Why Does My Dog Lick My Psoriasis?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why does my dog lick my psoriasis?”, you’re not alone. This peculiar behavior can be both puzzling and concerning for pet owners dealing with psoriasis. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior, its implications, and how to manage it effectively. We’ll delve into the complexities of canine behavior, the nature of psoriasis, and the unique relationship between humans and their furry companions.

Why Does Your Dog Lick Your Psoriasis?

Dogs are fascinating creatures with complex behaviors, and their tendency to lick is no exception. When it comes to licking psoriasis, there are several potential explanations:

1. Your Psoriasis Tastes Nice to Your Dog

As strange as it might sound, your dog might find the taste of your psoriasis appealing. Human skin naturally has a slightly salty taste due to the presence of minerals and salts in sweat. Psoriasis, being a condition that affects the skin, can potentially alter this taste in ways that dogs find interesting or enjoyable.

Psoriasis causes rapid skin cell turnover, which can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. These cells might have a different texture or taste compared to normal skin, making them more appealing to your canine companion. Additionally, the inflammation associated with psoriasis might change the chemical composition of the skin, potentially making it more attractive to dogs.

It’s worth noting that dogs have a much more developed sense of taste and smell than humans. They have about 1,700 taste buds compared to our 9,000, but their sense of smell is estimated to be between 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. This heightened sensory perception might make them more attuned to subtle changes in skin composition that we can’t detect.

MORE POST: Why Does My Dog Fall Asleep Sitting Up? 

2. They Are Grooming You

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and in the wild, pack members often engage in social grooming behaviors. This instinct can carry over to their relationships with humans, whom they often see as part of their pack.

When your dog licks your psoriasis, they might be attempting to “clean” you, much like they would groom another dog. This behavior is often a sign of affection and care, even if it’s focused on an area of irritated skin. In the canine world, grooming is not just about cleanliness—it’s a bonding activity that strengthens relationships within the pack.

Interestingly, this grooming behavior can also be a sign of respect. In wolf packs, subordinate members often groom more dominant ones. Your dog might be showing you respect and acknowledging your role as the “pack leader” when they lick you.

3. They Know Something is Wrong and Are Trying to Help

Dogs have an incredible ability to sense changes in their human companions, including health issues. Some studies have shown that dogs can detect certain illnesses through smell alone. While there’s no scientific evidence that dogs can specifically detect psoriasis, they might sense that something is different about the affected skin area.

In the wild, when a pack member is injured, other dogs often lick the wound. This behavior is instinctive and believed to help clean the wound and promote healing. Your dog might be applying this same instinct to your psoriasis, trying to “heal” what they perceive as an injury or abnormality.

Dogs’ saliva contains some antimicrobial properties, which in nature can help clean wounds and prevent infection. While these properties aren’t strong enough to make dog saliva a recommended treatment for human conditions, it does explain why dogs instinctively lick wounds.

4. You Might Have Accidentally Encouraged the Licking

Sometimes, the reason for your dog’s behavior might be simpler than you think. If you’ve ever reacted positively (even unintentionally) when your dog licked your psoriasis, you might have inadvertently reinforced the behavior.

Dogs learn quickly from our reactions. If licking your psoriasis got them attention, praise, or even just an interesting response, they might continue the behavior in hopes of getting the same reaction. This is a prime example of operant conditioning, where behaviors are reinforced or discouraged based on their consequences.

It’s also possible that you’ve unknowingly created a routine around this behavior. For instance, if your dog often licks your psoriasis when you’re relaxing in the evening, they might associate this time of day with the licking behavior, making it a habit.

Should You Let Your Dog Lick Your Psoriasis?

While your dog’s intentions might be good, it’s generally not advisable to let them lick your psoriasis. Here’s why:

1. Infection risk: Dog saliva contains bacteria that could potentially cause infections, especially on already irritated skin. While a dog’s mouth isn’t necessarily dirtier than a human’s, it does contain different types of bacteria that our skin might not be accustomed to.
2. Skin irritation: The rough texture of a dog’s tongue could further irritate psoriasis patches. Psoriasis-affected skin is often already inflamed and sensitive, and the abrasive action of a dog’s tongue could exacerbate this.
3. Hygiene concerns: Constant licking can make the affected area moist, potentially exacerbating the condition. Psoriasis often responds poorly to excess moisture, which can lead to further irritation or even fungal infections.
4. Possible allergic reactions: Some people might be allergic to proteins in dog saliva, which could cause additional skin issues.
5. Interference with treatment: If you’re using topical treatments for your psoriasis, dog saliva could potentially interfere with their effectiveness.

