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My dog licks constantly, losing hair, and bleeding. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 5 months old | 45 lbs

My dog licks constantly, everything from herself, me, the couch, her toys, she doesn't care what it is, she will lick it. The problem is over the past few months I have noticed her lips under her nose are starting to lose hair. Today I noticed a tiny amount of blood on her tongue and saw she was bleeding slightly from under her nose. How do I get her to stop licking her nose so much?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 9th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear about Athena. If her licking behavior cannot be interrupted or she becomes aggressive when you try to stop her, you could be dealing with a true OCD problem. This will not improve with out the help of anti-anxiety or behavior modification medication and some re-conditioning. If this is the case, you'll want to see your vet, or better yet, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. If she happily lets you interrupt and just seems to like licking stuff, perhaps distraction or providing some good "licking opportunities" might do the trick. Spend time exercising and practicing tricks to keep her mind busy. Try toys that you hide treats or peanut butter in or try spreading some creamy peanut butter on a paper plate and freezing it. (As long as she won't eat the plate). Hours of licking pleasure, but hopefully more gentle than the carpet, etc. Best of luck to you and Athena!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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