Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. They lick themselves, other dogs, objects, and even people, for many different reasons. Though usually harmless, a dog's licking of people can be annoying. If licking is excessive, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem or mental issue.

Why Dogs Lick

Depending on what is causing it, there are different things you can do to change your dog's licking habit. However, it is first necessary to find out why your dog is doing it.

1. Pleasure/Affection

Most often, a dog's licking is a sign of affection. It's a behavior that they learn as puppies from the grooming they receive from their mothers. Dogs like to get attention from humans, and if licking elicits a reaction, they are likely to keep doing it.

There is also evidence to suggest that licking makes dogs feel good. Regardless of what is being licked, the motion itself may release endorphins that make them feel calm and happy. Dogs may also enjoy the taste of human skin, which is mildly salty to them.

2. Communication

Obviously, dogs cannot speak in human languages. Therefore, when they need something from their people, they need to find other ways to communicate their needs to their caregivers. Some of these behaviors are easier to understand than others. If your dog starts licking you very intensely and determinedly, it may mean that he is trying to tell you something. You should check to see if he needs to go outside, whether his water dish is empty, etc.

3. Grooming

Some people mistakenly believe that dogs do not groom themselves the way cats do. While it is true that cats tend to be more fastidious self-groomers than dogs, canines often lick to clean themselves as well. However, constant or excessive licking is not normal.

4. Boredom/Unhappiness

Dogs prefer to have a job to do or something to occupy their minds during their waking hours. If they don't get mental stimulation, from toys or interactions with people, they get lonely or bored. Since licking is a behavior that makes them feel good, they may start licking excessively or compulsively to get that rush of endorphins.

5. Medical Problems

A number of health problems could cause your dog to lick herself excessively. She may have an allergy or an infection that makes her skin itchy, so she licks herself to try to relieve the itch. If your dog has an injury or pain from arthritis, she might lick the affected area. Dog saliva has enzymes that work to combat bacteria. Therefore, a dog's instinctive impulse to lick an area of the body that hurts may help to protect her from disease.

The endorphins that improve a dog's mood when she licks also help to relieve pain. Therefore, even if your dog is licking something other than herself, it may be a sign that she is hurting. For example, dogs with gastrointestinal issues rarely lick their own bodies, but they are more likely to lick other surfaces.

The area of her body that your dog is licking might provide a clue as to what the underlying problem is. For example, a dog that pays particular attention to the anal area may need to have the glands expressed.

How To Control Your Dog's Licking

If your dog is licking excessively and you do not know why, you should first take him to the vet to rule out a medical problem. This is especially important if your dog is licking himself excessively. Otherwise, he could make the problem worse with skin irritation and hair loss.

Upon diagnosing the underlying problem, your veterinarian may be able to recommend a treatment for it, such as an antifungal medication for a case of ringworm or antihistamine for an allergy. Once the underlying cause is taken care of, your dog may not feel the need to lick so often or so persistently.

Fortunately, usually the reason for excess licking is behavioral, not medical. If you believe your dog may be bored, you can redirect her attention with a toy that will occupy her attention and stimulate her mind. A puzzle toy can keep your dog busy for hours and rewards her with a treat when she finally figures it out.

If your dog is licking you for attention, then when you react to the behavior, you are giving him what he wants, even if you react in a negative way. Instead of getting upset and chastising him, try ignoring him instead. If the message isn't getting across, get up and leave the room. Then, when he stops licking you, you can praise and reward him with caresses or treats . This way, you positively reinforce the behavior you do want rather than the behavior you don't want.

One way to occupy your dog's attention, stimulate her mind, and positively reinforce good behavior is to teach your dog tricks. For example, if you only want dog kisses on your own terms, you can teach her to lick you on command. Dogs enjoy learning new tricks and showing off, and if you combine this with not rewarding her unwanted licking, eventually she will learn that she can only kiss you when you prompt her, not whenever she feels like it.

If your dog licks you in moderation, there is usually no harm in it. However, if it is annoying to you or just gets to be too much, you can and should assert yourself in a positive way to set boundaries on your pet's behavior.