Quote: Mychal Scott

What is considered "over grooming " when licking body parts? Never thought of the licking as a way to itch....which my pup does lick paws, belly, on occasion. Just wondering so I can make a mental note to keep an eye on over licking.
I REALLY hope we don't end up with skin issues, doesn't sound fun... The issues you've had, are they from food allergies, or just the environment or?

Are the paws inflamed between toes?

Is there any rash or redness anywhere?

Look inside the ears (flashlight). Any inflammation or debris?

Does "grooming" disturb sleep?

Does he ever bite or scratch himself?

"On occasion" sounds normal, but if you want to answer the above, that will provide more detail.


Most dog allergies, BTW, are not food. Flea saliva is #1, environmental/inhalant is #2, and food is a FAR distant #3 (less than 10% of dog allergies).

Over grooming is obvious. It's when the dog is obviously uncomfortable or doing it out of compulsion. The dalmatian that suffered from yeast infections would lick her feet so much she'd be soaked. She would even suck on her feet. It was all because they itched. River is using her front teeth to nibble at her forearms. Using the teeth (or nails) breaks open the skin and can lead to inflammation and infection.

Casual grooming isn't something to be alarmed about unless you notice it's moved beyond just casual.

Also - the issues I've had with dogs were #1 flea saliva. Grass was a likely culprit of the dals feet. Because spring is in full swing and the bugs are really active now, I'm assuming River's being attacked by fleas that my usual methods can't help.

Dogs also lick a lot if they get bored or anxious. Is he getting enough exercise and things to keep him mind busy?

Just another thing to consider.

 Quote: Lori Hall

Dogs also lick a lot if they get bored or anxious. Is he getting enough exercise and things to keep him mind busy?

Just another thing to consider.

In fact, this is usually the first thing a dog with excess built-up energy does (unless he has access to environmental destruction).

Self-grooming isn't even a concept my dogs would think of. Heck, I wish they would do a little of it!

Unless a dog is much more fastidious than any I've ever known, if they are licking some body part it means it itches or hurts.

No inflammation between the paws, no rash or redness anywhere that i can tell, ears with flashlight show nothing...little waxy/ dirty but no debris or inflammation, Once in while I hear him moving around in his crate at night licking.

When I see him licking its usually laying down licking his genital area. When standing on occasion it's his tail sometimes nipping at it, other times licking the base of it. This is just random maybe a few times a day if that.

We live outside of town and right now ticks, fleas, flies, etc are all very active. Just started him on advantix as we've had a few ticks on him just from walks around the property. I see all kinds of stuff zooming around the grass out back which may be bothering him when we are out there, especially these little fly/gnat things that bite. May try and treat the yard with something as all of us are gettin eatin up, lol.

As far as exercise, I assume he is getting enough. Couple long walks around the house here, one before work and evening, few short activities during the day in the backyard, usually training a few times in the evening and before bed, some "fetch" type stuff in the evening, etc. in the crate he has his antler or other chew item, ex pen has toys he sometimes plays with and sometimes doesn't.

Fleas. End of story.

 Quote: Tracy Collins

Fleas. End of story.

You beat me, Tracy.

Wow. Ok. I haven't seen them on him or in the house. I guess I haven't looked that close though either Guess i didnt think the licking was consistent enough to have fleas...is your conclusion from the area he licks or? Glad I asked!
Thanks!