Why does the dog keep licking its fur?

Dogs constantly licking their fur and having a large patch of hair fall off may have the following reasons. Firstly, it might be caused by skin diseases. For instance, ringworm caused by fungal infection can make the dog feel itchy, leading to frequent licking and subsequent hair loss. Secondly, parasite problems cannot be ignored. For example, the invasion of fleas or mites can cause itchy skin in dogs. They relieve the itch by licking, which then causes hair to fall out. Additionally, when dogs feel stressed and are in a tense mental state for a long time, they will soothe themselves by licking their fur. Excessive licking may lead to hair loss.

If there is a wound on the dog's body, it will often lick the wound to relieve the discomfort. Such repetitive licking can damage the hair follicles and result in hair loss. Moreover, allergies are also a possible factor. For example, allergies to food, pollen, or indoor dust can be accompanied by symptoms such as ear infections, itchy eyes, and constant licking of paws.

It should be noted that dogs licking their fur might also be because something difficult to remove, like chewing gum, is stuck to the fur. Dogs are sensitive to these smells and will try to get rid of it by licking until the hair comes off. When noticing such a situation with the dog, the owner should sterilize it first to avoid infection. At the same time, take the dog to the veterinarian promptly to check for skin diseases or parasites for targeted treatment.