Why Do Shih Tzus Lick So Much? Possible Causes and Solutions

Do you often find yourself being licked by your Shih Tzu? If so, you’re not alone! Many dog owners view this as a sign of affection, but there may be more. Why do Shih Tzus lick so much? There are many possible causes, including affection, grooming, excitement, stress or anxiety, or even attention-seeking behavior. This blog post will take a closer look at why your Shih Tzu might be licking you and suggest possible solutions.

Why do Shih Tzus lick so much?

Many Shih Tzu owners have noted that their dog seems to lick more than other breeds. While it’s normal for dogs to lick their fur to keep it clean, Shih Tzus seem to be constantly licking.

So why do Shih Tzus lick so much? One theory is that the act of licking helps to relieve stress and anxiety. Another possibility is that the Shih Tzu’s licking action is a remnant of their days as royal lapdogs.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that many Shih Tzus enjoy licking their owners (and themselves!) more than other dogs.

Affectionate licking in dogs.

Shih Tzus are lap dogs that love to be close to their owners. One way they express this affection is through licking. Shih Tzus will lick their owners’ faces, hands, and other exposed skin. While it may be flattering to have a Shih Tzu show you this level of affection, it can also be excessive. Some Shih Tzus will lick so much that they create sores on their owner’s skin.

Grooming licking in dogs.

Shih Tzus are known for their attentive and affectionate nature, and one of the ways they express this is through licking. Dogs lick as a sign of submission or to show their owners that they’re happy and content.

Shih Tzus may also lick as part of their grooming routine; since they don’t have opposable thumbs, licking is an efficient way to remove dirt and debris from their fur.

Excitement licking in dogs.

Dogs may also lick as a sign of excitement, especially when they see their owners or are about to go on a walk. This type of licking is often accompanied by wagging tails and happy vocalizations. If your Shih Tzu is licking you excessively and seems overly excited, it may be best to provide them with a toy or chew treat to redirect their energy.

Stress and anxiety licking.

Dogs may also lick as a way to self-soothe when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. This type of licking is often repetitive and can lead to sores on the dog’s skin. If your Shih Tzu is excessively licking themselves or you, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Shih Tzu licks for attention.

Dogs may also lick as a way to get your attention. This type of licking is often accompanied by whining or pawing at you. If your Shih Tzu is seeking your attention through licking, it’s important to provide them with positive reinforcement when they stop. This could include treats, petting, or verbal praise.

While excessive licking can be annoying, it’s important to remember that many possible causes exist.

Shih Tzus dry skin.

Shih Tzu dogs often lick because they have dry skin. Without adequate moisture, their skin can become irritated and itchy. Licking provides temporary relief from the itchiness and helps to keep the skin hydrated.

In addition, Shih Tzu licking helps remove any dirt or debris on the skin. While constant licking can be a nuisance, it’s important to remember that it’s often the dog’s way of dealing with dry skin.

If your Shih Tzu dog is licking excessively, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help soothe their dry skin.

Why do Shih Tzus lick their paws?

Have you ever wondered why Shih Tzus lick their paws so much? It turns out that there are a few reasons for this behavior.

First, Shih Tzu licking helps keep the paws clean and free of dirt and debris. Additionally, licking helps spread the natural oils on the dry skin, which helps keep the paws supple and soft.

Finally, some experts believe that paw-licking can be a way for dogs to self-soothe, much like humans might bite their nails when feeling anxious.

So next time your Shih Tzu starts licking their paws, remember that it’s just their way of keeping clean, healthy, and happy.

Why does my Shih Tzu lick the floor?

While it may not be the most appetizing behavior, there are a few reasons your furry friend might lick the floor.

For one thing, licking is a natural way for dogs to explore their environment. They can pick up information about its texture, taste, and smell when they lick something.

Additionally, some dogs develop a habit of licking hard surfaces to self-soothe. This can be caused by stress, anxiety, or even boredom.

If your Shih Tzu often licks the floor, it’s important to monitor their behavior and ensure they’re doing it in moderation.

