Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves?

If you’ve ever caught your pup excessively licking their paws or obsessively cleaning their belly, you’re not alone. Many dog owners wonder: Why do dogs lick themselves so much? While the occasional lick is normal, excessive licking might signal something more serious—like itchy skin, pain or discomfort, a compulsive disorder, or even deeper behavioral issues.

In this post, we’ll dig into the common reasons why dogs lick themselves, how you can help your pup feel better, and why keeping your dog clean with the right dog grooming routine (like using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste) could make all the difference.

1. Itchy Skin: The #1 Reason Behind Dog Licking

One of the most common reasons dogs lick themselves is often a result of itchy skin. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, bug bites, or dry skin that makes them feel super uncomfortable. Since they can’t exactly scratch like we do, licking is their way of trying to get relief.

Skin allergies in dogs can often be caused by food or the environment (like pollen or dust). Fleas and ticks are also notorious for making your dog itchy and uncomfortable. If your dog is licking the same spot over and over, it's time to investigate for any redness, bumps, or rashes.

2. Compulsive Disorder and Behavioral Issues

When licking becomes obsessive, it might be more than just an itch. Some dogs develop what's known as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD)—similar to OCD in humans. This can happen if your dog is stressed, bored, or anxious. Dogs often lick to comfort themselves, and over time, this can turn into a habit that’s hard to break.

Signs of compulsive licking include licking the same spot until the fur is gone or the skin is raw. Dogs can also develop behavioral issues from a lack of stimulation or changes in their environment, such as moving homes, losing a companion, or even changes in your work schedule.

3. Dog Grooming: A Key to Healthy Skin

Believe it or not, good grooming habits can prevent a lot of the licking! A clean dog is a happy dog, and regular grooming helps get rid of dirt, allergens, and bacteria that can irritate your pup’s skin.

One way to keep your dog’s skin healthy and clean is by using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. These convenient dog wipes are specially designed to clean your dog’s skin folds, paws, and other sensitive areas from head to toe. They’re made with powerful but gentle ingredients like ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, which help fight off bacteria, yeast, and fungi—the stuff that makes dog skin itchy and inflamed.

By incorporating these wipes into your grooming routine, you're giving your dog relief from itching and reducing the chances that they’ll feel the need to lick constantly.

4. Protecting Skin with Squishface Wrinkle Paste

After cleaning your dog’s skin, it’s important to protect it—especially if they have folds or sensitive spots. That’s where Squishface Wrinkle Paste comes in. This protective paste forms a water-repellent barrier on your dog’s skin to block out moisture, dirt, and other irritants that cause itching in dogs.

Even better? It’s made with soothing natural ingredients like:

• Shea Butter – Helps moisturize dry or cracked skin

• Coconut Oil – Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties

• Avocado Oil – Rich in vitamins and fatty acids for healthy skin

Together, these ingredients help soothe irritated areas and keep your dog comfortable, so they won’t feel the urge to lick.

5. Pain or Discomfort

Another surprising reason dogs may lick themselves is pain or discomfort. If your pup has a sore joint, a bruise, or even something like arthritis, they might lick the area to soothe the pain. Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, so licking is one way they try to deal with the issue.

For example, a dog with hip pain may constantly lick at their hip area, even if the skin looks fine. The same goes for injuries under the skin, like pulled muscles or minor sprains. This kind of licking is often focused on one specific area and may be accompanied by limping or stiffness.

If you notice your dog licking the same spot repeatedly—especially near joints or limbs—it could be their way of signaling that something underneath is bothering them. While licking won’t fix the issue, it’s their instinctual way of trying to feel better.

The Bottom Line:

Ultimately, why do dogs lick themselves? The short answer is: it depends! It could be itchy skin, compulsive behavior, normal grooming habits, or even a reaction to stress. The good news is that with a little detective work—and the right tools—you can help your dog feel better fast.

Start with a solid grooming routine using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to clean away irritants, and protect their skin with Squishface Wrinkle Paste to keep moisture out and comfort in. And remember, a clean pup is a happy pup!

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