooming is normal, but persistent or obsessive licking, chewing, or grooming that causes skin irritation, hair loss, or behavior changes usually indicates an underlying medical or behavioral issue that needs veterinary evaluation. 

Your vet can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment to stop your dog from excessively licking. 

Key Takeaways

• Dogs may lick excessively due to health issues, including allergies, infections, parasites, pain, and nausea.
• If medical conditions are ruled out, a behavioral issue may be the cause.
• Signs of excessive licking include hair loss, skin redness, oozing wounds, whimpering, chewing on the paws, and the interruption of normal activities due to the constant urge to lick or groom.
• Treatment of excessive dog licking depends on the underlying cause and can range from medications and special diets to calming aids and supplements.
• If your dog’s grooming is causing injury, infection, or impacts quality of life, seek veterinary care promptly.

Is My Dog Licking Themselves Excessively?

Normal grooming entails occasional licking, typically between the toes, along the forearms, over joints, the belly, inside of the thighs, and the back end (anal area). Dogs may lightly lick or even bite or chew these areas intensely. 

However, excessive licking causes negative effects, such as: 

• Hair loss (thinning hair or bald patches) 

• Red skin or pimple-like bumps 

• Hot spots (moist, circular sores) 

• Thickened skin, especially on the legs 

• Yellow or green discharge in skin folds 

• Dry, flaky skin 

• Coat discoloration 

• Hair matting close to the skin 

• Limping 

• Moaning, whimpering, or discomfort while grooming 

• Interference with normal activities, like sleep or play 

If your dog is experiencing these unwanted symptoms after persistent grooming, it’s a concern.  

Why Is My Dog Licking Themselves Excessively?

There are many causes of excessive licking in dogs. Your vet will try to determine the underlying cause, such as a skin condition, pain, and other medical issues, or, less commonly, a behavioral issue. 

Because many dogs avoid showing signs of illness at the vet, you can help your vet figure out what’s causing it by bringing photos or videos of your dog while they are constantly licking. 

Common reasons dogs excessively lick include any of the following: 

Allergies 

If licking and grooming are accompanied by scratching or the area is red, infected, or warm to the touch, itching may be the cause. 

Allergies are one of the most common causes of pruritus, or itchiness. There are generally three types of allergies in dogs—environmental allergy, flea allergy (allergy to flea bite saliva), and food allergy. A dog with allergies may lick, chew, or scratch, or they may even have digestion problems. 

Environmental Allergies 

Environmental allergies, or atopy, are reactions to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass, causing symptoms like itching and licking. It’s also very common to have secondary infections in the skin or ears, and these must be treated at the same time. 

Environmental Allergies Treatment 

There are many medications to help treat atopy, such as Zenrelia, a prescription medication used to control itching and skin inflammation associated with allergies in dogs. Zenrelia is a once-daily tablet for dogs over 12 months old that can be used for both short-term flare-ups or long-term management of allergic itching. 

Food Allergies 

Food allergies are an immune response to ingredients in a dog's diet. The most common dog food allergens are proteins, such as chicken, beef, and dairy proteins. 

Food Allergies Treatment 

If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic food trial using a special veterinary diet. Hydrolyzed or novel protein diets are two very common choices. 

During the trial, which can last eight to 12 weeks, your pet cannot receive any other food, treats, meal toppers, pill pockets, flavored medication, or flavored toys. The idea is to prevent any other food allergens in the diet. 

If your pet does well on this diet trial, you can slowly start to reintroduce, or challenge, their system with their old food. If your pet begins licking or overgrooming again, your pet is most likely allergic to the protein in their previous diet.  

Flea Allergy 

Flea allergy dermatitis is a hypersensitivity reaction against the proteins in the flea’s saliva. The dog’s immune system causes an inflammatory reaction, leading to intense itching and licking.   

Flea Allergy Treatment 

Treatment for flea allergy dermatitis in dogs is aimed at getting rid of the flea infestation and reducing the symptoms of itchy skin and irritation until the fleas are gone. 

Speak with your vet about the best flea and tick medication for your dog based on their age, lifestyle, and health. Flea and tick treatments are available as a flavored chew, topical solution, collar, or shampoo.You will also need to rid the environment of fleas through washing dog bedding and blankets and vacuuming daily until the infestation is gone. 

 

Yeast, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections 

Your vet may look for yeast, bacterial, or fungal infections on the skin and fur using diagnostic skin tests. Bacterial and yeast infections are typically itchy and accompanied by redness, discharge, and even dandruff. 

Yeast and bacteria thrive in warm, moist, dark environments, which is why we frequently see yeast infections and bacterial infections between toes, in the groin area, and in the ears. Brownish-red discharge and discoloration of the dog’s fur are common signs of yeast and bacterial infections.  

Fungal infections, like ringworm, may or may not be itchy and have similar skin symptoms, including hair loss, red bumps, discharge, and crust. Samples of the fur and crusted skin are tested for ringworm fungal infections. 

Infection Treatment 

Based on these results, your vet can determine the appropriate course of treatment—an antibiotic, an antifungal, an antiparasitic, medicated shampoo, a corticosteroid, or anti-allergy immune modulators. 

Pain 

If there is no sign of skin infection or allergies, vets will consider arthritis, pain, and wounds as reasons for overgrooming and licking. Dogs will commonly lick painful areas on their body. 

Carefully (and safely) examine the area your dog is licking for signs of lacerations, puncture wounds, or even small insect bites. If there is no hair loss, these may be very difficult to see.  