Excessive licking can lead to gastrointestinal problems, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned.

Why is my Shih Tzu licking his private area?

Your Shih Tzu may be licking his private area because he’s experiencing an itch. This could be caused by several factors, including allergies, fleas, or dry skin.

If you notice your dog is excessively licking or scratching his privates, it’s worth taking him to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. A Shih Tzu often licks at his/her genital area if it has a urinary tract infection(link).

Another possibility is that your dog is simply trying to clean himself. While our canine companions are generally pretty good at keeping themselves clean, sometimes they need a little help in the grooming department.

If you think this may be the case, you can try using a gentle dog shampoo on your Shih Tzu’s privates during his next bath.

Just be sure to avoid any soaps or shampoos designed for humans, as these can be harsh on a dog’s sensitive skin.

Solutions to get your Shih Tzu to stop licking

Determine the root cause of the licking
Provide plenty of chew toys and bones to keep their mouth busy
Put them in a kennel or another room when you cannot supervise them
Make sure they are getting enough exercise
Give your dog attention when behaving appropriately (as in not licking your face off). Rewards should take place immediately after the desired behavior for positive association.

If you can determine the root cause of the licking, you can work on providing appropriate solutions.

For example, if your dog is anxious, you can try obedience training or ThunderShirts to help calm them down.

If they are bored, you can provide more chew toys and bones or make sure they are getting enough exercise. If the licking is a dominance issue, you can work on obedience training and making sure to give your dog attention when they behave appropriately (not licking).

Determining the cause of your Shih Tzu’s licking can help reduce how much it licks.

Five signs that your dog loves you

If you’re like most dog owners, you often wonder if your furry friend really loves you. After all, they can’t speak, and sometimes their actions can be hard to interpret.

However, there are several telltale signs that your dog is head-over-heels in love with you.

For starters, they will usually follow you around from room to room. They may also lean against you when they sit or stand next to you. Another sign of love is when your dog rests their chin on your shoulder or gives you ‘puppy dog eyes.’

Also, dogs often show affection by licking your face or hands. And finally, many dogs will try to snuggle close to their owner when sleeping.

So if you see any of these behaviors, rest assured that your pup is head over heels in love with you!

How to know if your dog is stressed or anxious

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. While some stress is normal and beneficial (such as helping your dog stay alert and focused), too much stress can harm your dog’s health.

Signs that your dog is stressed or anxious include excessive panting or drooling, yawning, licking their lips, shaking or trembling, hiding, or trying to escape. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to help your dog relax.

Some simple things you can do are providing them with a quiet space to retreat to, talking to them in a calm voice, and petting or massaging them gently. If you think your dog’s stress is due to a specific situation (such as being left alone or meeting new people), there are some attitude modification techniques you can try to help them feel more comfortable.

However, if your dog’s stress is more generalized or severe, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to provide more specific advice and may recommend medication or other treatment options.

Why do dogs make the best cuddle buddies?

We’ve all been there before. You’re feeling down, maybe you’ve had a bad day at work, or you’re just missing that special someone in your life. But then you remember that you have the best cuddle buddy in the world waiting at home for you. And I’m not talking about your significant other (though they’re great too); I’m talking about your dog.

Dogs have been proven to have a calming effect on their owners, and there’s nothing like a good snuggle session to help reduce stress levels.

In addition, dogs are always happy to see you, no matter what kind of mood you’re in. They’ll never judge you for having a bad day, and they’re always happy to listen (or not listen) to whatever you have to say.

So next time you feel lonely or down, remember that your furry friend is always there for a cuddle.

Conclusion

Shih Tzus lick for various reasons, and each solution will vary. Some potential causes and solutions include: licking as a way to calm down, licking because they are bored, licking as a sign of dominance, or licking because they are stressed or anxious. Determining the cause is key to finding the right solution.

Some solutions include providing your dog with a quiet space, talking to them in a calm voice, or petting or massaging them gently. If the licking persists, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to provide more specific advice and may recommend medication or other treatment options.