We have a miniature poodle mixed with something, possibly Dalmatian. About three weeks ago we took her for a shampoo and trim, but when we got her back she’d been shaved down to the skin with the explanation that she had hidden mats that had to be removed. Ever since then she’s been licking herself like an OCD house cat on amphetamines. It’s mostly her legs and feet, but also as much of her torso as she can reach. It’s not all day long fortunately, but when she gets into it, she can keep it up for an hour or more, and if we try to stop her, she’ll just start licking us. She doesn’t seem to be biting herself, just the licking. Should we worry? How can we break this habit?
She might be itchy all over as the hair grows back in. Hopefully the licking will stop once the itching does. Try giving her a cool bath. There are also dog shampoos that help with itching. I think one is called Sebolux and it did wonders for my itchy dog.
Yeah. She’ll most likely get over it once the hair starts growing back. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Could be that she’s trying to get the scent of the shampoo off her coat. You could try bathing her again with something unscented or even just give her a good rinse and see if that helps.
A miniature poodle and dalmatian mix? I’d love to see a pic. 
Yeah it’s probably the itching. Or just general protectiveness of suddenly sensitive areas. My dog will often come inside from the back yard and lick one of his paw/leg regions, although I can detect no injuries. That’s fun at 3:00 a.m. in the middle of the night when he won’t stop. Just make sure he doesn’t lick any areas raw.
Bad Dog Spray. I don’t remember what it was actually called, but it was some stuff with a flavor that dogs hate. Our dog Dude definitely learned Bad Dog Spray meant, and after using it for a while, just saying the words would stop any obsessive licking.
Next time you take her in for a shampoo and trim, ask the attendants to shave her belly with a rusty razor.
*What shall we do with a licking doggie,
What shall we do with a licking doggie…
*
Poodles, especially minis, have sensitive skin. Mine would lick like mad after a trip to the groomer, because shampoo was just horrible for him. When I would bathe him at home, I would use Dr. Bronner’s soap instead, and he’d be fine.
Her hair growing back in could also be a culprit, indeed.
Try giving her another bath, no shampoo, just a bit of baking soda rubbed on her once she’s wet, and rinsed really well. It might soothe everything that’s all bothered.
Would an oatmeal bath help a dog’s skin?
Our Bichon has a licking issue, too; mostly his feet. The vet opined that it is most likely seasonal allergies, and we should give him a children’s benadryl twice a day. It seemed to help.
I don’t see why not, they make oatmeal shampoos for dogs with sensitive skin.
My dog (golden retriever) has super sensitive skin and baths always make her more itchy than she was when she was dirty, even if I used Epi Soothe or any other anti-itch shampoo.
When I switched to oatmeal shampoo and cold water, the itching went down considerably. I also spritz her with Skin So Soft (from Avon) just for the extra added greasiness.
Thanks for all the advice! It’s almost too much, since I’m not sure what to try first. Hopefully something will work. I’ll come back with results when I have them.