Excessive grooming over joints could indicate soft tissue injury (sprains or strains), fractures, or degenerative joint disease (arthritis). You may also notice your dog having trouble navigating the stairs or jumping, having difficulty rising from rest, as well as joint swelling, joint heat, and limping. 

Pain Treatment 

There are many treatment options for strain and sprain injuries and degenerative joint disease, including medication, weight loss, supplements, laser therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture. 

If your pet has a wound, do not use household cleaners like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your dog’s skin. Instead, schedule a veterinary appointment to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Nausea 

If your pet is licking their lips or the air, carpet, or bedding, or if they are eating grass, this could be a sign they are nauseous. You might also see signs like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, increased stomach noises, or lip-smacking. 

There are many reasons why a dog may be nauseous or vomit. Some of the more common causes include a blockage of the digestive tract, dietary indiscretion (eating nonfood items), a diet change or sensitivity, inflammation, an infection, parasites, pancreatitis, toxicities, or diseases of other body systems. 

Nausea Treatment 

Standard diagnostics, such as X-rays and blood tests, can help determine the cause and treatment for your pet’s nausea. 

Treatment for nausea depends on the underlying cause and can range from withholding food and water for a short period of time as directed by your vet, to an anti-nausea injection (Cerenia) given at your vet hospital, as well as medications or therapeutic digestive diets. 

If your dog is lethargic and cannot hold down food or water, seek emergency care immediately. 

Other Health Issues 

A dog constantly licking may be due to other health issues. To find out why your dog is licking so much, you’ll want to consider the location of the licking. 

Nail Problems 

Long, cracked nails are commonly a source of discomfort. However, autoimmune issues and nutrient deficiencies can also cause dry, brittle, or infected nails. 

If your dog’s nails are frequently broken, cracked, dry, or brittle, talk to your vet to determine the cause. 

Treatment of Nail Problems 

A simple nail trim could solve the problem. Omega-3 fatty acids and other dietary supplements can help strengthen your dog’s coat and nails, leading to less licking and irritation of the nail and nailbeds. 

Anal Gland Issues 

If your dog is licking their rectum or groin, they may be experiencing anal gland problems. These include anal sac impaction, infection, or rupture. 

Treatment of Anal Gland Issues 

Most cases of anal sac disease in dogs can be treated with manual anal gland expression. Some cases will require oral antibiotics, such as Clavamox, anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as carprofen, regular treatments with medicated wipes and medicated shampoo, and laser therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be needed. 

Urinary Tract/Reproductive Organ Infections 

Your dog may obsessively lick their private parts due to discomfort caused by urinary tract infections or an infection of their reproductive organs, such as vaginitis or pyometra. 

A urine test (urinalysis) will reveal evidence of infection, blood, urinary bladder crystals, and inflammation. 

A thorough urogenital exam is especially important in intact female dogs (those who have not been spayed), as they can acquire severe, life-threatening uterine infections. 

UTI/Reproductive Organ Infections Treatment 

A bladder infection (UTI) is generally treated with a one-to-two-week course of antibiotics. Your vet may also prescribe a therapeutic urinary diet, such as Hill’s c/d. 

Vaginitis is treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal medications plus medicated shampoo and wipes. 

Sometimes a bladder infection or vaginitis in female dogs is caused by an anatomical issue where there is extra skin surrounding and folding over the vulva, called a recessed vulva. If obesity is the cause of recessed vulva, your vet will recommend a weight loss plan for your dog. If your dog has a healthy, trim body condition, surgery may be required to remove the extra skin around the vulva. 

Pyometra requires emergency spay surgery and hospitalization with supportive care. 

Anxiety/Behavioral Issues 

If all medical reasons have been ruled out—itch, infection, allergies, nausea, or pain—the excessive licking and grooming may be a behavioral issue. 

Boredom 

Without proper enrichment, dogs can become bored. Dogs can lick, groom, and scratch because of boredom. 

Managing Boredom 

If you notice your pet self-grooming mostly when they are idle, try increasing their daily exercise and giving them a job. All dogs need daily exercise and mental stimulation, which can include long walks or runs, fetch, flyball, agility, obedience classes, and doggy day care.  

Keep their brain busy with time-released treats, interactive food toys, or puzzles with hidden treats.  

Anxiety 

Similar to humans, dogs can experience anxiety. Common causes include fear, separation, and aging. Repetitive or compulsive behaviors, like obsessive licking, is one sign of anxiety in dogs. 

Anxiety Treatment 

If anxiety is an issue, over-the-counter therapies are a logical next step. Options include calming vests, like Thundershirt; calming sprays, like ThunderEase; and calming supplements, such as VetriScience Composure and Solliquin. 

Many pets also benefit from prescription anti-anxiety medications, such as clomipramine (Clomicalm) or fluoxetine (Reconcile). Prescription medications can take time and patience to determine appropriate strength and combinations. 

Excessive Dog Licking and Grooming FAQs

Can allergies alone cause excessive licking and chewing?

Yes. Environmental, food, and flea-bite allergies commonly trigger itching and overgrooming in dogs. 

Is constant licking always a medical issue?

Not always, but consistent licking often signals health or behavioral concerns. 

What is a lick granuloma?

A lick granuloma is a self-inflicted, raised, thickened area of skin from obsessive licking, often tied to stress, anxiety, or boredom. 

How long should I monitor licking before calling a vet?

If there is injury to the skin, behavioral changes, or persistent licking that lasts more than a few days, contact your vet for an exam.

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor's degree...

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