Dog licking.

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I have a female dog who i've had spayed 2 months ago.  She was
fine for the most part and all cuts have healed  
Recently, however, she's been CONSTANTLY licking her vaginal area then
pausing and humping the air.  I understand this behaviour is normal in
unaltered dogs, but she's fixed.  It's quite distracting as she LOVES to lick and
it's disgusting that she'll come lick my face or something after she's done her
duty.  
How can I stop this behaviour and what can be causing this?

ANSWER: Hi Alicia,

Excessive licking is usually a first sign of discomfort of some kind. Even though your dog was spayed, it's still possible that she's developed a urinary tract or vagional infection.

You should have your dog examined by your vet.

Best of luck,
Patti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: But you see, it seems like she's masturbating.  She has been checked but is fine

Answer
Hi Alicia,

Thanks for getting back to me with that additional info.

One reason for licking is that the dog has been unintentionally trained to compulsively lick. She may have learned that by licking, she can get almost anything he wants - especially attention from you. Even though you may have tried to discourage her, she's been interpreting your actions as even more fun and attention. Sometimes, it just develops into a habit. Your dog continues licking because she likes it, and she thinks you like it too. It is perfectly normal for dogs to express affection in this manner.

Your dog might have developed a persistent licking habit because she is under stress. The stress may be a result of a move, change in routine, boredom, separation anxiety,  loneliness, or even a reaction to a new food.
Your dog may have developed the habit of constantly licking herself because she has a lot of nervous energy and no way to alleviate the stress. She also may have learned this behavior because she is bored and this is a way to entertain herself! If your dog is well-exercised and happy, she won't feel the need to relentlessly lick herself to relieve stress or boredom.

If your dog likes to chew, a fresh knuckle bone from the butcher could be a lot more exciting than licking herself.

Tell your dog "NO!" when you see  her licking, and give her a toy (or the knuckle bone) to chew on. Reward or praise your dog when she's not licking. Letting her know what's good, is as important as letting her know what's bad.

When all else fails, consult a dog behaviorist. There are some times when a trained professional is the best course of action.

Best of luck,
Patti