How to Keep Dogs From Licking Themselves

A dog uses its tongue for a variety of reasons; hygiene, soothing, medical ailments and compulsion are all reasons a dog may lick itself. When a dog becomes anxious or stressed, it may turn to licking as a form of self-soothing or expression, similar to a human shaking his leg or biting her nails when nervous. You can stop excessive licking with deterrent sprays, providing the dog is only doing the licking as a compulsion or soothing, not an illness.

Things You'll Need

  • Taste deterrent spray for dogs
  • Tissue or cloth
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring the dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation. According to PetMD, many illnesses can cause excessive licking in dogs including allergies (either air-born or food-related), certain cancers, staph infections, hyperthyroidism, nerve dysfunction, mites, trauma or foreign bodies such as glass in the paw. The vet will complete a full blood work-up, examine the affected area, perform allergy testing and do a physical examination. Once you have ruled out any alternative causes, begin treating the dog for compulsion-based licking.

    • 2

      Apply the deterrent to a cloth or tissue. Certain deterrents are bitter-tasting and others have a spicy flavor. While many dogs may detest the bitter taste, some breeds -- the Labrador retriever, for example --- may enjoy the bitter taste, which will encourage the animal to lick instead of deterring it.

    • 3

      Hold the tissue in front of the dog's nose, encouraging it to take the tissue. Once the tissue is in its mouth, watch its reaction to the taste. If it drops the tissue, retches, drools or seems displeased, the deterrent is successful. Hold the tissue in front of the dog's nose again, it should avoid the cloth, backing up or turning away from the cloth.

    • 4

      Spray the deterrent on the area your dog enjoys licking. If you catch your dog starting to lick, firmly state, "NO!" Give it a bone or other object to occupy itself. After the dog has ignored the area it licks for 20 minutes, state "Good leave it" and reward it with praise, treats or a game of fetch.