Boykin Spaniels are playful, energetic, and friendly dogs that are primarily associated with hunting activities despite their miniature frame. Although they are known for their endurance and tenacity to survive in the wilderness, they are not impervious to the several health problems that come with their breed.
While many of us assume that dog licking is a sign of affection, we fail to look into its negative implications and the importance of seeing the early signs. In this article, we will learn more about why Boykin Spaniels lick a lot and what their behavior entails!
What Does Dog Licking Mean?
Licking is an instinctive behavior that is commonly seen among dogs. While some associate excessive licking with a dog’s way of grooming and removing dirt from the body, others believe it is a way of bonding and expressing themselves.
According to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, head of Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Colombia University, puppies lick their mother’s face after a hunt so that she regurgitates the food for them. As Boykin Spaniels are excellent hunting companions, they may exhibit similar traits when they are hungry.
Some of the other signs are listed below.
Liking Your Taste
If you’ve ever noticed your furry companion licking your skin whenever you are in the vicinity, your dog simply thinks you taste nice. According to certified animal behaviorist Dr. Mary Burch, humans naturally have slightly salty skin, which becomes more pronounced after a workout session.
When we sweat, we release acidic chemicals that can be particularly appetizing to Boykin Spaniels. Certain moisturizing lotions or creams can also activate your dog’s gustatory senses and result in licks all over the exposed areas. Remember to keep your dog away when you apply psoriasis creams, as they can be poisonous to them.
To Get Your Attention
Boykin Spaniels are highly vivacious dogs that adapt to different environments without much of a hassle. These spirited canines tend to cling to you when they want your undivided attention.
Petting and showing affection towards them can make them feel loved and appreciated.
Boredom and Anxiety
It is imperative to pay attention to the time frame of your dog’s licking habits. Since Boykin Spaniels are friendly and extroverted creatures, they may experience separation anxiety when their owners are gone away a lot.
Moreover, licking can also be a sign of boredom. If they are licking themselves regardless of whether you are away or not, it might be boredom.
When Is Licking a Problem?
Boykin Spaniels are full of personality despite their petite stature. These little brown dogs are brimming with energy, and they can shower you with affection sometimes. Birch affirms that sometimes licking is a sign of submission, so you know you’ve trained your dog well.
But when does it become a problem? When your dog is licking themselves or other objects to the point of obsessive self-licking, it can indicate anxiety, pain, allergies, and other health problems. Let’s discuss some of the health concerns below.
Medical Reasons
As medium-sized dogs, Boykin Spaniels have medical predispositions specific to their breed. This means that many diseases are genetic when it comes to the species and hence, can trigger certain actions like licking excessively. Listed below are some medical reasons for dog licking.
Allergies
One of the primary reasons for excessive licking can be attributed to allergic reactions. Allergies can be triggered by the presence of allergens like pollen, dust, or mold that can make humans and dogs sneeze and react adversely.
Food allergies could also be responsible for underlying itchy skin, which can lead to excessive licking.
Boykins usually are predisposed to this allergy, and we call this skin allergy “atopy.” Common areas include feet, bellies, folds of the skin, and ears. If you notice your dog licking these affected areas, you should visit your vet to keep chronic allergies at bay.
Make sure you have pet health insurance to avoid discrepancies as long as the allergies aren’t pre-existing.
Infections
Boykin Spaniels are predominantly susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, which can cause itchiness and pain–leading to excessive licking. Commonly, infections like rabies, parvo, and distemper, found in most dogs, can also affect Boykin Spaniels.
Although these infections persist, many are preventable through vaccination.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
While this is not specific to Boykin Spaniels, normal dog behaviors can often become excessive when left unregulated. If your Boykin Spaniel is excessively licking his body, you, or the objects around them, it could be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
These dogs find it difficult to control themselves and are unable to stop. You may also notice underlying behavioral issues such as anxiety or over reactiveness. To treat this condition, you will have to seek guidance from a veterinarian to curb obsessive tendencies.
Genetic Predispositions for Boykin Spaniel
Unfortunately, Boykin Spaniels are more at risk than other dogs when it comes to some medical problems. Apart from the general reasons for excessive licking, there are some breed-specific health concerns that one should be aware of. Listed below are some of the genetic predispositions for these dogs.
Heart Disease
Boykin Spaniels are susceptible to a heart condition known as pulmonic stenosis, which makes your heart work harder to pump sufficient blood for the body. The disease obstructs blood flow from the heart to the lungs, which can be dangerous if one ignores the early signs.
Your dog may have trouble breathing, cough, and even faint when they run out of energy. This may also occur due to exercise-induced collapse, so make sure you check with your vet. It is one of the most commonly inherited diseases among Boykin Spaniels.
Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the condition, and they will discuss treatment options with you along with the right medication. If the condition becomes severe, surgery is always an option.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Another inherited disease that is common among Boykin Spaniels is hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition causes the joints to develop improperly, which can cause arthritis in later stages.
Due to bad genes, early signs can range from stiffness to incessant pain in the hip and elbow joints.
You may also notice that your dog has difficulty getting up and down. When we compare the results of normal hip x-rays with hip dysplasia, it clearly shows the abnormality in the hip joint. Moreover, a dog with hip dysplasia will develop arthritis years earlier if they are overweight.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a disease where the pupils are genetically programmed to go blind.
Boykin Spaniels are more likely to contract this condition than other dogs due to their genes. The early symptoms include near-sightedness or dilated pupils, generally beginning around an early age.
This condition is incurable, although it does not cause pain.
Conclusion
Boykin Spaniels are genetically susceptible to many health problems, which might affect the tendency to lick excessively. It’s always safe to notice the early signs and take immediate action so that your furry companion lives a long and healthy life without distress!
