If your border collie is constantly licking, you’ll be wondering why and what you can do about it.
Whether they’re licking YOU or licking their paws, or even the air, there are reasons and solutions.
Rest assured, everything you need to know is thoroughly explained below!
7 Reasons Why Your Border Collie Licks You So Much
Let’s run through the several reasons why your collie licks so much. Consider things like the time of day, when it started, and general events leading up to this behavior starting… This could help you identify the correct trigger for your collie.
1. Salty Skin
Your Border Collie might find your skin quite tasty, especially if it’s salty from sweat. It’s a simple sensory experience for them. This might be why they lick you more often after a workout or first thing in the morning.
2. Bored / Anxious
Licking can be a soothing behavior for Border Collies. If they feel bored or anxious, they might lick you to calm themselves. This means that providing more activities and interaction might reduce this behavior.
Related:
😍 Border Collie Anxiety Guide
😍 Border Collie Mental Stimulation Games
3. Showing Affection
For Border Collies, licking is a way to show affection. In the wild, dogs lick each other as part of their social bonding. If your Border Collie licks you, they might be treating you as part of their pack and showing you love and respect.
4. Grooming You
Dogs groom each other in the wild, and this behavior might extend to their human family members. Your Border Collie might be trying to help you by keeping you clean. This act of grooming can be a sign of deep trust and care.
5. It Makes Them Feel Good
Licking releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins in a dog’s brain. These chemicals relieve stress and create feelings of contentment. Your Border Collie might lick you because it’s a comforting and pleasurable experience for them.
6. It’s a Habit
Sometimes, licking doesn’t have a complex reason. What started as a curious taste might have turned into a routine. This habit might be reinforced if you react to it, making your dog think it’s a way to get your attention.
7. Stress
If your Border Collie is stressed, they might resort to licking as a coping mechanism. Various factors can cause stress in dogs, such as changes in environment, new people or animals in the home, or lack of attention. Understanding what might be causing this stress and addressing it can help reduce this behavior.
Each of these reasons provides insight into your Border Collie’s world and can guide you in responding in a way that supports their well-being. Whether it’s providing more activities, establishing clear boundaries, or simply understanding that a lick is a sign of love, recognizing the reason behind the behavior can help you build a stronger relationship with your pet.
Stop Your Border Collie From Licking You In 5 Steps
Let’s run through the best ways to stop this behavior for good.
One thing I’ll say right away, is to start being careful with how you react to the licking. Reacting in the wrong way can easily lead to reinforcement of the behavior!
Follow the tips below to solve the licking issues!
1. Ignore the Behavior
Ignoring the licking behavior is often the first step. When your Border Collie licks you, they might be seeking your attention. If you don’t respond, they may learn that licking won’t get them what they want. This requires patience, but over time, it can be an effective way to reduce the behavior.
2. Say No and Pull Away
Sometimes, ignoring won’t work. You might need to tell your Border Collie that you don’t like this behavior. In a clear and strong tone of voice, say “No!” and pull away from the licks. If your dog stops, praise them, but consistency is essential here.
3. Redirect the Licks
If saying no doesn’t work, you might need to redirect the licks to something more appropriate, like a toy. You can replace your hand, arm, or face with a toy or a puzzle filled with treats. This gives your dog something acceptable to focus on and rewards them for making the right choice.
4. Use Bitter Spray
There are non-toxic, safe bitter sprays that taste foul to dogs but won’t harm them. You can spray a little on your skin where your Border Collie usually tries to lick you. This taste can discourage them from licking that spot.
5. Stay on Top of Exercise
Border Collies are energetic dogs, and pent-up energy might lead to licking. Ensuring they get enough exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce this behavior. Activities that challenge them both physically and mentally can make a big difference.
When Licking Is a Sign of Something Worse
Although most cases of licking will be explained with the above causes, there are things collie owners should watch out for.
Sometimes, licking can indicate an underlying issue. Let’s run through those below.
Excessive Licking of Paws
If your Border Collie is excessively licking their paws or a specific part of their body, it could be a sign of discomfort or an underlying issue. This is different from licking you, and it requires careful observation.
Anxiety, Allergies, or Health Problems
Excessive licking could be caused by anxiety, allergies, gastric reflux, dry skin, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It might be a response to itchiness or pain. Observing when and where the licking happens can provide clues.
Area-Specific Issues
If your Border Collie won’t leave a certain part of their body alone, it could indicate a problem in that area. Look for redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation. A visual inspection by you might reveal something that needs attention.
Spotting the Problem Early
Fortunately, excessive licking is usually noticeable. Regular interaction and observation of your Border Collie will allow you to recognize changes in their behavior. If you notice something unusual, it’s time to consult a professional.
Consult a Veterinarian
If you’re unsure about the cause of the licking or if it seems to be getting worse, it’s always wise to consult a veterinarian. They can properly diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Why Do Border Collies Lick The Air?
Border Collies might occasionally be observed licking the air, and this behavior can be both intriguing and puzzling. One simple explanation might be that they are reacting to tastes or smells in the environment that humans can’t detect.
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and they might be tasting something appealing or interesting in the air.
In some instances, air licking can indicate a more complex issue. If you notice your Border Collie licking the air frantically or for extended periods, it could be a sign of a health problem such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, partial seizures, or even gastrointestinal discomfort like acid reflux.
These conditions can cause discomfort or unusual sensations that a dog might respond to by licking the air.
Observing the context and frequency of air licking can provide clues about what’s going on. If it’s a rare and brief occurrence, it’s likely nothing to worry about.
However, if it becomes a frequent or intense behavior, consulting with a veterinarian is the best course of action.
Final Thoughts
Understanding why your Border Collie engages in licking behaviors, whether it’s licking you, themselves, or even the air, is essential to maintaining a happy and healthy relationship with your pet.
While some licking is normal and can even be a sign of affection, excessive or unusual licking might indicate an underlying issue.
Being attentive to your dog’s behavior, recognizing changes, and consulting a veterinarian when needed, demonstrates responsible pet ownership.
Your proactive approach can lead to early intervention and treatment if there’s a problem, ensuring that your Border Collie remains a content and well-cared-for member of your family.
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