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Do dogs groom themselves?

17K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  ruthcatrin 
#1 ·
I,ve only ever seen Hatchi licking his privates and sometimes his paws if they're wet from being outside - I'd say when he "grooms himself" it's about 97% his privates and the rest his paws, I've never seen him groom anything else.

Do they clean themselves? or is that the extent of the grooming? And why so incessantly licking his privates?
 
#2 ·
java licks her privates sometimes, not super often though.
but when we go out & it was somewhat wet [playing in wet grass, etc] we dry her paws with a towel when we get back but it's still not totally dry & she licks them off.
after showers as well, she'll "groom" her feet/legs if it's wet.
i believe that is the extent, just paws and privates.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Do they clean themselves? or is that the extent of the grooming? And why so incessantly licking his privates?

Dogs don't groom themselves to the extent cats do. When a dog licks its genitals, it can indicate its genitals have a discharge (normal for female in heat). Genital discharge can be due to infection in uterus.

Male dogs licking their genitals may be due to injury or infection. Check for testicle inflammation or lumps.

You should bring your dog to see the vet if there is excessive licking in one area of his body.
 
#5 ·
To add on to what has already been said, Koda ( male ) licks his genitals but has since he was a pup with no infection or injury ;) his paws and if he has a knot he will attempt to de-tangle it :)
 
#7 ·
Depends on the dog, some breeds are more likely to clean themselves than others, usually the primative breeds discribed as "cat-like". I think most dogs do at least some cleaning though, mostly paws and privates.

Intact male dogs can have a normal discharge from their penis which they should be cleaning regularly (its a yellow-green color and looks really gross). If they do not, and you do not, it can build up and cause an infection.
 
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