8. Excessive Licking or Chewing – A Subtle But Serious Sign of Pain
Dogs naturally lick or groom themselves, but when that behavior becomes frequent or obsessive, it’s often a sign that something is wrong.
If your dog is constantly licking or chewing at one specific area — even if the skin looks normal — it could mean they’re trying to soothe underlying pain or irritation.
This behavior is one of the most common ways dogs attempt to self-heal, and it should never be ignored.
Why Dogs Lick or Chew When They’re Hurting
When a dog feels pain, especially in one spot, their instinct is to lick it.
This can temporarily ease discomfort by releasing endorphins and keeping the area clean.
However, excessive licking usually points to joint pain, muscle strain, skin irritation, insect bites, or internal issues beneath the surface.
In some cases, dogs even lick areas far from the actual source of pain — for example, licking their paws when they have hip or back problems — because nerve signals can radiate pain to different parts of the body.
What to Look For
Watch for repeated licking, chewing, or biting at the same area, even if there’s no visible injury.
Over time, this can cause redness, hair loss, sores, or secondary infections, making the situation worse and more painful.
What You Should Do
If your dog’s licking seems obsessive or focused on one spot, schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible.
Identifying the underlying cause early can stop the cycle of pain and prevent more serious skin or health problems from developing.