Dog Licking:

Licking is a natural activity for cats grooming themselves but excessive licking may indicate trouble. Dog's do not normally groom themselves. Pets lick when things are bothering them. Fleas are one of the main reasons pet lick. Itchy skin causes pets to lick, but this may be due to many different reasons. Pets may also lick at areas of discomfort such as sore joints and skin trauma. Believe it or not, pets can also lick due to stress or boredom. This is usually directed at the area above the paws (acral lick surface). Your veterinarian can diagnose the reason for your pet licking and show you how to treat this behavior.

Dog Licking Causes:

Any insult to the skin or underlying structures that the pet can perceive. This includes fleas, allergies, trauma, arthritis, infection, inflammation, foreign bodies, etc.

Dog Licking Treatment:

Depends on the cause. Most treatments do include anti-inflammatory medication.

Dog Licking Prevention:

Again, it depends on the cause. Many times it is a good idea to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and therefore self trauma. This should only be necessary until proper treatment has enough time to stop the licking.