5 Reasons Your Dog Licks Excessively—And What to Do About It Sometimes obsessive lickingcan signal a serious issue. Here are five common causes oflicking and how to address them. Pain Call your vet if you think your pup's in pain. Allergies Give her a warm bath to removeirritants and sooth her skin. Anxiety Check with your vet to see if your dog mightbenefit from visiting a behavioral specialist. Dietary Issues Talk to your vet about switching your dog to a grain-free, non-GMO food with grass-fed meats. Habit