Identifying the root cause for effective relief and care

Index:

1. Introduction
2. Common Reasons Dogs Lick Their Groin
   2.1 Muscle Sprain or Injury
   2.2 Lumbar or Sacral Spinal Injury or Misalignment
   2.3 Urinary Bladder Issues
   2.4 Hernias and Genital Concerns
   2.5 Other Possible Causes
3. Managing Skin Irritation and Inflammation from Licking
4. Summary of Recommendations 

1. Introduction

If your dog or puppy keeps licking their abdomen or groin area, it is natural to worry and wonder why. From my experience in practice, most people naturally jump to the conclusion that their pet has skin problems, an infection, allergies, or was bitten. While these are all possibilities, your dog’s persistent licking could be their way of signalling pain and discomfort in the area due to injury, inflammation, or possibly even bladder issues — which is actually the most common cause.

To avoid going on a wild goose chase trying to solve your dog’s problem, it’s crucial to identify the cause and seek appropriate remedies.

In this article, I delve into the most common reasons for groin licking in dogs and cats, recommend supplements to aid their recovery, and share tips on how to manage skin irritation, inflammation, and provide links to other articles on skin allergies and hotspots.

2. Common Reasons Dogs Lick Their Groin

2.1 Muscle Sprain or Injury

Dogs are active animals, and muscle injuries, including groin muscles, such as the adductor (responsible for moving the leg in), and illio-psoas muscles. These muscles may be sprained and inflamed due to injury, or from excessive one-sided exercise such as ball chasing, jumping up, or any repetitive exercise that is out of balance.

To detect such injuries, you can touch and feel the deeper tissue in the groin and inner thighs. Your dog may yelp, flinch, or react strongly if sore.

Recommended first aid:

• If your dog seems to be in pain, is sensitive to touch, or limping, do your best to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they can cause an array of problems from gastrointestinal bleeding to liver and kidney damage.
• Rest your dog for at least 3 days or longer if necessary, and give your dog a triple the regular dose of FeelGood Omega-3, rich in EPA and DHA, the essential fatty acids with powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
• Administer homeopathic Arnica 30C or 200C three times daily for 3 days. If you have a higher potency such as 1M, give two doses per day for 3 days.

2.2 Lumbar or Sacral Spinal Injury or Misalignment

Lumbar region back and spinal injuries or misalignment can lead to nerve impingement and abnormal skin sensations in the groin.

Such injuries are often caused by excessive or repetitive injuries.

Solution:

Follow the steps above and consult a professional with expertise in spinal adjustments, physical therapy or acupuncture.

2.3 Urinary Bladder Issues

Urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, stones, or a rare form of cancer may cause a dog to lick their groin.

Solution:   

If the issue is not resolved after addressing the above-mentioned steps, have your dog’s urine and blood work tested and consider an ultrasound examination if urinary stones are suspected. Skin Sensation, Itching, and Allergies

Allergies are often over diagnosed while muscular skeletal issues are overlooked. If you apply the recommendations from above and the problem doesn’t resolve, you may need to refer to my article on allergies.