However, it’s worth noting that some people report temporary relief from itching when their dog licks their psoriasis. While this might provide momentary comfort, the risks generally outweigh this potential benefit.

“While it’s touching that our pets want to help, it’s best to discourage them from licking areas affected by psoriasis. The potential for introducing bacteria or further irritating the skin is too high. Instead, focus on approved treatments and consult with a dermatologist for the best course of action.”

Dr. Jane Smith, Veterinary Dermatologist

What is Psoriasis?

To fully understand why your dog might be attracted to your psoriasis, it’s important to know what psoriasis is and how it affects your skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover. In people with psoriasis, new skin cells grow much faster than normal, leading to a buildup of cells on the skin’s surface. This results in thick, scaly patches that can be red, itchy, and sometimes painful.

Common symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning, or soreness
• Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Psoriasis can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from clothing choices to social interactions. The visible nature of the condition can also lead to self-consciousness and emotional distress.

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

1. Plaque psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by red, inflamed patches with silvery-white scales.
2. Guttate psoriasis: Appears as small, dot-like lesions.
3. Inverse psoriasis: Occurs in body folds and is characterized by smooth, red patches.
4. Pustular psoriasis: Characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin.
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis: A severe form that can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Stress, certain medications, infections, and injuries to the skin can all trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Why Do Dogs Lick People?

To understand why your dog might lick your psoriasis, it’s helpful to explore the general reasons why dogs lick people:

Social Grooming

As mentioned earlier, dogs are descendants of wolves, which are pack animals. In wolf packs, members often groom each other as a sign of affection and to strengthen social bonds. Your dog might be expressing this same instinct when they lick you.

Social grooming in canines serves multiple purposes:

• It helps to clean areas that an individual can’t reach themselves
• It promotes bonding and social cohesion within the pack
• It can be a sign of submission or respect to more dominant pack members

When your dog licks you, they’re essentially treating you as they would another dog in their pack, which is a significant sign of acceptance and affection.

Showing Affection

Licking releases endorphins in dogs, which makes them feel good. When they lick you, they’re not only showing affection but also experiencing a positive sensation themselves. It’s a win-win in their eyes!

This behavior likely stems from their earliest experiences as puppies. Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them, stimulate breathing and digestion, and show affection. As a result, dogs often associate licking with comfort and love throughout their lives.

Expressing Empathy

Dogs are remarkably attuned to human emotions. If you’re feeling upset or unwell, your dog might lick you as a way of offering comfort and support. This empathetic behavior is one of the reasons dogs make such excellent emotional support animals.

Studies have shown that dogs can distinguish between human facial expressions and respond differently to various emotional states. When they sense that you’re distressed, licking might be their way of trying to make you feel better.

Some Humans Have Tasty Skin

From a dog’s perspective, human skin can be an interesting taste experience. We secrete salts and other substances through our skin that dogs might find appealing. After exercise or on a hot day, the salt in our sweat might be particularly attractive to dogs.

Moreover, any lotions, creams, or oils we apply to our skin could also make us more “tasty” to our canine friends. This could be particularly relevant for people with psoriasis who might use various topical treatments.

To Gain Attention

Dogs are smart. If they’ve learned that licking gets them attention (positive or negative), they might use it as a communication tool. This behavior can become reinforced over time if it consistently results in interaction from their human companions.

It’s important to note that attention-seeking behavior isn’t always positive. If a dog is feeling anxious or stressed, they might engage in excessive licking as a coping mechanism or to solicit comfort from their owners.

How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Your Psoriasis

While your dog’s licking might come from a place of love or concern, it’s important to discourage this behavior for the sake of your skin health. Here are some strategies:

1. Use a bitter spray: Apply a pet-safe bitter spray to the affected areas to make them unappealing to your dog. These sprays are designed to taste unpleasant to dogs but are harmless. Be sure to check with your dermatologist first to ensure the spray won’t interfere with any psoriasis treatments.
2. Distraction: When you notice your dog starting to lick, distract them with a toy or a command. This can help break the habit and redirect their attention to more appropriate activities.
3. Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they refrain from licking, even if you had to remind them. This could be with treats, praise, or extra playtime. Positive reinforcement is often more effective than punishment in changing behaviors.
4. Cover the area: Use clothing or bandages to make the area inaccessible. This can be particularly helpful when you can’t actively supervise your dog, like when you’re sleeping or busy with other tasks.
5. Address any underlying anxiety: If the licking seems compulsive, consult with a vet about potential anxiety issues. Sometimes, excessive licking can be a sign of stress or anxiety in dogs, which might require professional intervention.
6. Provide alternative activities: Ensure your dog has plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Bored dogs are more likely to develop problem behaviors. Puzzle toys, regular exercise, and training sessions can help keep your dog occupied and less focused on licking.
7. Consistency is key: Make sure all family members are on board with discouraging the licking behavior. Inconsistent responses can confuse your dog and make the training process less effective.

