Matted, Damp Fur on Dogs That They Keep Licking

If your dog insistently licks at matted, damp spots in his coat, he may have more than a grooming issue -- he may have a serious health problem. Whether the fur itself or what hides beneath it irritates your dog, incessant licking can exacerbate the problem. It's your responsibility to identify the cause and give your companion the relief his tongue won't provide.

  1. Lice and Parasites

    • Parasitic infestations like lice, ticks and fleas all irritate your dog's skin, and he may lick himself as a form of relief. Parasites that infest your dog's coat and attack his skin typically hide in places where your dog can't easily reach them, like under patches of matted fur and actually within the skin In an attempt to alleviate the itching, irritation and pain of the infestation, your dog will lick the areas where he is being bitten -- in this case, the area beneath the matted fur. If your dog seems particularly focused on licking a section of matter fur, an infestation may be lurking beneath it.

    Hot Spots

    • A hot spot is a patch of skin irritation that your dog both suffers from and makes worse. A hot spot can be caused by a variety of conditions, like a simple rash, a scratch or a dermatological allergic reaction. The skin itches, though, and the dog seeks relief by licking the area -- this, in turn, makes the irritation spread and grow more severe. The constant moisture from licking can make the hot spot become more irritated. Ultimately, an untreated hot spot can lead to dangerous infection.

    Tangled Fur

    • Some dogs require more rigorous grooming schedules than others. If yours isn't undergoing the grooming he needs, his fur can become matted on its own. Matter fur is uncomfortable as it is, but it can also create a place for burrs and thorns to get stuck in your dog's coat. If your dog is licking sections of matted fur, he may be trying either to remove stuck objects like burrs or to eliminate the mats altogether.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • Mats in your dog's fur typically get in the way of giving him lasting, healthy relief from his irritation, so carefully cut out the mat with scissors to expose the skin underneath. The increased oxygen to his skin helps it heal and prevents it from festering in the moisture from his constant licking. If he has a hot spot underneath the mat, a topical cream recommended by your veterinarian will help. Your dog will also need medication to eliminate and prevent any parasitic infestations from which he may be suffering. If the fur itself was the only problem, change your grooming regimen to include more frequent brushing so you can prevent future mats from forming in his coat.