more excessive licking, help!

19 years ago

my co-worker has an english bulldog, about 2 years old. they got him when he was 6 months. not neutered, never will be. *sigh*...

this dog licks. i mean he licks...NOTHING! he doesn't lick himself, he just licks the air. it's non-stop. he will sit and just lick, lick, lick. slurp, slurp, slurp, his tongue goes constantly and it is driving them all crazy.

i am pretty sure it has become some sort of obsessive/compulsive behavior because this dog is left alone much of the time, confined to a small room. when they are home and he licks, he gets attention, i.e., "beau!! stop licking!!!"

she brings him to work occasionally and if i know ahead of time, i'll take the day off because it is SO annoying being in the same room with this dog.

i feel bad for him but i don't see things changing any time soon. i guess i'm just venting, forgive me. i've tried to tell her that he needs much more stimulation than he's getting but anything i say falls on deaf ears. :(

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Comments (6)

spiritual_gardner
19 years ago
Make a copy of this post and give it to the person.

Dear person with the licking bulldog,

You are not being fare to you or your dog. Locking it up without proper attention borders on cruelty. If you don't have time for the dog, consider getting rid if him.

As for the constant licking. This could be boredom or obsession. You need to consider that this ANNOYS people. Wake up and smell the coffee. You have a dog that you probably should not have acquired.

SG
mes444
19 years ago
Maybe he has some growth or abrasion inside his mouth, under his tongue?, somewhere, which is irritating him. Broken tooth?

Before you assume he is totally nuts, someone should do a thorough inspection of his mouth and tongue.
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Meghane
19 years ago
Bulldogs lick, constantly. Unless there is a medical issue like mes444 suggested, this is considered normal behavior for a bulldog. Other brachycephalic breeds do it too. Did they not research the breed before purchasing one?

He does need more attention and exercise too. Dogs were not meant to be locked up in a small room by themselves for hours upon hours most days.
lynne_melb
19 years ago
Nina,

Please see the thread titled "Anxiety Dog". It has lots of good information on allergies in dogs. One of my terriers has lots of allergies. Besides licking at spots on his back, he will lick the air when his allergies are bothering him. Good luck.
Ninapearl
Original Author
19 years ago
thanks for the responses everybody. lynne, i will check out the anxiety dog thread today.

getting rid of this dog isn't an option. in her own way, she loves him and considers him part of the family even though a baby gate separates them much of the time. :(

amy called and talked to her vet but as any good vet would, he suggested she bring him in to be checked and wouldn't give her a diagnosis over the phone. she has yet to take him in. :(

and no meghane, she did not research the breed. they've just always loved bulldogs, or more correctly, the LOOK of bulldogs so when this guy came along, she jumped at the chance.
cynthia_gw
19 years ago
"..getting rid of this dog isn't an option. in her own way, she loves him and considers him part of the family even though a baby gate separates them much of the time."

You're a good person to try to help this dog. But I don't agree that this is any kind of 'love'. All dogs need stimulation and to be with their pack. This doesn't sound like affection or love at all. It sounds like the dog is being treated as an object, which is cruel. Vent away!