Why Dogs Have The Constant Urge to Lick Themselves

Dogs have a heightened sense of smell and taste since their tongues have special receptors. They can detect small changes in their body odor and taste, letting them spot any issues or discomforts.

Dogs lick their backside and tails to clean themselves, which is a natural way to stay hygienic. It’s a behavior ingrained in their instincts for thousands of years and dates back to their wild ancestors, who relied on self-grooming to survive in harsh environments.

Health Issues That May Cause Excessive Licking: Anal Gland Problems, Allergies, And Parasites

Some licking of your dog’s behind and tail is typical, but excessive licking may signal a health issue, such as:

Anal Gland Problems:

Dogs have two small anal glands located on either side of their anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling secretion, which marks their territory and aids scent communication. If these glands become blocked or infected, they can cause discomfort, which may lead to excessive licking to relieve the irritation.

Allergies:

Similar to humans, dogs can develop allergies to various substances. These include certain foods, environmental allergens, and even their saliva. These allergies can cause skin irritation, itching, and inflammation, which prompts them to lick the affected areas, including their behind and tail, to ease the itch.

Parasites:

Intestinal parasites, like worms or protozoa, can irritate a dog’s gut which leads to excessive licking of the butt. The dog is trying to soothe the itching caused by these parasites.

Behavioral Reasons For Butt And Tail Licking: Anxiety, Boredom, And Stress

Beyond health issues, some behaviors can cause a dog to lick their bum and tail excessively. These reasons include:

Anxiety:

Dogs can be anxious for many reasons, including separations from their owners, loud noises, and environmental changes. When nervous, they may lick themselves to cope with stress.

Boredom:

A dog lacking mental and physical stimulation may lick itself to relieve boredom. If left unchecked, this behavior can become a compulsive habit.

Stressful Situations:

Changes in routines or new places can stress dogs, causing them to lick excessively.

When To Seek Veterinary Help

While some licking is not typically concerning, there are some situations when it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian:

• When  the licking is excessive or obsessive, if you notice any discharge, bleeding, or foul odor from the butt or tail region
• You notice your dog is scooting or dragging along the ground. Their symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in bowel movements, accompany the licking.

How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs a Treatment?

Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.

Reimbursement

This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.

• You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
• You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
• Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer. 
• After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. 

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance.

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• 24/7 Televet Chat
• Emergency vet visits
• Overnight hospital stays
• IV Fluids & Medications
• Medical Supplies
• Surgeries
• MRI/CAT Scans
• Rehabilitative Care
• Prescription Medications
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Laboratory Tests

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible. 

Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:

• Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.

The Wellness Add-on Plan

The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available: 

Basic Plan:

• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $305 per year.

Plus Plan:

• Ideal for puppies and kittens.
• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $535 per year.