This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer is not quite clear. Some people say that Australian Shepherds lick because they are thirsty, while others believe that they do it because they are trying to groom themselves.
There are also those who say that Australian Shepherds lick because they are anxious or stressed out. No matter the reason, if your dog is licking excessively, it can be annoying and frustrating. In this article, we will explore why Australian Shepherds lick so much and offer some solutions on how to stop this behavior.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Lick So Much?
The reasons why your Australian Shepherd is licking a lot vary. They could be enjoying the taste on their skin, showing affection to you, or smelling something interesting for them to investigate. There also can be some underlying health issues that are compelling Australian Shepherds to lick more than usual.
Reasons Why Your Aussie Licks You
There can be many reasons why your Aussie might be licking you excessively. They could be trying to show their affection for you, or they might think that you taste good! Or your dog might like the smell of your skin and is trying to get closer to it. If your Aussie is licking you more than usual, it’s important to pay attention to their body language and see if there are any other signs that might be causing this behavior.
Why Your Australian Shepherd Licks You?
There can be three reasons why your Australian Shepherd is licking you excessively. They are either enjoying the taste of your skin, showing affection towards you, or smelling something interesting on you that they want to investigate.
Another reason why your Aussie might lick you is for attention. If every time they lick you, you pet them or give them a treat, they learn that this behavior gets them what they want. Your dog is smart enough to realize that if they keep licking you, eventually, they will get what they desire.
Why Your Australian Shepherd Licks The Air
Some dogs lick the air to try to get rid of an unpleasant taste in their mouth. If your Aussie has been eating something that they don’t like or if they have gotten into something they should not have, they might lick the air as a way to get rid of the taste. Your Australian Shepherd is simply wetting their nose to try to remove the offending taste.
Why Your Australian Shepherd Licks His Paws
The reason your Australian Shepherd might lick his paws is to try to soothe an itch. If your dog’s paw is itchy, he will probably start licking it as a way to make the itch go away. If the paw is particularly itchy, your dog may even start chewing on his paw as well.
Why Your Australian Shepherd Licks Furniture And Surfaces
Your Australian Shepherd may be suffering from PICA, which is a disorder that causes dogs to eat things that are not food. This may include dirt, rocks, or even furniture. If your dog is licking furniture, it’s probably because he’s trying to eat it.
Your Aussie Might Be Bored
If your Australian Shepherd is bored, he may start licking things as a way to entertain himself. This is particularly true if he’s left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do.
Your Australian Shepherd Might Be Self Soothing
Dogs often lick themselves as a way to self-soothe. This may be due to anxiety, stress, or even pain. If your dog is licking himself excessively, it’s important to take him to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
Your Australian Shepherd May Have Fleas Or Ticks
If your Australian Shepherd is licking himself excessively, it could be because he has fleas or ticks. These parasites can cause irritation and itchiness, leading your dog to lick himself in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
At What Point Should I Consult My Vet About My Australian Shepherd’s Licking?
If your Australian Shepherd’s licking is excessive and/or accompanied by other symptoms like hair loss, redness, or irritation, it’s important to consult your vet. Excessive licking can be a sign of a medical problem, so it’s best to get your dog checked out by a professional.
How To Stop Your Australian Shepherd From Licking You
There are many ways to stop your Australian Shepherd from licking you. Some of which are:
- Ignore the Licking
- Distract them with something else
- Increase their mental stimulation
- Increase their exercise
Ignore The Licking
One of the most effective ways to stop your Australian Shepherd from licking you is to simply ignore the behavior. If you give your dogs attention when they lick, they will learn that licking gets them what they want.
Distract Them With Something Else
Another way to stop your Australian Shepherd from licking you is to distract them with something else. This could be a toy, treat, or anything that will get their attention away from licking.
Increase Their Mental Stimulation
If your Australian Shepherd is licking out of boredom, you can stop the behavior by increasing their mental stimulation. This can be done by providing them with more toys, puzzles, and training exercises.
Increase Their Exercise
Another way to stop your Australian Shepherd from licking is to increase their exercise. A tired dog is less likely to lick than one who has pent-up energy. So, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise each day.
Conclusion
If your Australian Shepherd is licking excessively, it is important to figure out the underlying cause. Once you know the reason, you can take steps to stop the behavior. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as increasing their exercise or mental stimulation. But, in other cases, you may need to consult with a behaviorist or veterinarian.