Most of us have a bad habit. Biting your fingernails? Picking your nose? Swearing? Well, your dog can have a bad habit too: excessive licking! All dogs lick, but it can become troubling when they do it too much.

Why is your dog excessively licking himself? It could be a medical reason. Your dog could be licking at his fur because of allergies, an infection, pain from arthritis, or gastrointestinal issues.

One of the best feelings in the world is scratching an itch. So much relief! Well, your dog feels the same way. Whenever you see your dog scratching, it’s because he’s itchy! Itchiness is normal, but sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious, especially if your pup is excessively scratching, or if you notice redness or swelling.

What can cause your dog to scratch so much? Some common itchy causes include:

• Fleas
• Food allergies
• Mange
• Bacterial infections
• Atopic dermatitis
• Fungal infections
• Ticks
• Lice
• Ear mites
• Yeast infections

It’s important you talk to your vet about your dog’s itchiness to rule out any of the above causes.

Who’s the toughest member of your family? Probably your pup! Dogs are tough, especially when it comes to dealing with aches and pains. Here are a few signs to look for, so that you don’t let them suffer in silence.   

Has your dog been acting weird lately? Is he moving funny? Is he lazier than usual? Is he suddenly unable to jump on the couch with you? Does he seem sad? If so,