Why Do Shih Tzus Lick So Much: 25 Reasons (& How To Stop)

If you’re a Shih Tzu owner, you’re probably all too familiar with the never-ending stream of licks that seems to accompany life with this affectionate breed. But have you ever wondered why Shih Tzus lick so much? The reasons why they are such big fans of licking everything in sight will surprise you.

From an instinct to communicate love and affection to a way of expressing their discomfort because of some medical issue, the complexity and diversity of the motivations behind Shih Tzus’ licking behavior make it a fascinating topic to explore.

So, let’s dive in and discover what’s behind this affectionate canine habit.

Why Do Shih Tzus Lick So Much?

Licking is a natural and instinctual behavior for dogs, but excessive licking in Shih Tzus can signal a medical or behavioral issue.

Whether your Shih Tzu is licking itself or you, paying attention and seeking veterinary advice if the licking is persistent is important.

Medical and Behavioral Reasons Why Shih Tzus Lick

1. Skin Sensitivities

Your Shih Tzu’s skin might be crying out for help due to irritants like soap, detergents, grass, or allergies. The licking might temporarily relieve but can lead to dry lips and further mouth irritation. Regulating underlying skin conditions is essential by consulting with a vet.

2. Bacterial Infections

While licking can help spread natural oils that protect the fur, it can also indicate an infection. When a Shih Tzu licks a wound, its bacteria-rich saliva can infect the area. Keep an eye on their licking behavior, especially if they lick their feet or any wounds, to prevent infections.

3. Allergic Reactions

Allergies are a common cause of excessive licking. If your Shih Tzu is allergic to something in its environment, it might lick its skin or paws to ease the itching. Other signs of allergies include red and watery eyes, coughing, nasal discharge, and licking around the anus due to anal gland irritation.

4. Gastrointestinal Issues

Excessive licking of surfaces or furniture, vomiting, gassiness, lack of appetite, or fever might indicate gastrointestinal problems. While some issues can be resolved with rest and a bland diet, others might require veterinary attention.

5. Physical Pain

Licking can provide comfort for injuries or arthritis discomfort. However, excessive licking can lead to self-harm in the form of open wounds and raw skin, requiring your help.

6. Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are a common infection in dogs, especially in Shih Tzus due to their short urinary tracts. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong-smelling urine, and straining. Shih Tzus often lick their private parts excessively because of UTIs, which can lead to more discomfort.

7. Lick Granulomas

Excessive licking can lead to lick granulomas, open wounds on joints or other areas where the dog licks excessively. In severe cases, lick granulomas can cause infections, joint deformities, and bone loss.

8. Thyroid Disorders

Excessive licking can be a symptom of thyroid disorders, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, exercise intolerance, mental dullness, and cold intolerance.

10. Nutritional Deficiencies or Cravings for Salt

If your Shih Tzu isn’t getting enough nutrition from its daily meals, it could start licking excessively in search of more nutrients or minerals in the form of salt found in sweat or urine on other surfaces such as furniture or walls.

11. Dental Issues

Like humans, dogs can suffer from dental issues such as tooth decay and gingivitis. The excess licking may be caused by an attempt to relieve the pain or discomfort in their mouth, or they might simply be trying to get rid of any food or debris stuck between their teeth.

12. Endocrine Disorders

Another possible explanation for increased licking behavior is an endocrine disorder like Cushing’s Disease or Hypothyroidism. These conditions involve an imbalance in hormone production, which can lead to various symptoms including excessive thirst/increased water consumption, frequent urination, skin infections, hair loss, and changes in behavior such as increased licking.

13. Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause dogs to excessively lick their paws due to pain or discomfort associated with liver failure or toxicity levels in the body.

In addition, liver disease can also lead to neurological changes such as confusion or disorientation which may cause your pup to lick themselves out of habit.

14. Immune-Mediated Diseases

Immune-mediated diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells instead of protecting them from infection and disease. These diseases can cause inflammation throughout the body which leads to itching and discomfort that can be relieved through licking or scratching.

