Why dachshunds lick

Categories Dachshund , Small Breed Dogs. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller. Believe me, you are not alone! If you want to know all the reasons why your Dachshund loves to lick and why some of them seem to do it obsessively, you are in the right place. Dachshunds lick because of instinct, it can be a sign of affection, stress, boredom, or allergies. Licking can be soothing and therapeutic because it releases endorphins. Dachshunds may try to lick other dogs as a show of dominance, and they may lick your skin because they like the taste of your skin.

So for the most part licking is normal, but when does it become abnormal and something to be concerned about?

Out of owners, said that their Dachshund was a 10 or higher on the licking scale where 0 is not licking at all and 10 licks all the time. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Even before dogs were domesticated licking has been a part of their language. Puppies start out in the first stages of life being licked clean by their mothers. Their mothers lick them to clean them, keep them warm, bond with them, and to help keep their den clean and free of disease.

As they grow into their pack, licking each other is a way for them to communicate. Licking the pack leader for example is a way for a dog to ask if he can get in on the next meal or that he is submitting to the Alpha dogs leadership. So not only are Dachshund introduced at a very young age to the licking behavior they also have an instinct to continue to do it throughout their life. There are so many things Dachshunds love to lick!

Here are some things that Owners said their Dachshund likes to lick the most. When your Dachshund licks you he is showing you affection. This is probably the most common reason that we think about when wondering why our dogs lick us. It was also the most common answer I got from Dachshund owners when I asked them for reasons why they thought their Dachshund licked. Just like we give kisses as a show of affection our dogs give licks!

It stems all the way back to their puppyhood. Like we talked about earlier mothers lick their puppies to show them love and affection so your dog has learned that this is one way to show you he loves and cares for you. When your Dachshund licks you it could be a sign that he is trying to groom you, which is also a form of affection and care.

Another reason your Dachshund may lick your face is that he is trying to appease you and submit to your dominance over him. Dogs are pack creatures and will often greet members of their pack with a nice wet lick in the face. Their body position will be slightly lower than the pack leader and with this gesture, they are showing that they submit. Your Dachshund may do this with another dog or pet in your house or when he just meets them if he has chosen to be submisive to that animals dominance over him.

Dachshund were made for companionship. They love to stare at you and most could cuddle you all day if you let them. There are a lot of ways your Dachshund will try to get your attention such as whining, barking, staring at, or licking you. One of the more subtle ways for him to get your attention and probably less annoying than barking or crying is to lick you.

Your dog is smart and probably knows that licking you will be better received than barking in your face. If your Dachshund is trying to tell you something he may lick you as a sign that he wants something.

If you respond to your Dachshund licking by patting his head, giving him a cuddle, or talking sweet calming words then his way of getting your attention by licking you worked! This will reinforce this behavior and he will continue to do it.

Your dog may pick up licking as a repetitive behavior if they are in a state of confusion or cognitive decline. Unfortunately canine cognitive dysfunction is a progressive disease, but it can be slowed through environmental changes, drug therapy and more. Parasites: If your Dachshund contracts a parasite such as fleas, ticks or lice, a common symptom is itchiness and inflammation.

Your dog will likely lick at their paws and body to find relief. A flea and tick treatment will get any pests under control and a nice warm bath can kill the parasites and sooth their skin. Allergies: Similar to 5, if your Dachshund is experiencing allergies, their skin or feet may be irritated and itchy.

If you suspect your Dachshund might be having a bad reaction to something, try to remove the offender. For example, food allergies are common. Some Dachshunds are allergic to grass so keeping yours from walking in it for a while could help.

Dachshunds will often lick their paws if they have allergies. A Dachshund might also lick their paws if they have an irritated nail or something stuck between the paw pads.

Hands: Is your Dachshund constantly trying to lick your hands? If you use a scented lotion on your hands, your pup may be attracted to the smell or taste. You can eliminate this idea by switching the lotion you use, or avoiding the use of it for a few days.

Your Dachshund could also be licking your hands because you just ate something and residue remains. Walls, floors, and furniture: Dachshunds will typically lick parts of your home as an attention-seeking behavior or out of boredom.

Exercise Dachshunds often lick out of boredom or stress. Try tiring your dog out and see if the licking persists. Try using a different brand or scent of lotion and soap. Use a Bitter Spray One solution to your Dachshund licking your furniture and other items is to spray whatever is being licked with a bitter lemon spray.

He sometimes likes his various rope toys, or his hard plastic chew bone, and often times an old sock. Haha and my mini frank would play with a ball and squeaky toy literally non stop all day and night if I let him! Love seeing other sausages I imagine them all to be the same but obv not. However, they are chow hounds and live for snacks.

Keeps my minis busy for a few days until they get all the hard bacon filling out. I rescued Beanie 3 weeks ago…and she obv never learned how to play. Slowly but surely she is opening up. I also suffer from depression from 5 back surgeries and she is the most amazingly wonderful little mini ever. My heart just fills w love during her licking sessions lol.

I agree with everyone who says there is nothing like a Doxie. I just had to have mine put to sleep and I have never been so lonely. They are wonderful companions. Now, I am searching everywhere for another one. She was a miniature. What a sweet girl! We just lost our sweet little boy, Gus on Feb. He was the sweetest little heart and we are so broken hearted and sad. I am so sorry for your loss as we feel if too.

Our doxie always greets us with one of his toys in his mouth or his bones. When we get home he always runs and gets a toy before running to us wagging his toy and making his squeaking sounds. Thank you much for that info. This makes so much sense. We have a little black dachsuhnds named Duckie that is always licking our faces, arms, feet, and all other parts of our body.

Sometimes he is so uncontrollable and goes crazy with the licking lol. They get their feelings hurt and so sensitive. The semi truck was doing km. Upon impact my daddy died instantly and poor missy died later that day.

This fur baby was the best thing that ever happened to him besides my mom. I found this page and reading almost every article everything made sense! But life will go on and I can tell people that my new furbaby Maggie is a mini red doxy and is in training to become a emotional support dog and she will never ever be mistreated as long as my heart still beats. She also kept me alert enough to get help. She probably saved my life and has never had a minute of training.

I live alone and Gert has become such a special part of my life. I never imagined. It breaks my heart for you. Prayers my friend. I have a nine month mini ….. It is a bit excessive. They were one year apart. Cooper, seems to not be able to relax and settle down , always into something , …… he seems very head strong …l took him to training classes but he still seems to get into everything ….. I have known many doxies and their temperaments can be different!

How long till he settles down? That said, any dog a year or less puppy, really will be quite hyper and curious compared to a few years down the line…. When they rub their head, seemingly to do with the ears on the ground, possible ear infection?

Only been a few times. So many things here are similar and so fun to read — things like how loving and sensitive they are. She especially loves to lick our feet. She does love to play on her schedule, usually when we are sitting down at night, she is the guardian of the house with her barking and the sweetest girl in the world.

My mini long haired doxie is 4 months old. The breeder said to let her eat when she wants to. I give a scoopful in the morning and it takes her all day to eat. Is this common for puppies? She will chew on twigs and catch bugs and eat them. Today she regurgitated a piece of plastic. She has grown a little and loves to play. I wonder if this is normal for her. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

We took her to vet and thousands of dollars later she was good to go. Never take them out without a leash and keep her away from kitchen trash. Molly has helped me to deal with the depression…. Here it is 3. As I said before Beanie is approx yrs old. She is my first doxie. She was a rescue but really she rescued me.