Dachshunds are known for being one of the most licky dog breeds. Some people think this is simply a quirk or personality trait of the breed, but there is a reason why dachshunds lick so much.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why dachshunds lick and what you can do to curb this behavior.
Why do dachshunds lick so much?
There are many reasons why dogs lick, but the main reasons why dachshunds lick so much are some of the most common reasons.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of things, from pollen to grass to certain types of food. When a dog licks, they are trying to relieve the itchiness that comes with allergies. If you think your dachshund is licking because of allergies, it’s worth taking them to the vets to get this checked, as this can cause issues in the future.
Scooby (our dachshund) has suffered from allergies for a while; we noticed he licked his pads, eventually becoming very sore. We managed to relieve this by using a paw balm and dog socks to avoid him making them worse!
Boredom/Anxiety
Another common reason why dachshunds lick is because of boredom or anxiety. This is especially common in dachshunds who are left alone for long periods during the day. Dogs can get bored just like humans, and when they’re bored, they often turn to destructive behaviors like chewing or licking.
Anxiety is another common reason why dogs lick. Dogs can be anxious for all sorts of reasons, whether because they’re in a new environment or not getting enough exercise. If your dachshund is licking because of boredom or anxiety, you can do a few things to help. Try giving them more toys to play with, taking them for more walks, or even enrolling them in a dog training class.
Diet
Another reason why dachshunds lick so much is because of their diet. If your dachshund’s diet is lacking in certain nutrients, they may start licking as a way to get those nutrients. This is why it’s so important to feed your dachshund a high-quality diet that is balanced and nutritious.
If you think your dachshund’s licking behavior may be due to their diet, talk to your vet about changing their food. They can recommend a food that will be better for your dachshund and help them get the nutrients they need.
Senses
Licking is also a way for dogs to explore their world. When they lick something, they are able to taste it and smell it. This is why you may see your dachshund licking the floor or furniture – they’re just trying to figure out what it is!
While this behavior may not be harmful, you do need to be careful that your dachshund is not licking something that could be harmful to them.
How to stop your dachshund from licking?
If you’re not a fan of your dachshund’s licking behavior, you can do a few things to stop it.
First, you need to figure out why your dachshund is licking, and then you can start taking steps to help.
Allergies
If your dachshund is licking because of allergies, the best thing you can do is take them to the vet. They might refer you to a doggy dermatologist. They can help you figure out what your dachshund is allergic to and give you some tips on how to manage it.
Scooby has seasonal allergies, and we’ve found that keeping his paws clean and dry is the best thing for him. We also use a paw balm to soothe his skin and make him more comfortable.
Boredom/Anxiety
If your dachshund is licking because of boredom or anxiety, you can do a few things to help.
First, make sure they are getting enough exercise – a tired dog is a good dog! You can also give them more toys to play with or even enroll them in a dog training class.
We’ve found that walks and puzzle toys are the best way to keep Scooby from getting bored. He loves his Kong toy filled with peanut butter, which keeps him busy for a long time.
Diet
If you think your dachshund’s licking behavior may be due to their diet, talk to your vet about changing their food. They can recommend a food that will be better for your dachshund and help them get the nutrients they need.
We’ve recently changed scooby to vegan dry dog food (as too much animal protein caused him to get bladder stones) with a high-quality meat topper (such as Butternut box). This has helped him immensely, and he doesn’t seem to be licking as much.
Senses
If you notice your dachshund licking a lot on walks, then the easiest way to correct this behavior is by redirecting their attention elsewhere.
We always keep a few treats in our pocket to give to Scooby when he starts licking. This helps him focus on something else, and he forgets all about whatever he is licking.
Just be mindful to treat when they stop licking to praise the correct behavior.
How do you stop a dachshund from licking your face?
Dachshunds are a very loving breed, and they often show their love by licking your face. While this may be cute to some people, others find it bothersome or even gross. If you’re in the latter group, you can do a few things to stop your dachshund from licking your face.
One way to stop your dachshund from licking your face is to ignore them when they do it. This means no eye contact, no talking, and no petting. Just wait for them to stop, and then you can resume your normal interaction. Soon enough, they will learn that licking your face doesn’t get them the attention they want.
Another way to stop your dachshund from licking your face is redirecting their attention elsewhere. This can be done by giving them a toy to play with or even treats. Just make sure you only give the treat when they are not licking your face, so they associate the good behavior with the reward.
Wrapping Things Up
Dachshunds licking can be very frustrating at the best of times, but it’s important to remember that there is usually a reason behind why they are doing it. Once you figure out why your dachshund is licking, you can start taking steps to help them stop.
With a little patience and training, you can have your dachshund licking habits under control in no time!
