Why Do Yorkies Lick So Much? 5 Reasons To Keep in Mind

Yorkies are the cutest little furry fellows who love their human family beyond anything else. Sometimes, they show their affection by constantly licking their favorite persons. That makes them even more lovable, but there are some scenarios when licking can signalize much more than some harmless habit of your Yorkies. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do Yorkies lick so much?”—you’re not alone! Whether it’s licking your hands, face, or their own paws, Yorkies seem to have a licking obsession. But why do they do it? Is it normal? Or could it be a sign of an issue that needs your attention?

In this blog post, we’ll list the common reasons why Yorkies lick so much and explore ways to manage this behavior effectively. Excessive licking of themselves, furniture, or their owner can be a sign that there is something wrong. If you’ve always wondered why your Yorkie is licking everything, here are some of the usual reasons behind.

Why Does My Yorkie Lick Me So Much?

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does my Yorkie lick me so much?”, you’ve probably noticed it’s not just a passing habit. Yorkies tend to lick their owners as a form of affection. Licking is a natural way for dogs to bond with their humans—it’s the equivalent of giving you a kiss! Here are some reasons behind your Yorkie’s constant licking:

• Affection and Bonding: Your Yorkie’s licking is their way of showing love. Dogs release endorphins when they lick, making it a soothing activity for them.
• Attention-Seeking: Licking is often a way for your Yorkie to grab your attention, especially if you respond to the behavior with cuddles or pets.
• Salt Attraction: Your skin has a natural salty taste from sweat, which your Yorkie may find irresistible.

While it can feel sweet at first, it may get overwhelming if your Yorkie keeps licking your face or hands excessively.

Yorkie Licking Your Hands or Feet

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Why does my Yorkie lick my hands or feet so much?” Licking these areas is a common behavior among dogs, but Yorkies take it to the next level.

• Feet: Your Yorkie may be attracted to the unique smells on your feet—whether from sweat, shoes, or socks. Since dogs explore the world with their noses, licking your feet could simply be their way of investigating!
• Hands: If your Yorkie licks your hands often, it’s likely they’re trying to connect with you emotionally. Your hands carry familiar scents, and licking is their way of feeling close to you.

Although it’s generally harmless, Yorkie licking your hands or Yorkie licking your feet can become an obsessive habit that might need some control.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much Obsessively?

While a few licks from your Yorkie can feel endearing, obsessive licking may point to an underlying issue that requires attention. If you find yourself wondering, “Why does my dog lick me so much obsessively?”, it’s important to understand what might be driving this behavior.

1. Anxiety or Stress:
   Yorkies are sensitive dogs, and they may develop obsessive licking as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress. Situations like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or even changes in your schedule can make them feel uneasy. Licking releases endorphins, giving them a sense of calm.
2. Compulsive Disorder:
   Some Yorkies develop compulsive behaviors, such as licking repeatedly without a clear reason, which can resemble obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans. This habit becomes a way for the dog to self-soothe but can disrupt daily routines.
3. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation:
   Yorkies need mental engagement and physical activity. If left bored or alone for too long, they might resort to licking out of frustration or to fill time.

If obsessive licking persists, consider increasing mental stimulation, maintaining routines, and consulting a vet to rule out behavioral disorders.

Nervous Yorkie licks everything around them 

Yorkies are small dog breeds that can have a problem with anxiety or constant restlessness due to their personality. They are like little balls of energy – they are ready for some action at any time. Therefore, physical activity does not contribute only to their physical form, but also helps them control their temper. With all of the excessive energy, Yorkies can quickly become restless. Yorkies may become aggressive to strangers or other dogs. Suppose they don’t get to spend their energy on any kind of physical activity. In that case, Yorkies can have anxiety problems and bark all day long, just on purpose.

Excessive licking is also a way for them to deal with tense situations or stressful triggering scenarios. The point is if you notice your Yorkies licking themselves or stuff around for many minutes a day, even for hours, consider providing more active days for them. When Yorkies are calm and tired at the end of a busy day, the excessive licking won’t be on their mind at all.

Excessive licking and Yorkies dental health are connected? 

Yorkies can have some teeth problems during their lifetime. Because of their small jaws, they are prone to dental issues. You should always take care of your dog’s teeth, especially with these cute tiny firecrackers. If your Yorkie licks everything all day long, dental issues might be the cause. When dogs lick excessively, it’s their way of dealing with tartar buildup in their mouth. As in humans, in that case, dogs can develop bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease in time.  

