Excessive licking.....on the bedding

Question
I have a ten year old Bichon Friese who sleeps on the bed with us. Recently, he has taken to licking the covers.  He does it in the middle of the night and I can awaken and there is a large wet area where he has been licking.  Is this a behavior or physical problem?  Any ideas would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Debs, First you should have your veterinarian rule out any physical problems. This is surely a behavioral issue, but behaviors can have their root in physical problems. At 10 years old, your dog may also be going through some psychological changes as well.  There have been some very good advancements with medications to help early canine dementia. I have alway taught my dogs that they must stop licking anything if I snap my fingers. It is not too late to teach your dog new things. Sometimes they can get stuck and you simply must move their mind forward and out of the circle they are in psychologically. But please have your vet take a look to be sure that there is not an internal problem or some physical changes that could be causing this problem. It may be as simple as putting him on a good joint supplement. Please leave me some feedback and follow-up to let me know how things are going. Give your boy a pat on the head for me. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan