If you notice your dachshund excessively licking themselves or you, when they are healthy, it could be a sign of anxiety or boredom. You should ensure your dog is getting regular walks every day, as well as play time and stimulation. If a dog is left alone for too long regularly it can develop into anxiety as well. If the anxiety is very bad, your vet can diagnose your furry friend various medications. It may sound strange, but if you notice your dachshund licking odd surfaces a lot, you should get them checked out by their vet as it could be linked to an underlying gastrointestinal issue.
All dogs tend to lick their nether regions, but if you notice your pooch licking their anal area a lot, it could mean their anal glands need to be emptied. Even though most dogs like to lick their owners on their mouths, dachshunds in particular enjoy doing this. This was in hope that the adult would regurgitate whatever food they had been feeding on and share some with the pup. These days, a dachshund will most likely lick their owners mouth, to show that they see them as the leader.
It is a sign of respect! Perhaps you have a baby and you want your dachshund to stop licking their face or perhaps it is just not behaviour you want your dachshund to have. If the excessive licking is from affection, you need to put a stop to it, otherwise it may become worse. The most effective way of teaching your dachshund not to lick is through a combination of verbal and body language. Continue doing this every time your dachshund excessively licks you and be patient.
Cognitive dysfunction Older dogs that develop dementia can present for excessive licking. Obsessive compulsive disorder It is not uncommon for dogs to develop excessive licking even to the point of producing physical trauma to their skin — i. This can occur for a myriad of psychological reasons:.
As you can imagine, this may not be an easy diagnosis. However, over time, a behavior that might have been transient could become habitual and thus much harder to stop. That means that you should attempt to determine the cause as soon as the problem becomes apparent. Your veterinarian will want to get a very thorough history of the problem and may ask questions such as:.
You will also want to be sure to mention any other clinical or behavioral changes you have noticed in your dog, in case they are related — from personality or activity changes to changes in diet , appetite or water intake. A complete physical examination and laboratory testing can rule out those causes that can be identified.
How do you stop the dog licking? If you suspect your Dachshund might be having a bad reaction to something, try to remove the offender. For example, food allergies are common. Some Dachshunds are allergic to grass so keeping yours from walking in it for a while could help. Dachshunds will often lick their paws if they have allergies. A Dachshund might also lick their paws if they have an irritated nail or something stuck between the paw pads.
Hands: Is your Dachshund constantly trying to lick your hands? If you use a scented lotion on your hands, your pup may be attracted to the smell or taste. You can eliminate this idea by switching the lotion you use, or avoiding the use of it for a few days. Your Dachshund could also be licking your hands because you just ate something and residue remains.
Walls, floors, and furniture: Dachshunds will typically lick parts of your home as an attention-seeking behavior or out of boredom. Exercise Dachshunds often lick out of boredom or stress. Try tiring your dog out and see if the licking persists. Try using a different brand or scent of lotion and soap. Use a Bitter Spray One solution to your Dachshund licking your furniture and other items is to spray whatever is being licked with a bitter lemon spray.
Stop Acknowledging the Licking If you believe that your Dachshund is licking for attention, stop rewarding the behavior. If all seems OK, it may be an idea to give him a bath to make sure any irritants are removed from his skin. You should also check when he had his last flea treatment and get into a regular routine.
Your dachshund could also have an injury. He might have something sharp stuck in his paw or skin. He may have cut himself or hurt one of his legs. Senior dachshunds might lick painful ageing joints. Pay attention to his behaviour, and, of course, take him to the vet if you have any concerns about his health and well-being.
Dachshunds like licking you, but they also eat poop and other gruesome things from the garden. Think carefully before allowing your dachshund to lick babies or young children. For health reasons, it may not be a good idea to encourage licking as a regular behaviour, but each to their own! So, there you have it. The main reason your dachshund licks your face is to give and receive comfort and warmth from his pack.
He wants to show you his love and this is the best way he knows how! If you enjoyed this article or found it helpful, please share below. Thank you! Alison Fleming is a creative entrepreneur and content creator from the UK.
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