Lick happens! But why do they actually lick so much?

Whether it’s on your face, the floor or their own feet, there’s no way you’re ignoring that lick. And that unmistakeable ‘ick’ sound that comes with it...

A lick is one of the main weapons of mass distraction that dogs and cats unleash. But have you ever wondered just what that lick is trying to tell you?

Fact: Dogs and cats have different licks for every occasion. And deciphering them can be the key to staying dry...and knowing when they need help. 

So let's decode...

Why they lick us:
No pet lover dodges licks for long. There's always a tongue with your name on it. And here's why they lick us...

For affection: In the animal world, a lick means “you’re one of us.” It's a true love language. It’s how they show trust, affection and total acceptance. 
Common location? The face is prime real estate.

For attention: When your attention is a drug, they know a lick gives them the hit they need. And it works just about every time. After all, they learn this when they're babies themselves.
Common location? Legs, hands and faces.

For taste: Yep, you read that right. While the salts in your sweat are the main drawcard if you've been exercising, your scent and pheromones (which they can detect) are a nice bonus!
Common location? Legs and underarms.

Why they lick themselves!
Here's where it gets tricky. A lick of their own body can have a medical reason. So it's important to take note of long nights of licking...

In Cats
For self-soothing. When they’re stressed or anxious, repeated licking can release hormones like dopamine and serotonin. But over-grooming (and bald patches) can be the result when it becomes an addiction. 
Common location? Shoulders and flanks. 

In Both Dogs & Cats:
For wound care: That tongue becomes their DIY wound cleaning kit. Now even though that saliva is definitely NOT antibacterial, their tongue tries to scrape away any gunk from the outside of the area. 
Common location? Wherever they have a wound.

In Dogs: (THE BIG ONE!)
Because they're itchy: Not a lot of people realise that most dogs are allergic to the grasses and weeds they walk in. And the allergic reaction occurring on the skin between their toes prompts lots and lots of licking. Often in the evenings when you notice it...
Common location? Their feet and belly

Want to help?
To manage those skin irritations that cause all that licking, you can provide some relief with this quick and easy hack I've developed. It's all about removing those allergens and soothing that intensely itchy skin...WITHOUT the hassle of a bath. 

Here's how...
1. Grab a sink, a tub or even a cat litter tray. Fill it with around 10cm (4 inches) of water and then add a squirt of Soothe My Skin Wash and mix it around. 

2. After each walk on grass, let them stand in the bath for 1 minute for front feet and 1 minute for back feet. You can also splash the belly. You’ll wash away the allergens that are about to cause that licking and calm that sensitive skin. The

Soothe My Skin Wash

$35.00