Some common immune-mediated diseases include lymphoma and leukemia; if you think that your pup may be suffering from one of these conditions, see their veterinarian immediately for treatment options.

15. Cancer

Unfortunately for our furry friends, cancer can also be a cause of excessive licking behaviors in dogs. Cancerous tumors often cause discomfort which leads Shih Tzus to lick themselves to provide relief from pain or itching sensations.

This behavior should not be ignored as it could indicate a serious underlying health problem requiring urgent attention from a veterinarian.

16. Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders can also cause Shih Tzus to engage in excessive licking behaviors. This usually manifests itself through obsessive-compulsive disorder or separation anxiety. If not treated properly, these conditions can cause several issues including fear and extreme stress responses.

17. Heat Intolerance

Since Shih Tzus have thick fur coats and are prone to overheating during hot days, they may feel the need to lick themselves constantly to cool down their bodies.

Make sure you provide plenty of shade and water when outside on warm days, and don’t let them stay out too long if it’s especially hot outside as this can lead them to overheat quickly.

18. Aging

As dogs age, they sometimes develop arthritis, affecting their mobility and making them sore or uncomfortable. It leads them to engage in more frequent licking to self-soothe any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing due to aging joints and muscles.

19. A Form of Communication

Dogs communicate through body language, and licking is one way they express themselves. For example, if your Shih Tzu licks you when you greet them, this could indicate that they’re feeling content and happy to see you. This licking type is usually accompanied by a tail wag and puppy eyes.

20. Stress Relief and Comfort-seeking

If your Shih Tzus are stressed or anxious, they may lick their fur to soothe themselves. This kind of licking can also help them feel safe and secure when they don’t feel comfortable in their environment.

21. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Just like any creature, dogs need attention to feel loved and secure. If your Shih Tzu is not getting enough attention or affection from you, he may lick himself or other people to get some love.

This is usually accompanied by whining or barking, making it easy for owners to identify attention-seeking behavior in their pets.

22. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

Dogs need stimulation and exercise daily in order to stay healthy and happy. Without enough mental stimulation or physical activity, boredom can quickly lead your Shih Tzu to seek out other forms of entertainment such as excessive licking.

Try introducing new toys into their routine or taking them for long walks each day to help reduce their boredom levels.

23. Overgrooming due to Anxiety or Nervousness

Dogs that feel anxious may start overgrooming themselves in an attempt to self-soothe and relieve stress levels. This type of licking can also be caused by fear or stress.

24. Compulsive Behavior

In some cases, frequent licking can also be a sign of compulsive behavior. Just like humans, dogs can develop OCD if they experience chronic stress or trauma. If your Shih Tzu licks excessively and without any clear triggers, then this could be indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in dogs.

25. Learned Behavior

Some pups learn to lick as a way to get rewards. For instance, if you give them a treat or tell them how cute they are every time your pup licks you on the hand, they will eventually learn that this type of behavior results in positive reinforcement from you.

This is why it’s important only to reward appropriate behaviors while ignoring those that are not desirable.

How to stop Shih Tzu from licking too much?

Struggling with a Shih Tzu that won’t stop licking? Excessive licking can be harmful to your pup and can lead to complications. It’s important for pet owners to identify why their Shih Tzu is licking excessively and take steps to address the issue before it becomes an entrenched habit.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to help stop your pup from licking too much:

1. Understanding the Causes of Excessive Licking

The first step to curbing excessive licking is understanding why it’s happening in the first place. Is your Shih Tzu bored and looking for something to do? Do they get anxious when left alone? Are they dealing with some allergy or itchiness?

One way to determine the root cause is by observing their behavior, you’ll likely notice patterns emerging. Once you understand what’s causing the issue, it will be easier to come up with solutions.

2. Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation

One of the most common causes of excessive licking is boredom. If your Shih Tzu isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, it may resort to compulsive behaviors like obsessive licking.

Ensure you provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity and new experiences. Take them out for regular walks and give them lots of interactive toys and puzzles that keep them mentally engaged and entertained.