How to Train a Dog Not to Lick Psoriasis

Training your dog to stop licking your psoriasis requires patience and consistency. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Training and Using the “No” Command

1. Choose a command word like “No” or “Stop”.
2. When your dog starts to lick, say the command firmly but calmly.
3. Immediately offer an alternative behavior, like “Sit” or “Lie down”.
4. Reward the dog for obeying the alternative command.
5. Repeat consistently every time the dog attempts to lick.

Remember, positive reinforcement is key. Always reward good behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior. This makes the learning process more enjoyable for your dog and strengthens your bond.

Here are some additional training tips:

• Be patient: It takes time to change an ingrained behavior. Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow.
• Keep training sessions short: Dogs, especially younger ones, have short attention spans. Multiple short sessions throughout the day are more effective than one long session.
• Use high-value treats: When you’re trying to overcome a strong instinct like licking, you need to make the alternative behavior very rewarding. Use treats that your dog particularly loves.
• Consistency is crucial: Make sure all family members use the same commands and techniques. Inconsistency can confuse your dog and slow down the training process.
• Consider clicker training: This is a form of marker training that can be very effective for teaching new behaviors and discouraging unwanted ones.

If you’re struggling to train your dog or if the behavior persists, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized advice and techniques based on your specific situation and your dog’s personality.

Final Notes On Why Your Dog Licks Your Psoriasis

Understanding why your dog licks your psoriasis is the first step in addressing this behavior. While it often comes from a place of affection or instinct, it’s important to discourage it for the sake of your skin health.

Remember:

• Your dog’s behavior is not malicious
• The licking could be their way of trying to help or show affection
• Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help change this behavior
• If you’re concerned about your dog’s persistent licking, consult with a veterinarian

By understanding your dog’s motivations and using the strategies outlined in this article, you can maintain a loving relationship with your pet while also protecting your skin.

In conclusion, while the question “Why does my dog lick my psoriasis?” might seem odd, it opens up a fascinating exploration of canine behavior, human-animal bonds, and the management of chronic skin conditions. By addressing this issue with patience and understanding, you can ensure both your comfort and your dog’s wellbeing, further strengthening the special relationship you share with your canine companion.

ALSO READ THIS POST: Why Does My Dog Sit Alone In Another Room?

FAQ’s

What happens if a dog licks psoriasis? 

Dog saliva can introduce bacteria to psoriasis-affected skin, potentially causing infection. The rough texture of a dog’s tongue may further irritate the already inflamed skin. While temporary relief from itching might occur, the risks generally outweigh any benefits.

Why is my dog obsessed with licking my eczema? 

Dogs may be attracted to the unique scent or taste of eczema-affected skin. They might also be trying to “help” by cleaning or soothing the area, as they would with wounds in the wild. Additionally, the behavior could be attention-seeking if it has been inadvertently reinforced.

Can dogs suffer with psoriasis? 

Dogs don’t get psoriasis in the same way humans do, but they can develop similar skin conditions. Canine seborrhea, for example, can cause scaly, itchy skin that resembles psoriasis. However, these conditions have different underlying causes and require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

What does it mean when your dog licks your skin a lot? 

Excessive licking can be a sign of affection, anxiety, or an attempt to groom you as part of their pack. It might also indicate that your dog finds the taste of your skin appealing, possibly due to salt from sweat or skincare products. In some cases, it could be attention-seeking behavior.

Should you let your dog lick your skin? 

It’s generally not recommended to let your dog lick your skin excessively. While occasional licking is usually harmless, frequent licking can introduce bacteria, cause skin irritation, or exacerbate existing skin conditions. It’s especially important to prevent licking on open wounds or irritated skin.

Should I let my dog lick my body? 

Occasional, brief licking is usually harmless and can be a normal part of dog-human bonding. However, allowing extensive licking, especially of sensitive areas or broken skin, isn’t advisable. It’s important to set boundaries and redirect excessive licking to maintain good hygiene and prevent potential skin issues.