Spend a few minutes playing with your dog until they get tuckered out. Take your dog on a walk or go into a training session to give your pup something to do. If this is a consistent issue, your dog may simply need more daily interaction.
If your dog is frequently anxious, help keep them calm by giving them somewhere to calm down and letting them relax.
The other sensitive area when dogs have allergies are the ears. If your dog is also pawing at their ears or they keep getting ear infections, it’s very likely to be allergies. Treating your dog for allergies may require antibiotics, steroids, anti-itch products, dietary changes, or trigger avoidance.
Causes of gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea include: allergies, minor bugs, excessive play, liver disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, inflamed bowels, and intestinal problems. Dogs will also lick their lips when they’re hungry. If you haven’t fed your senior dog recently, see if the licking stops once they finish eating. Your vet may order tests to diagnose this, including x-rays, abdominal ultrasounds, blood tests, skin allergy testing, or even endoscopy, if necessary. [5] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
It is likely neurological if it’s extremely difficult to interrupt the compulsive licking. If your dog is just behaving erratically and something seems “off,” take them to the vet as soon as you reasonably can to get a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction should be made by a vet. They will go through the dog’s history and current symptoms with you to see if this may be the cause of your dog’s licking. While there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction, therapy, medication, and support can help your dog maintain a normal life and may help reduce some symptoms.
You will likely need to provide your dog with some form of medical treatment, which may include surgery, medicine, or a dietary change.
For example, does your dog lick while you are out of the house? Perhaps this is a result of separation anxiety. Try leaving the TV on or hiring a dog walker to stop by! Maybe they stop and lick themselves when you say “come” because they are unsure if they will be scolded or praised. Try switching to just calling their name. Try and determine the pattern associated with the compulsive behavior and treat accordingly.
Give them a treat occasionally to occupy their attention and reward good behavior. Provide music and lighting to stimulate them while they are alone. Leave them with plenty of comfortable blankets and dog beds. Give your pup plenty of toys and interaction.
This is especially important if your dog has packed the pounds on and they could lose some weight.
You can tell if a dog enjoys your massage if they stay where they are, they wag their tail, they look you in the eye, or they thump their leg. A dog will jump back, growl, bark, or leave if they don’t like the way you’re touching them.