3. Divert Attention With Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are a great way to divert attention from problem behaviors like excessive licking. Give your Shih Tzu lots of chew toys or food-filled puzzles that keep its mind occupied while providing an outlet for its natural chewing instinct.

This will give your furry friend something else to focus on instead of obsessively licking themselves or other objects around the house. Make sure that whatever toy you choose is interesting enough for them so that they won’t return to their old habits once the distraction wears off.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement/Interruptions Techniques

Positive reinforcement training is a great way to shape your pup’s behavior without resorting to punishment or negative reinforcement. Focus on positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training and treats when reinforcing desired behaviors.

When your Shih Tzu begins exhibiting their problem behaviors (in this case, too much licking), distract them with an interactive toy or exciting command such as “sit” or “stay”. Whenever they obey the command, reward them with treats or praise so that they know positive behaviors are appreciated and encouraged.

Over time, this will help your pup learn which behaviors are acceptable and which ones should be avoided.

5. Applying Taste Deterrents

One of the most common ways to deter a dog from licking excessively is taste deterrents. These products make the surfaces that a dog licks unpleasant for them to taste.

Common ingredients used in taste deterrents include hot sauce, peppermint oil, and citrus oil. For best results with these products, apply them generously and reapply every few days until you notice a decrease in their licking behavior.

Additionally, make sure that when applying the deterrents you avoid getting any on your Shih Tzu’s skin or fur as this could cause irritation.

6. Consistently Enforcing Boundaries

Ensure that your pup understands what is off-limits when it comes to licking and enforce those boundaries when they start exhibiting this behavior.

Consistency is key here! If you don’t enforce the same boundaries each time they exhibit this behavior, they will not learn what is expected of them or how to behave properly in different situations.

7. Providing a Comfortable and Secure Environment

Ensure your Shih Tzu’s enclosure is free from anything that could harm them, such as sharp objects or exposed electrical wires.

Some great activities include playing fetch with a toy or having cuddle time with you where you give lots of positive reinforcement and affection. This will help distract them and prevent them from self-soothing behaviors like excessive licking.

8. Gradually Reducing Attention and Affection for Licking Behavior

Another important step in controlling excessive licking is gradually reducing the amount of attention and affection you give, to the behavior itself. This means not giving verbal praise or physical rewards when your pup licks themselves, you, or other objects (e.g., furniture).

Instead, focus on rewarding positive behaviors such as sitting calmly or coming when called. This will signal to your Shih Tzu that you want them to repeat these behaviors instead of those involving excessive licking.

9. Monitoring Changes in Licking Behavior

You must monitor any changes in your pup’s licking behavior so that you can adjust if necessary.

For instance, if their licking has significantly increased over the past few weeks despite all the measures put in place, it may indicate that something else is causing stress for your Shih Tzu.

In these cases, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian who can determine whether medical intervention is necessary before implementing additional strategies at home.

10. Seeking veterinary advice for underlying medical conditions

If your Shih Tzu has taken excessive licking, it may be due to an underlying medical condition or simply out of boredom. It is always beneficial to seek veterinary advice for diagnoses and prescriptions of any ailments.

11. Seeking professional training or behavior modification assistance.

One thing to consider is professional training or behavior modification assistance if your Shih Tzu is licking excessively even after implementing the abovementioned strategies.

A reputable trainer can provide strategies and tips for teaching a dog that excessive licking is unwanted. Even if your pup seems well-trained in other areas, like leash walking or housebreaking, the licking behavior may require extra help.

Conclusion

Shih Tzus can lick for many reasons, including grooming, communicating, and showing affection. However, it can be a sign of anxiety, attention-seeking, or other underlying issues if they lick excessively. It is important to identify the cause of the behavior and take appropriate steps to manage excessive licking in Shih Tzus. This may include providing alternative activities, ignoring the behavior, using positive reinforcement, or seeking guidance from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. With the right approach, stopping your Shih Tzu from excessively licking and ensuring that this behavior does not become a problem is possible.