Why do Chihuahuas lick so much? The Chihuahua breed of dog has been long known to lick surfaces in their surroundings; not just to clean themselves, but also as an act of affection towards their owners. They’re also known to lick the human feet, the floor, and even the paws of other dogs and cats! Why do Chihuahuas lick so much? We’ll help you understand why chihuahuas lick so much in this article, with 10 potential reasons behind the habit.
1) They can be anxious when left alone
When left alone, some Chihuahuas may become anxious and start to lick things as a way to self-soothe and calm down. This behavior is often seen in dogs who were previously neglected or abandoned, as they may have never learned that licking isn’t a normal way to cope with anxiety. If your Chihuahua starts licking excessively when you leave them alone, it’s important to seek professional help from a certified animal behaviorist or veterinarian behaviorist. They can help you create a behavior modification plan to desensitize your dog to your absence and teach them more appropriate ways to cope with their anxiety.
2) They want affection from their owners
One of the most common reasons why your Chihuahua might be licking so much is because they want affection from you! They see you as their pack leader and want to show you how much they love and respect you. Chihuahuas are bred to be companion dogs, so it’s in their nature to want to be close to their humans. If you’re not giving your Chihuahua enough attention, they may start licking more as a way to get your attention.
3) The licking is a way of showing love
There are several reasons why your Chihuahua might be licking you more than usual. One reason could be that they’re trying to show you how much they love you! In the canine world, licking is often seen as a sign of affection. So if your pup is giving you lots of slobbery kisses, it’s their way of saying I love you! Another explanation for excessive licking could be allergies: It’s possible that your dog may have allergies and will start drooling excessively from their mouth because of this. A third possibility for excessive licks could be anxiety: If something has happened in the household or if there are new people around, your Chihuahua may feel anxious and want to keep close contact with you by using this type of behavior. It’s not uncommon for dogs to get anxious during thunderstorms or fireworks displays which can cause an increased amount of lip licking in pets.
4) Marking Territory
One of the most common reasons why dogs lick is to mark their territory. When a dog licks something, they are leaving their scent behind. This is their way of claiming ownership over an object or person. Dogs will often lick other dogs as a way of showing dominance or submission. They may also lick people as a way of showing affection or asking for attention.
5) Floor-licking gets rid of crumbs
If you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense that Chihuahuas would want to lick the floor. After all, there are bound to be crumbs falling from the table, and what better way to get rid of them than by licking them up? Not to mention, licking the floor also gives them a chance to clean their paws at the same time. And we all know how important it is to keep our paws clean!
6) High Prey Drive
Chihuahuas are descendants of the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltec civilization in Mexico. The Techichi had a reputation for being an excellent hunting dog, and it’s thought that this trait has been passed down to the Chihuahua. Many experts believe that the licking behavior is related to the Chihuahua’s high prey drive. When they see something they want, they instinctively start licking it as if they’re trying to catch their prey.
7) The Release of Oxytocin
When a Chihuahua licks someone or something, they are releasing oxytocin from their brain. Oxytocin is sometimes called the cuddle hormone or the love hormone because it plays a role in social bonding and affiliation. When oxytocin is released, it can cause a feeling of relaxation and calmness. In addition to its calming effects, oxytocin has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. So if your Chihuahua is licking you, it may be because they are trying to make you feel better!
8) Teething
When teething, a pup may drool excessively and turn to licking surfaces for relief. Some owners report that their dogs seem to be in pain during this time and may cry or whimper more than usual. It’s natural for a teething pup to want to chew on things, too. While it’s important to provide your dog with safe chew toys, you may also need to be extra vigilant about keeping valuables out of reach. If your dog is persistently licking a particular spot on his body, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should consult your veterinarian.
9) To cool down in hot weather
Chihuahuas are known to be ‘excessive lickers.’ They often lick their owner’s feet, legs, and face. But why do they do this? Some say it’s because they’re trying to cool down in hot weather. Chihuahuas have a reputation for being one of the smallest dog breeds, and therefore can’t cool down as efficiently as other dogs. Their small size also makes them more prone to heatstroke. So, if you see your Chihuahua licking you or the floor a lot, it might be because they’re trying to stay cool!
10) As an exercise during the day
Chihuahuas often lick as a way to get exercise. By licking floors, walls, or other surfaces, they can work their muscles and burn calories. Some Chihuahuas even seem to enjoy the taste of certain materials, like salt or sweeteners. This licking behavior can also be a sign of boredom or anxiety in some dogs. If your Chihuahua is excessively licking, it might be time to increase their exercise routine or provide more mental stimulation during the day.
How To Stop Your Chihuahuas From licking so much?
Chihuahuas licking can become a problem for several reasons. If your Chihuahua is licking excessively, it could be a sign of anxiety or stress. Excessive licking can also lead to skin problems and other health issues. If you’re wondering how to stop your Chihuahua from licking so much, here are a few tips:
- Provide Plenty of chew toys and bones to keep your Chihuahua’s mouth busy and distracted from licking.
- Make sure your Chihuahua is getting enough exercise every day – a tired dog is a good dog!
- Try using a bitter spray on areas you don’t want your Chihuahua to lick – this will usually deter them from licking.
- Keep your home clean to prevent unwanted attention from being drawn to anything that might tempt a Chihuahua to lick.
- When you see your Chihuahua starting to lick something, redirect its attention elsewhere with a toy or treat. 6. And finally, make sure your Chihuahua has plenty of love and affection in its life – animals crave attention just like humans do!
Conclusion
If you own a Chihuahua, or any dog for that matter, it’s important to know why they engage in certain behaviors. While some licking is normal and just part of being a dog, too much licking can be a sign of something more serious. If you’re concerned about your dog’s licking habits, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there’s an underlying health issue or if your dog just needs more mental and physical stimulation.
