Dear Cathy,
We have a seven-pound Chihuahua mix that we found roaming the streets six years ago. We absolutely love our dog, but he has one particular habit that absolutely drives us crazy. He constantly licks. If he’s on any piece of furniture, he licks. When not sleeping, he licks. I’ve brought this to the attention of several veterinarians, but no one has an answer on how to resolve this habit. It seems like it has gotten worse the older he gets. If you have any suggestions, it would be very much appreciated. – Vicki, La Grange, Illinois
Dear Vicki,
- Behavioral Redirection
- Teach a clear command, like “no lick” or “leave it,” to interrupt the behavior.
- Reward compliance with treats or praise to reinforce the desired behavior.
- Redirect his focus to a different activity, such as a chew toy, puzzle toy, or interactive game. Puzzle feeders, for instance, can keep his mind engaged and shift his focus away from licking.
- Increased Physical and Mental Stimulation
- Regular exercise, like daily walks or fetch games, can help reduce pent-up energy that often manifests as compulsive behaviors. A tired dog is less likely to engage in repetitive actions.
- Mental stimulation is equally important. Beyond puzzle toys, consider teaching him new tricks or commands, which can engage his brain and build confidence.
- Environmental Enrichment
- Introduce new toys or rotate existing ones to keep his environment exciting.
- Create safe spaces where he feels comfortable and less anxious, such as a cozy bed in a quiet corner of the house.
- Deterrents for Licking
- Apply a safe, bitter-tasting spray like Bitter Apple to commonly licked areas. These products are designed to discourage licking without harming your dog.
- Cover furniture with washable throws or blankets, as they may be easier to clean and discourage licking.
- Stress and Anxiety Management
- If anxiety is a contributing factor, calming aids like pheromone diffusers (e.g., Adaptil) or anti-anxiety supplements (e.g., Zylkene) might help.
- Consult your veterinarian about whether prescription anti-anxiety medications could provide additional support.
- Consistency is Key
- Changing a long-standing habit takes time and patience. Be consistent with your interventions and monitor his progress. Over time, a combination of these strategies should help reduce his licking.
When to Reassess
If the licking persists despite these efforts or worsens, consider revisiting the veterinarian for a second opinion. Certain medical issues, such as skin irritations, allergies, or even neurological conditions, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose initially.
Your love and commitment to your Chihuahua mix are evident, and with some persistence, you can help him break this habit.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal
I will be getting a new puppy in 2 weeks. Currently the pup is almost 7 weeks old. I got an email from the breeder that a littermate was bitten by the sire and died. Should I be concerned that my puppy will have behavioral issues from the trauma of hearing the puppy’s screams? Or even the reaction of the trauma experienced by the people in home.
Generally, you don’t have anything to worry about. Just like babies, young puppies and kittens don’t remember everything that happened to them as puppies. So, I think you are fine. But since you know there was a possibly traumatic experience in your pup’s life, just be sure to socialize your puppy with lots of people, expose him or her to lots of new environments, and start training while young. This helps build confidence in your dog and reduces the potential for anxieties and fears.
So sorry.. the above question was posted to wrong area. I likewise had the same question about licking issues so was reading the post