Dog Licking Toy: Why Your Dog Needs It and Where to Buy!

Okay, here is my sharing about the dog licking toy:

So, I got this new toy for my dog, Max. It’s one of those rubber things you can stuff treats into, and it’s supposed to keep them busy, you know? But Max, he’s a smart one. He figured out how to get the treats out pretty quick. Then, he just started licking the toy, even when it was empty.

At first, I thought it was cute. “Oh, he really loves that toy,” I said to myself. But then it became a thing. He wouldn’t stop licking it! Morning, noon, and night, there he was, just going at it. I even caught him licking it during thunderstorms, which is weird because he’s usually terrified of them. And sometimes he tried to save me while I was swimming and licked my arm. It hurt!

I started to get a little worried. Was this normal? Was he bored? Was he anxious? I had no idea. I did some digging online, and it turns out, lots of dogs do this. Some people say it’s a sign of affection, like they’re grooming you. Others say it can be a sign of stress or boredom. One website even mentioned something about it being a compulsive behavior, which freaked me out a bit.

Anyway, I decided I needed to do something. First, I tried taking the toy away, but he just found other things to lick—the furniture, the floor, even my feet! It was a nightmare. Then I got him some new chew toys, those tough ones that are supposed to last forever. He chewed on them for a bit, but then it was right back to the licking toy.

Finally, I talked to my vet. She said it could be a combination of things, maybe some anxiety, maybe just a habit. She suggested a few things, like making sure he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. She also recommended trying to redirect his licking to something more appropriate, like a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter.

So, that’s what I’m doing now. We go for longer walks, we play more fetch, and I’ve become a pro at stuffing Kongs. It’s been a few weeks, and I have to say, it’s getting better. He still licks the toy sometimes, but it’s not as obsessive. He’s more interested in playing and chewing, which is great. I think we’re finally getting a handle on this whole licking thing. It’s been a journey, let me tell you!

• Increased walks and playtime.
• Introduced new chew toys.
• Started using frozen Kongs.
• Consulted with the vet for advice.

I think every dog has its own characteristics. I still love Max and am not bothered too much by his little habit. Just sharing my journey and I guess many of you guys who have dogs may have experienced the same.