Why Do Dachshunds Lick So Much?

Licking is a trait that all dog breeds possess. Whether it’s meant as a playful action or something more – they lick for many reasons. However, it’s been frequently perceived that Dachshunds have a much more vigorous tongue. 

They are very preeminent when it comes to licking and hold no shame in the vast variety of objects they choose to lick. From doors, floors, and more, it’s highly probable you’ve caught your canine licking about. Which has gathered many to wonder, why do Dachshunds lick so much?

There are many reasons, both serious and non-serious, as to why your Dachshund is licking excessively. It could be that they are just used to doing it on a daily basis or they could even be using it as a prominent form of communication. 

Dachshunds have a tendency to be very social and exploratory, causing them to come into contact with nearly anything. If you are reading this article, chances are you’re a Dachshund owner looking for justification as to why your dog is over-licking. Here are a few common reasons why they could be using this action persistently. 

They Love You!

Dachshunds are very affectionate dogs. They have many ways of showing their love for you, such as curling up in your lap, rolling over for you, wagging their tail, etc. Licking is also a common way They show their affection, however not many realize that this could be a factor of them licking excessively. 

Of course the amount of daily licks could become bothersome at times, but dogs cannot verbally express their appreciation towards us – therefore they lick! But how can an owner depict if their Dachshunds licking habits are affection-based?

It’s actually quite simple! You can easily decipher their slobber-filled ‘I love yous’ based on the environment and situation in which the licking is taking place. For example, when you get home from the grocery store and you’re relaxing on the couch, your Dachshund is likely to approach you and begin licking your arm, hand, face, etc. This is how they’re showing you they love you! 

This behavior is likely to continue or even increase unless they are given an alternative habit or are properly trained to stop licking so much. 

Stress & Anxiety 

Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety and stress. However, they cannot work through it like we would, hence why they lick. Licking has been known to calm dogs due to being a way of increasing the dogs endorphins. 

During these anxiety-ridden moments, Dachshunds are most likely to lick their paws in an apprehensive fashion. This pattern is commonly known as compulsive behavior in Dachshunds. 

There are many reasons why Dachshunds could be experiencing these feelings. Although we may not be able to precisely render them, we can still get a general idea of the cause and adhere to it in any way possible. With humans, working, exercise or any other form of keeping busy, is a great way to combat those times of anxiety and stress. 

It is convenient for simply distracting our minds from the negativity. That helpful habit goes for Dachshunds as well. Dogs need exercise and lack of daily movement can expose your Dachshund to anxiety, with the compulsive behavior following closely behind. 

Allergies/They’re Feeling Ill 

Similar to the case with stress and anxiety, allergies or any ill-related symptoms can motivate that compulsive behavior to arise. As we all know, allergies can be anything from sneezing to itching, and much more. Because dogs don’t know how and/or cannot treat their allergies, they often resort to licking and biting their legs, backs, and paws for comfort. 

The same goes for illnesses. If your Dachshund isn’t feeling well, it is probable that excessive licking will occur. This action will not only help them remain calm, but it has also been proven to make them feel better when they are nauseous. If your Dachshund seems squeamish or extra whiny, there’s a good chance they are feeling ill. During this time, it is essential that you contact your local vet to dissect the cause and properly relieve them.

As Dachshund owners, or just dog owners in general, it’s not always easy to unravel all of the possible reasons for their behavior. Serious or not, they are our family so we want to find the core problem and help them asap! Now that we’ve assessed some explanations for their excessive licking, we have a better understanding of what our pups are dealing with. As well as how to help them!

They Probably Feel Hungry

Believe it or not, Dachshund lick the air or their mouth when they feel hungry. As we all know, dogs are one of the greediest animals that will stare directly to your mouth while eating. Even though they’ve just had their meal, Dachshunds will lick themselves and even you in order to get your attention. So, next time you want to have a lunch, make sure you place your dog in a different room. Otherwise, you’ll feel guilty for every bite you take.

Dachshunds Lick Because They Are Nauseous

Sometimes, Dachshunds lick too much for no reason or because they’re bored—but sometimes it’s because they’re nauseous. When a dog feels queasy, they may start licking surfaces, their lips or even the air to calm their upset stomach. This behaviour is often accompanied by other symptoms like drooling, eating grass, lack of appetite or restlessness. If your Dachshund starts licking more than usual and shows these other signs, nausea might be the cause.

Common causes of nausea in Dachshunds are gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness, eating something they shouldn’t have or certain medications. In some cases, licking due to nausea can happen before vomiting, so keep an eye out. Mild nausea might resolve on its own but if your doxie is still licking after a day or with vomiting or diarrhea, a trip to the vet is in order. Treating the underlying cause of nausea usually stops the licking behaviour. Whether it’s a tummy bug or something more serious, paying attention to these signs can help keep your Dachshund comfortable and healthy.

Dachshunds Lick When They Want To Explore

As we all know, these little sausage dogs love to sniff and lick a lot. Therefore, it’s not surprising when you see your Dachshund licking his mouth when facing something unfamiliar. Dachshunds are bred to hunt small prey, so it’s not strange to see them licking ”here and there”.

When Should Licking Behavior Become a Concern?

If your dog constantly licks his paws, and other body parts, then you should ask your vet for an opinion. If licking is accompanied by allergies and pain, you should definitely search for a trigger. In most cases, dogs who lick a lot suffer from separation anxiety. It’s a condition when a dog faces real stress in the moments he/she’s been left alone. A feeling of loneliness and the fact that there’s no one at home can be very stressful for a dog.

Diabetes can also be one of the reasons for Dachshund licking behavior. Dogs who have a high level of blood sugar often suffer from dry mouth and sticky saliva. Therefore, licking is often a ”self-defence” reaction to help themselves.