Why Does My Dachshund Lick All The Time?

We can all agree that Dachshunds are expert lickers.

Dachshund parents may have the cleanest kitchen floors, as these small hound dogs won’t let a crumb go uneaten! 

But all joking aside, your Dachshund’s licking habits can get out of hand quickly.

Chances are that your pup’s licking has become somewhat of an irritating habit if you’ve found your way to this article. 

Whether it’s your hands, furniture, or floors, you may want the incessant licking to stop or just may be wondering why they’re doing it.

Here we’ll discuss why your Dachshund may be constantly licking things and provide some insight and solutions for you.

Why Does My Dachshund Lick All The Time?

The sound of any dog licking over and over can start to become annoying pretty quickly. 

It often seems to happen when you first get in bed or you’re attempting to relax with a good book. 

It may feel like dogs start licking at the most irritating times.

But when you notice your Dachshund is licking at any given moment throughout the day, it could be more than a simple habit or nighttime ritual.

Dachshunds, like all dog breeds, lick for a variety of reasons. 

However, it can become an obsessive behavior that needs to be rectified for the health of your pup, and your own mental sanity. 

A closer look at why your Dachshund may be licking all the time.

1. Upset tummy or nausea: If your Dachshund is feeling a bit queasy, they may begin licking in an attempt to feel better.  According to veterinarians, nausea in dogs can lead to the excessive licking of surfaces, which includes flooring, walls or furniture. In this case, it’s a good idea to see a veterinarian to eliminate health problems.
2. Looking for attention: When your Dachshund is licking at something you finally notice it, you probably look at your pup and ask them to stop. Your Doxie may find this behavior rewarding. Therefore, your dog will keep licking because it earns your attention.
3. Compulsive behavior: Dachshunds can resort to compulsive behavior to settle fear and stress just as humans do. Your pup may be compulsively licking if they are not receiving adequate exercise and stimulation. Working on your Dachshund’s overall mental and physical health is a terrific solution if the licking is indeed a compulsive behavior.
4. Cognitive dysfunction: As Dachshunds age they may develop dementia or cognitive dysfunction, which is the dog version of Alzheimer’s disease. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. It’s most often attributed to a protein source so you could try switching to a dog food without chicken (one of the most common culprits). Some Dachshunds are allergic to grass so keeping yours from walking in it for a while could help. 

First, try to determine WHY your Dachshund is licking.

Now let’s talk about WHAT exactly your Dachshund is licking. Their paws? Your hands? The wall? 

The most common things Dachshunds lick and why

• Paws: It’s normal for a Dachshund to lick their paws, but when it seems to have become a repetitive behavior, there may be another reason for it. Dachshunds will often lick their paws if they have allergies. The licking can soothe irritation instantly, although the effect doesn’t last, causing your Doxie to want to keep licking in order to stop itching. 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. Constant licking on inanimate objects can lead to chewing, and you definitely don’t want your Dachshund chewing a hole through your wall! 

How to Stop Your Dachshund’s Constant Licking

Now that we know why Dachshunds lick, let’s look more closely as to some solutions.

There may be some simple solutions to stop your Dachshund’s licking habit.

Keep in mind that these suggestions may not work for all dogs in all cases but they are a good place to start.

Exercise

Dachshunds often lick out of boredom or stress. It may be time to ask yourself if your Dachshund is getting enough regular physical and mental exercise. 

Try tiring your dog out and see if the licking persists. 

If you begin a new exercise routine with your Dachshund and you find that they are licking far less often, then stimulation was the answer!

Offer Alternatives

High-quality chews and bones are a healthy solution for your Dachshund’s desire to lick and chew. 

Another great option is a Kong, or other rubber treat dispensing toy, which you can stuff with peanut butter, yogurt or some other delicious snack. 

Bones and chews can be great alternatives to licking.

If your Dachshund puppy is teething or simply likes to chew, they may just need other outlets so they don’t resort to licking or chewing inappropriately.

Always offer your Dachshund puppy plenty of appropriate items to chew on to redirect them from the things you don’t want them licking or chewing and see if that helps.

Switch Up Your Lotion or Soap

Is your Dachshund licking at your hands? 

Try using a different brand or scent of lotion and soap.

There may be something in the product you’re using that attracts your Dachshund. 

Do you often wear hand lotion? You may be attracting your dog.

Be sure to purchase hand lotion and soap that doesn’t have any toxic chemicals in it. You don’t want your dog to become ill if they are licking your hands.

Also, religiously wash your hands after every meal to remove the scent or taste of food that may be attracting your Dachshund.

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. 

There are several bitter spray options on the market for pets who chew on baseboards, walls, furniture and other objects. 

Putting bitter spray on the areas they’re licking can discourage them.

Note: the links below are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

We like Bodhi Dog Bitter Lemon Spray or Rocco & Roxie No Chew Extreme Bitter Spray for Dogs (these are affiliate links so I receive a small commission of you purchase).

Stop Acknowledging the Licking

If you believe that your Dachshund is licking for attention, stop rewarding the behavior. 

Instead of looking at your dog and saying their name when they are licking, simply walk away or do something else that will distract them, without directly acknowledging the situation.

Seek Veterinary Council

Dachshunds commonly lick their paws if they have allergies, an irritated nail, or even an ingrown hair between paw pads. 

You may want to see a veterinarian if your Dachshund won’t stop licking their paws, as there could be a health issue that needs attention.

Final Thoughts

If you aren’t sure why exactly your Dachshund is licking, you may need to seek help from a veterinarian or canine behaviorist. 

It’s important to pin down why exactly your Dachshund is exhibiting the behavior, so you can take the necessary steps to stop it. Your furry friend’s health is priority!

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.