Oh, the cute things dogs do! They jump, they wag, the get raging cases of the zoomies and melt your heart with those big, pleading eyes. But they also have a habit that is, well, less appealing: licking their hind ends. Like us, you may have always wondered what this tendency is all about, so we did our research to find out all the details. Yes, there is never a great time or place for butt-licking, and it can tend to make people cringe or elicit a comment about how disgusting canines can be.
However, the truth is that butt-licking is an entirely normal dog behavior. It even serves some important purposes. Believe it or not, butt-licking serves some helpful purposes for your pup when it comes to grooming. Your dog uses their tongue to clean various areas of the body, including paws and hindquarters, on a regular basis. This self-care regimen assists in the removal of debris, discharge and dirt. Now that we have eased your mind and removed any doubts that this behavior is normal, you may still be wondering how much is too much.
As an attentive pet parent, you have a good idea about what is normal for your dog and what is above and beyond the typical. This definitely applies to butt-licking. If you become concerned, your first step should be to examine the area carefully to check for debris, feces or hair mats.
There are a number of reasons for dogs to focus their licking on their hindquarters. These include:. Start by getting the rear end clean with canine shampoo and water, making sure to thoroughly rinse the area to avoid any added irritation from leftover soap.
Also avoid over-the-counter medications that have not been approved by your vet. Then give your pup a nice brushing. Why do dogs lick their butts? Causes of Frequent Licking There are a number of reasons for dogs to focus their licking on their hindquarters. These include: Grooming an area to remove dirt or debris.
