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Why is my dog licking everything obsessively? How can I stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

Is there any way to get Bella to stop licking anything and everything constantly? The other night in the 5 to 10 min. it took my husband to get in bed she licked a spot on his sheet so big that we actually had to change the sheet! We have never seen anything like it or her!! She is obsessive about it and is driving us both nuts!! Our vet just laughed about the whole thing today and gave us no answers. HELP!!! She's licking me now!!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 27th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. What you are describing sounds as though Bella has a behavioral problem with excessive licking. The licking could be due to anxiety or boredom. Anti-anxiety medications can be trialed and your veterinarian can prescribe these or you can also contact a certified animal behaviorist in your area to discuss options for deterring Bella from licking. I would ensure you are providing Bella with plenty of distractions from licking, like a treat filled puzzle toy or long lasting dog chew. Kong makes a hollow chew toy that you can fill with treats or peanut butter and this tends to work well. If anxiety is the problem you can try over the counter supplements before resorting to anti-anxiety prescription drugs. NaturVet Quiet Moments calming chews with Melatonin seem to work well with calming dogs. I would try this first and the toys and if no improvement, discuss further options with your veterinarian and contact an animal behaviorist. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions and I would be more than happy to help further!

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