{"id":226,"date":"2022-04-18T12:43:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T19:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/?p=226"},"modified":"2022-04-04T12:46:08","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T19:46:08","slug":"compulsive-licking-biting-and-scratching-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketplaceveterinary.com\/blog\/compulsive-licking-biting-and-scratching-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Compulsive Licking, Biting, and Scratching in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Scratching the occasional itch behind his ears or vigorously licking his chops at dinnertime is perfectly normal dog behavior for your canine companion. But if he starts to incessantly scratch, lick, or even bite part of his body, it\u2019s time to schedule a checkup<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

At MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital<\/a>, we are here to help you keep your dogs healthy and comfortable throughout their lives, and that includes helping you decode any unusual pet behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons Why Dogs Lick, Bite, and Scratch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compulsive dog licking, dog scratching, and dog biting is something many dogs will experience at some point, and most of the causes have relatively simple fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allergies and Skin Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Food sensitivities and environmental allergens like pollen and mold can cause your pup\u2019s skin to itch. Some dogs also develop contact dermatitis from things like shampoos or cleaning products. Dry skin can also cause your dog to compulsively lick or scratch his fur and skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parasites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common causes of compulsive licking, biting, and scratching dog behavior is parasites\u2014fleas<\/a>, ticks<\/a>, and mites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boredom <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog that is anxious<\/a> or bored might develop a habit of incessant licking to ease his anxiety. <\/strong>If he\u2019s licking objects other than himself, such as furniture or carpeting, it\u2019s a strong indication that he is feeling stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Occasionally, hormone imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can cause repeated skin infections, flaky skin, excessive dandruff, and ear infections\u2014all of which will trigger your dog\u2019s licking, biting, and scratching behavior.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis or Other Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When no outward skin conditions are obvious, it\u2019s time to consider the possibility that your dog is licking an area because it hurts. Arthritis pain and stiffness or a condition like hip dysplasia could be to blame. If he\u2019s compulsively biting at his foot, he could have an injury, or something lodged in his paw pad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curbing Compulsive Licking, Biting, and Scratching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your Marketplace Veterinary Hospital doctor<\/a> will get to the bottom of your dog\u2019s behavior and create a treatment plan to restore your dog to better health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n