Why Do Cavapoos Lick So Much?

You might have noticed that your dog licks a lot and wondered if this is okay or if there is a problem.

Why do Cavapoos lick so much?

Most of the time it is for good reasons but sometimes it can be an indication that something is wrong.

Firstly, licking is a natural behavior for dogs.

They use it to communicate with their owners or other dogs.

Cavapoos may lick you to show affection, to seek attention, or to greet you.

They may also lick themselves to clean their fur or soothe an itch.

Secondly, Cavapoos may lick due to stress, anxiety, or pain.

If they are feeling overwhelmed they may lick themselves or their owners as a coping mechanism.

In this article, we will discuss the various reasons why Cavapoos lick so much and how to control excessive licking.

Reasons Why Cavapoos Lick

Dogs do not have hands like us humans do.

So, they need to do everything with their mouths and paws.

This includes licking which is why this is a very natural behavior for dogs.

Showing Affection

These dogs are known for their loving and affectionate nature, and licking is one of the ways they show their love.

When a Cavapoo licks you, it is their way of saying “I love you” and showing their affection.

Licking is a sign of their love and attachment towards you.

Licking For Attention

Cavapoos are social dogs and crave attention from their owners.

Licking is a way for them to get your attention and communicate their needs.

Enthusiastic licking could be a sign that they want you to play with them or want you to give them some attention.

Licking Out of Empathy

Dogs are known for their empathetic nature and can sense when their owners are sad or upset.

Licking is a way for them to comfort their owners and show their support.

If your dog is licking you when you are sad or upset, they are trying to console you.

I have personally experienced this.

I was very upset when I received some bad news recently and my dogs were so concerned and kept coming to me to lick my face because I was crying.

It was very soothing and helped a lot.

It almost felt like they were saying “It’s going to be okay”.

Grooming Themselves

Cavapoos are known for their fluffy and curly coat, and they tend to groom themselves by licking their fur.

Licking helps them to clean themselves and to maintain their hygiene.

You will often see this after your dog has done a wee.

They then lick themselves clean.

If you notice your dog licking their fur non-stop, it could be a sign that they need a bath or grooming session.

Licking Due To Health Issues

A dog will lick itself excessively if there is something wrong or if they have injured themselves.

They do this because they are in pain and are trying to seek relief.

For example, if you have just taken them for a walk and they come back and keep licking their paws then there could be a grass seed embedded or they could have cut themselves.

If your dog is licking the same spot and won’t stop and it begins to form a hot spot then please take them to the vet for treatment.

Dogs naturally lick an injury site.

This is why you need to use a cone or onesie after neutering to stop your dog licking the incision site.

Cavapoos Lick to Explore

Dogs explore their surroundings through their sense of smell and taste.

Licking is a way for them to taste and explore their environment.

If your dog is licking when they are outside or exploring their surroundings, they are trying to understand their environment or have found something very interesting that needs further investigation.

Mouth Problems

Cavapoos may develop mouth problems such as dental issues, infections, or injuries, leading to continuous licking.

If your dog is licking their mouth or has other symptoms such as bad breath or bleeding gums, it could be a sign of a mouth problem that needs to be addressed.

Licking Out of Boredom

Cavapoos are very intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation.

If they are bored, they may start licking things around the house.

If your dog is licking the furniture or the walls, it may be because they are bored and just don’t know what else to do.

Give them a treat or a toy to help them overcome their boredom.

Also, make sure you spend quality time playing with them and taking them for walks.

Licking Has Become A Habit

Cavapoos can develop habits, and licking is one of them.

If they have been licking something for a long time, they have become used to doing so and it has become the norm for them.

You will need to teach them to stop doing it.

If it is an object then you can try and either remove whatever they are constantly licking or cordon off that area so they cannot get to it.

Cavapoos Lick When They Are Thirsty

Cavapoos need to stay hydrated, and licking is one of the ways they get water by lapping it up.

Your dog might even lick wet grass or wet plants to quench their thirst.

Fresh water should always be available to your dog at all times so they don’t get thirsty.

Licking When Hungry

Cavapoos love to eat, and licking is one of the ways they show their hunger.

Have you noticed your dog going to its food bowl and licking it?

They are either doing this because they enjoyed their meal so much that they don’t want to miss a molecule or they are still hungry and would like some more food.

If you have fed them the right amount of food then don’t give in to this plea because the last thing you want is an obese dog.

Allergies Cause Cavapoos to Lick

Cavapoos can develop allergies to different foods and environmental factors, leading to excessive licking.

If your Cavapoo is licking all the time and has other symptoms such as itching or rashes, it could be a sign of an allergy that needs to be treated.

Is Licking Hygienic For You And Your Dog?

Risks To Your Dog

Yes, there are risks to your dog when it licks your face or hands.

While having a strong bond with your Cavapoo can be beneficial for both of you, it’s important to be aware that using topical products on your skin may put your pet at risk.

Topical creams commonly used in human medical treatments can have a cumulative effect on pets if they are exposed to or ingest these products.

For example, zinc oxide, which is found in some sunscreen and rash products, estrogen creams used by women, and steroid creams used to treat human skin conditions, can all be ingested by your pet through repeated licking.

This repeated ingestion can have negative effects on your pet’s health over time.

Risks To You

For a healthy adult, the risk of harm from their dog licking them is minimal.

However, if a person has an open wound, a small cut, or has recently undergone surgery, exposure to dog saliva could introduce harmful oral bacteria into deeper tissue layers and even the bloodstream.

This can increase the risk of both local and distant infections.

How To Limit The Risks

Whether or not you allow your pet to lick you, it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices.

This includes washing your skin after any physical contact with your pet, and especially before handling food, to reduce the risk of contamination or cross-infection.

If you have any sores or broken skin, it’s recommended to cover them with a plaster or bandage to provide a barrier against infection.

To reduce your pet’s exposure to potential hazards, it’s best to prevent them from licking any part of your skin that has a product on it.

How to Stop Your Cavapoo Licking Faces.

Not everyone enjoys their dog giving them a sloppy kiss through the face.

You might not want your Cavapoo to lick you or your children’s faces.

This is a personal preference and does not mean that you are not a good dog mom or dad as you probably have very valid reasons why not.

You can train your puppy from the get-go not to lick you or your children’s faces.

There are a few ways to stop a dog from licking your face:

1. Ignore the behavior: If you don’t give your dog attention when they lick your face, they may eventually stop doing it. Turn your head away or move away from your dog when they try to lick your face.
2. Redirect their behavior: When your dog tries to lick your face, offer them a toy or treat to redirect their attention.
3. Train your dog: You can train your dog to stop licking your face by teaching them the “leave it” command. Whenever your dog tries to lick your face, say “leave it” and reward them when they stop.
4. Use a deterrent: Some dogs don’t like the taste or smell of certain substances, such as bitter apple spray or vinegar. You can apply these substances to your face or hands to discourage your dog from licking you.

Remember that it’s important to always be patient and consistent when training your dog.

With time and consistent training, your dog can learn to stop licking your face.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Cavapoos are lively and loving dogs that often express their affection through licking.

However, excessive and persistent licking can be a cause for concern.

If you’re worried about your Cavapoo’s licking behavior, consult with your veterinarian.

They can help identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to ensure the health and happiness of your beloved pet.