Licking is a natural behavior for dogs—but when your dog is licking excessively, it could signal discomfort, stress, or an underlying health problem.
Whether it’s their body, the floor, or you, excessive licking shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common causes of dog licking excessively, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Table of Contents
Dog Licking Excessively: Why It Happens
Excessive licking in dogs is often a response to allergies, pain, anxiety, nausea, or skin infections. While licking can be self-soothing or a way to clean, persistent or obsessive licking is usually a red flag. Determining what your dog is licking—and when—can offer important clues.
Dog Licking Excessively: Common Causes
Allergies (Environmental or Food)
Itchy skin from allergies is a major reason dogs lick excessively. Paws, legs, belly, and even the air can become targets.
You might also notice redness, scratching, or recurring ear infections. Licking relieves the itch but often causes further skin irritation.
Elimination diets, antihistamines, or allergy testing can help identify triggers.
Read more: Dog Licking Paws Excessively (What it means)
Skin Infections (Bacterial or Fungal)
Moist, warm areas of the body—like paws, groin, or under the legs—can develop yeast or bacterial infections.
Look for odor, greasy fur, red or blackened skin, or hair loss. Dogs lick these areas to soothe discomfort.
Topical or oral treatments from your vet are often necessary.
Pain or Arthritis
Dogs may lick joints or body parts that hurt—especially in older pets with arthritis or those recovering from injury.
If your dog licks one spot persistently and avoids certain movements, pain could be the cause.
Veterinary exams and anti-inflammatory medications can offer relief.
Anxiety or Compulsive Behavior
Stress, boredom, or separation anxiety can lead to compulsive licking. Dogs may target their own body or surfaces around them.
You may notice this behavior during thunderstorms, after being left alone, or in highly stimulating environments.
Behavioral training, enrichment, and calming supplements may reduce anxiety-driven licking.
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Upset
Dogs experiencing nausea sometimes lick floors, lips, or the air. Signs of nausea may include drooling, lack of appetite, or vomiting. Licking is a self-soothing behavior.
Treating the underlying GI issue is key to stopping the behavior.
Parasites or Fleas
Fleas, mites, or ticks can cause itching and lead to excessive licking of affected areas.
Check your dog’s coat closely, especially around the base of the tail, armpits, or inner thighs.
Flea prevention and parasite treatments are essential for relief and prevention.
Read more: Dog Licking Lips Excessively (What it might be telling you)
Dog licking excessively suddenly
Sudden excessive licking in dogs often signals acute discomfort or irritation, either physical or emotional. Causes may include allergies, skin irritation, insect bites, pain, nausea, or stress.
A dog may also lick suddenly in response to a new environmental factor, such as a change in diet, cleaning products, or exposure to a new surface.
Even if the behavior seems harmless, sudden persistent licking should be monitored to rule out underlying medical issues.
Dog licking excessively suddenly and eating grass
Sudden excessive licking paired with eating grass is usually a sign of stomach upset or nausea. Many dogs instinctively eat grass to induce vomiting or soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.
Other contributing factors can include sudden dietary changes, ingestion of something irritating, parasites, or mild poisoning.
While occasional grass-eating is normal, a sudden increase in licking and grass consumption suggests discomfort that should be monitored closely, and veterinary assessment is recommended if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea.
Senior dog licking excessively
Excessive licking in senior dogs is often linked to age-related conditions such as arthritis, cognitive changes, chronic pain, or skin sensitivities.
Older dogs may lick to soothe discomfort in joints or muscles or to cope with anxiety. Chronic licking in seniors can lead to skin sores, hair loss, and secondary infections, so persistent behavior should be evaluated by a veterinarian to identify and manage the underlying cause.
Related: Dog excessively licking anus (What it means)
Dog licking excessively at night
Nighttime licking is often more noticeable because the dog is less distracted and may be seeking comfort or self-soothing.
Allergies, dry skin, or mild pain may feel more pronounced when the dog is resting, prompting repeated licking.
Anxiety or boredom can also drive nighttime licking. If this behavior disrupts sleep or becomes obsessive, it suggests an unresolved issue that should be addressed with veterinary guidance.
Dog licking excessively and swallowing
When a dog licks excessively and swallows frequently, it can indicate nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or oral irritation.
Dogs may swallow saliva to relieve queasiness or soothe irritation caused by nausea, ulcers, or gastrointestinal upset.
While occasional licking and swallowing can be harmless, persistent behavior may point to digestive problems or oral discomfort, requiring veterinary assessment to prevent further complications.
Read more: Dog excessively licking lips and swallowing (When to worry)
Dog licking excessively and drooling
Excessive licking combined with drooling often indicates oral discomfort or nausea. Causes can include dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral injuries, as well as nausea from gastrointestinal upset, toxins, or systemic illness.
Dogs may also drool and lick excessively in response to stress or anxiety. Because drooling increases the risk of dehydration and persistent oral discomfort can worsen, this behavior should be evaluated by a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and prevent complications.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Licking Excessively
Observe when, where, and how your dog licks. Is it always the same spot? Is it triggered by stress or food?
Examine their skin for signs of redness, swelling, wounds, or parasites. Don’t overlook their mouth or paws.
Distract your dog with interactive toys or play when you notice the licking starting.
Maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress-related behaviors. Offer plenty of physical and mental enrichment.
If licking continues or worsens, book a vet appointment to rule out medical causes.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should consult your vet if your dog:
Licks the same spot obsessively or has created raw skin.
Has hair loss, redness, odor, or discharge.
Shows signs of pain, limping, or reduced activity.
Seems anxious or stressed during the licking episodes.
Vomits or has appetite changes in combination with licking.
Your vet may perform allergy testing, skin scrapings, or bloodwork to diagnose the issue.
Related: Dog excessively licking blanket (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Dogs lick for many reasons, but excessive licking can be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or illness.
Pay attention to the pattern, location, and frequency of the behavior. Whether it’s physical or emotional, early action helps address the cause and brings your dog much-needed relief.