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Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Private Area? Vet Approved Reasons & Solutions
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We’ve all had it happen. You are sitting on the couch binge-watching your favorite show on television with your faithful canine pal beside you, and suddenly he starts licking his private area. You tell him to stop; he does, then goes right back to licking as soon as you restart your show.
You’ve probably wondered why your dog keeps licking his private area. Is something wrong? Do you need to take him to the vet? Perhaps, perhaps not. We will answer those questions and give you a few reasons for your dog’s behavior.
The 4 Reasons Your Dog Keeps Licking His Private Area
1. Your Dog Is Bored
If you’re sitting on the couch when your dog starts licking his private area, the dog might just be bored. You should probably take this as a sign that your dog needs to be exercised more or needs you to pay him more attention than you have been. However, boredom isn’t the only possible cause; allergies could also be the reason.
2. Your Dog Has Allergies
Dogs can suffer from allergies, just as their pet parents can. If your dog is allergic to something in the air or his environment, he’ll start licking at his fur to stop the itching. The groin is a common area for your dog to itch from allergies, and he may be trying to get relief by scratching.
Watch for any welts, rashes, changes in bathroom habits, and increased licking. If you see these signs, it’s best to take your dog to your vet for a diagnosis and possible treatment options.
3. Your Dog Has a UTI
One of the most common reasons for a dog to lick his privates is that the dog has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Licking the area helps to relieve the pain from the UTI. If you notice that your dog is constantly licking and using the bathroom more often, take him to the vet for a test to see if he has a urinary tract infection.
These conditions are treatable with antibiotics, and while it’s essential to get your dog to the vet, he should be okay. However, don’t wait to take your dog in because a UTI that isn’t taken care of can make your canine sick.
4. Your Dog Is Stressed
Your dog may be licking his private area because he’s stressed. Maybe you’ve moved to a new home or added a new pet to your household.
The dog will start licking his privates as a way to deal with the stress he’s feeling. Watch your dog carefully in this case because the stress can lead to the dog licking excessively and making his skin irritated and chafed.
Is It Normal for My Dog to Lick His Private Area?
Yes, it is normal for a dog to lick his private area occasionally. However, if your dog takes the licking to an extreme or starts using the bathroom more frequently, it might be time to visit your vet to see what the problem is.
You shouldn’t punish your dog for this behavior, as he is only doing what comes naturally to him. You can try using positive reinforcement to get the dog to stop licking himself. Offering a treat and praise when he stops licking when you tell him to or doesn’t lick his privates can help the dog to associate treats and praise with not licking.
You can also try the following tips from the list below for the best results.
As with anything else you do with your dog’s diet, talk to your vet before changing his diet or adding supplements. If our tips don’t help, it’s best to make an appointment for a checkup for your furry friend.
Conclusion
While it is normal for a dog to lick their private area occasionally, it’s not something they should constantly be doing. If you feel like your pet is excessively licking his privates, you should visit your vet for a thorough examination. They can determine if the behavior is related to an allergy, stress, UTI, or a lack of mental stimulation.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: _SOORACHET-KHEAWHOM_Shutterstock
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Patricia is a pet and coffee writer and a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her two cats and dog. Since she was a young child, she has been a pet lover and enjoys nothing more than cuddling with her pets, Mystery, and her two cats, Binx and Link. Mystery has been with her family since the day she was born, as has Link. Binx was found under the house as a kitten, taken inside, and has been a part of the family ever since. Patricia loves sharing her knowledge of animals and finds joy in helping out at the local rescue shelter whenever she can.
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