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Dogs are some of the most amusing pets. However, these adorable furballs also have a way of causing embarrassment and usually at the least expected times.
It’s exciting to watch a dog dance or play the game of fetch. It’s equally fulfilling to know that your canine friend can bark on your command. But picture a scenario where you’ve invited special guests for dinner and out of the blues, your dog begins to lick his genitals. You frantically try to get the animal to stop engaging in the gross behavior, only for your efforts to be met with more intense licking.
As a pet parent witnessing this phenomenon for the first time, you’re bound to wonder why your dog seems preoccupied with his private area. Well, there are numerous reasons why dogs lick their crotch. This article shall cover all those reasons, with some fun facts in between.
When Is Genital Licking Considered Normal?
Grooming is the most common reason dogs lick their private areas.
Cats may enjoy the reputation for being fastidious groomers. However, dogs also spend a considerable amount of their time grooming themselves. And they mostly do that by licking.
But when grooming is the main reason, you’ll realize that your dog doesn’t only lick his genitals. The animal will take a swipe at many other areas where he can get his tongue to. These include his paws, legs, belly, back, and tail.
You may also notice that genital licking tends to be more intense a few minutes following bladder and bowel activity or when a dog has been rolling in the dirt. Your pooch is simply trying to clean his genitalia from urine discharge, sticky fecal residues, and cling-on debris.
Perhaps we should also reiterate that unlike humans, dogs have no sense of shame. Your furry friend isn’t smart enough to determine the most appropriate time to clean his genitals. He will do it mid-play, mid-grooming, and even at the dinner table.
Is Genital Licking An Age Issue?
Genital licking knows no age. It occurs in puppies and adult dogs alike.
Obviously, adult dogs will lick a lot more because this instinctive behavior is already ingrained in them and comes naturally. Puppies are more likely to lick each other’s genitalia than their own.
Does Breed Matter Too?
All dogs will lick their private parts regardless of breed or size. From large dogs like Great Danes to smaller ones like Miniature Dachshunds, the licking behavior transcends breed boundaries.
Instead of breed, variances in the intensity of crotch licking might be due to different personalities and lifestyles. Boisterous and hyperactive canines are likely to engage more in grooming than their laid-back counterparts. And more grooming potentially translates to more genital licking.
What of Gender?
Just as with age and breed, there’s no gender discrimination associated with crotch licking in dogs. Male dogs will lick their penises while females will equally lick their vulvas. And both sexes will lick their anal regions.
However, note that when genital licking is due to abnormal reasons like underlying medical conditions, the behavior might result from different causes for male and female dogs. More on that in the following sections.
When Is Genital Licking Considered A Bit Unusual?
Besides grooming, sexual arousal may also cause dogs to lick their genitals. And this happens to both male and female dogs.
The penis of male dogs is protected by a sheath known as prepuce. Like in humans, a dog’s prepuce is basically a fold of skin that covers the penis.
When a male dog is sexually aroused, his penis may protrude from the preputial. The animal may consequently lick his genitals to soothe the erection and possibly have the penis revert to its preputial sheath. Licking may also be the dog’s way of maintaining a longer erection.
Bitches will also lick their vulvas when they’re in heat. It’s how they get an extra dose of sexual pleasure.
When sexual arousal is the reason a female dog licks his vulva, the organ may also look swollen and produce some discharge that could turn bloody as the heat period progresses.
Note that female dogs typically come into heat every six months. So, keep that in mind if your bitch is yet to be spayed.
When Is Genital Licking Outright Abnormal?
If grooming and sexual arousal aren’t the reasons your dog is licking his genitalia, then the problem could be due to an underlying medical condition.
Below are common ailments that could cause excessive crotch licking in dogs;
Conditions Specific to Male Dogs
• Disorders of the prepuce, such as cancer and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the penis or prepuce)
• Disorders of the prostate, such as prostate cancer, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), prostate cysts, and hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)
Conditions Specific to Female Dogs
• Disorders of the vagina, such as vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)
• Retained placenta
Conditions That Affect Both Male and Female Dogs
• Physical trauma to the genitalia
• Urinary/bladder and bowel incontinence
• Deformities in the urinary system, such as ectopic ureter and misaligned sphincter
• Deformities in the anal sacs
• Disorders of the urinary bladder, such as bladder cancer, bladder inflammation, and calculi (stones)
• Disorders of the urethra, including cancer and calculi
• Bleeding disorders, such as thrombocytopenia caused by reduced platelet count
• Foreign bodies in the genitals, such as splinters and dirt
• Allergic reactions resulting from ingesting poison or certain foods
• Contact dermatitis or allergic reactions caused by physical contact with chemical irritants
• Skin infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites
• Anal gland impaction
How Do You Resolve Excessive Genital Licking In Dogs?
The best way to deal with excessive genital licking is to figure out and address the root cause of the problem. A casual inspection of your dog’s genitalia may uncover if something is amiss.
Some of the symptoms to look out for include;
• Inflammation
• Signs of pain, such as resistance when you attempt to touch the genitals
• Signs of itchiness, such as rubbing the crotch on the ground
• Redness or discoloration of the genitalia and surrounding skin
• Pustules around the genitalia
• Difficulty passing urine or fecal matter
• Increased bladder or bowel activity
• Persistent foul odor after every elimination
• A thick discharge with or without blood
If you notice any of these symptoms, whisk your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic straight away. The vet will perform a raft of diagnostic procedures to establish the condition causing excessive genital licking and then recommend the best treatment option.
If it emerges that the licking behavior is more behavioral than medical and it affects other areas of your dog besides the genitals, then you can consider the following interventions;
• Keeping your dog stimulated to prevent licking induced by stress and boredom
• Spaying or neutering the animal to prevent licking induced by sexual arousal
• Regular grooming and bathing
• Redirecting the behavior using positive distractions
• Training
Wrap Up
Genital licking in dogs is usually not a cause for immediate concern. But if it continues even when the animal is prompted or distracted, the behavior could indicate something bigger.
Always consult your vet if the licking is accompanied by visible evidence of injury or infection.