If you didn’t start with regular teeth cleaning right after your Yorkie started eating solid food, think no more! Tartar buildup will be the most likely reason why the dog is licking everything. To prevent this, you should wash your Yorkies teeth every few days and provide professional cleaning of tartar at least once a month. There are also various dog treats on the market with cleansing substances that help dogs with their dental care.  

Why Do Yorkies Lick Their Paws?

Dogs love licking and cleaning their paws; it’s their naturally congenital need and habit. However, noticing that your Yorkie is excessively licking their paws can sign a specific health issue – allergies. Yorkies are a healthy but sensitive breed, so that they can be prone to allergies of any kind. Excessive paws licking can show an allergic reaction either to some food or environment. Dogs usually suffer from specific grass allergies or any kind of fertilizers, artificial substances, or aggressive chemicals out there.  

You must have already heard many times that dog saliva has a healing impact. That’s why every dog is intensely licking the irritated or itchy body part. But, saliva isn’t enough in an allergy scenario because of the constant presence of triggering allergens. If your Yorkie starts with paw licking right after you come back home or after any meal, that can be a red alert signal. A consultation with your veterinarian is a must, and don’t wait for too long! In the long term, allergies can provoke much more severe health issues than the habit of licking everything.  

The second reason why Yorkies lick their paws is injury or pain. Dogs lick wounds instinctively to clean them. If your Yorkie has a minor injury, like a splinter, cut, or insect bite on the paw, licking is their way of soothing the area. However, excessive licking can delay healing or introduce bacteria, leading to infections.

How to Stop a Yorkie from Licking His Paws?

Excessive paw licking in Yorkies can lead to problems like skin infections, sores, and irritation. While occasional grooming is normal, constant licking may indicate a deeper issue. If your Yorkie can’t seem to leave his paws alone, here are some practical ways to address the behavior:

1. Check for Allergies:
   Allergies are a common cause of persistent paw licking in Yorkies. Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or grass, as well as food sensitivities, can make your dog’s paws itchy and uncomfortable. Your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing or a change in diet to identify and eliminate triggers. Anti-histamines or allergy-friendly shampoos may also help soothe irritation.
2. Inspect for Injuries or Infections:
   Carefully examine your Yorkie’s paws for cuts, splinters, or redness. Even small irritations can cause your dog to lick obsessively. If you notice swelling, discharge, or a foul smell, these could be signs of a bacterial or fungal infection that needs veterinary treatment.
3. Use Anti-Licking Sprays:
   Pet-safe sprays with bitter flavors can discourage licking. These sprays are non-toxic but leave an unpleasant taste on your dog’s paws, helping to break the habit over time. Make sure to apply the spray consistently according to the instructions for the best results.
4. Increase Mental and Physical Stimulation:
   Boredom can lead to compulsive behaviors like paw licking. Keep your Yorkie’s mind and body engaged with daily walks, interactive toys, and mental challenges like puzzle feeders. Increased activity will reduce stress and give your dog less opportunity to fixate on licking.
5. Consult Your Veterinarian:
   If none of these strategies work, consult your vet. Persistent licking may indicate an underlying medical issue, such as dermatitis or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Your vet can provide treatments like medicated creams, prescription diets, or behavior-modifying techniques to address the root cause.

Addressing Yorkie paw licking early can prevent future health problems and help your furry friend stay comfortable and happy.

READ ALSO: Definitive Guide to Yorkie Puppy Care

Final Thoughts: Why Do Yorkies Lick So Much?

To sum it up, why do Yorkies lick so much? It’s usually a combination of affection, grooming, exploration, and habit. While occasional licking is perfectly normal, obsessive licking may point to underlying emotional or physical issues. Whether your Yorkie is licking paws or constantly licking your face, it’s essential to observe the behavior closely and step in when it becomes excessive.

By understanding the reasons behind the behavior, you can help your Yorkie develop healthier habits while maintaining a loving bond with your furry friend.

No matter the cause of your dog’s excessive licking behavior, you shouldn’t hesitate to find help as soon as possible. Yorkies are intelligent dogs that don’t go around drooling on everything or everyone. Every owner knows their dog best, so if you start noticing excessive licking that doesn’t pass after a while, consult your veterinarian. There are so many potential causes, and sometimes owners can’t recognize the seriousness of a problem. Remember that only a healthy dog can lead a happy life, so take care of your furry family members with responsibility.