# Dogs licking themselves--medical reason? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 28, 2003, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351 "2003-12-28T01:39:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hyjyljyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/0ea827/32.png) [@hyjyljyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hyjyljyj)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/1 "2003-12-28T01:39:21Z")
This book my wife got for Xmas called Fun Facts About Dogs says it’s important for dogs to devote time to licking themselves, because if they don’t, their genito-urinary system will not function properly. 1. Is this true? For dogs, I mean. :dubious: 2. If so, is it also true that I am now risking the dogs’ overall health unless I let them earnestly sup and lave at themselves in my presence, with full sound effects, all they want? Or are these dogs trying to slide one over on us? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/2 "2003-12-28T01:54:57Z")
Oh come on, like you wouldn’t do it yourself if you could reach… ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/3 "2003-12-28T02:07:21Z")
If the dog is a female and she is doing that excessively she probably already has a problem. As far as letting them “earnestly sup and lav at themselves” - I doubt you are letting them, why not try and stop it. ---
**Author:** ![HomerIU](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@HomerIU](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HomerIU)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/4 "2003-12-28T03:25:13Z")
Why do dogs lick themselves? Because they can. ---
**Author:** ![hyjyljyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/0ea827/32.png) [@hyjyljyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hyjyljyj)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/5 "2003-12-28T03:26:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dutchboy208 \* > \*\*Oh come on, like you wouldn’t do it yourself if you could reach… \*\* Come on nothing. Why do you assume I couldn’t reach? Believe it or not, there’s already a thread on the topic…One of Cecil’s columns I believe. (It’s called “selfing.”) county–There’s no sign of inflammation, and the vet examines both female dogs regularly. They’ve done this behavior their whole lives. (Don’t yours? Dogs are world famous for investing considerable percentages of their few daily waking hours, joyously taking care of their area with great gusto, in full view and earshot of as many people as possible. Preferably near the table right around dinner time, so the aromas can waft and intermingle artistically.) I’m just wondering if they have a valid medical excuse. ---
**Author:** ![gubernator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@gubernator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gubernator)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/6 "2003-12-28T03:37:12Z")
I think they may be cleaning their anus. Cleans off the bits of feces stuck there to lessen the irritation it causes. ---
**Author:** ![county](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@county](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/county)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2003, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-licking-themselves-medical-reason/221351/7 "2003-12-28T03:56:56Z")
Females, after being spayed, frequently have urinary tract problems and have to be given hormone treatments. Mine has had to receive treatment twice in her 4+ years. (The constant licking and dribbling are symptons) Other than that, yeah, she occasionally licks herself, no big deal and certainly not a constant thing - perhaps your dog(s) is a pervert. 🙂