“Lick Fit”
Overview:
“Lick fit” or “Licky fits” is an unscientific term used to describe a frantic licking behavior that is sometimes observed in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. When exhibiting this behavior, dogs will frantically lick anything (carpet, floors, walls, air) and eat anything they can find (grass, carpet, flooring). Because of the possibility of a blockage arising from ingesting a foreign body, it is safest to put the dog in a crate with no bedding during these episodes. Lick fits have been documented in approximately 5% of the breed.
Although it is not know exactly what leads to these episodes, they are thought to be associated with some type of gastric upset. It is possible that they are caused by acid reflux or a buildup of gas in the stomach. Lick fits are more common in young dogs, but any age can be affected.
Warning Signs/Symptoms:
Lick fits are characterized by frantic licking and usually accompanied by nervous behavior such as pacing, gulping air, and demanding the owner’s attention. The dog will often eat anything available trying to alleviate the gastric upset.
What to do:
There are different remedies that have been found to be helpful in alleviating a lick fit. Some owners find that allowing the dog to eat a small amount of grass to induce vomiting will help. Others find that giving the dog Gas X, Tums, Pepcid or omeprazole is effective. Some owners give their dogs a slice of bread soaked in milk, crackers, or some oil (corn, vegetable, mineral) to stop a lick fit.
If your dog has more than the occasional lick fit, it would be prudent to have him examined by your veterinarian.
What to expect at the vet:
Your veterinarian will take a thorough medical history and most likely will advocate a conservative approach to help with your dog’s lick fits.
Treatment/Prevention:
For frequent lick fits veterinarians might recommend a change in food and/or the addition of a daily medication to help alleviate this behavior.
A strategy to prevent lick fits is to give your dog a biscuit between meals and at bedtime to prevent empty stomach gastric upset. Additionally to prevent early morning vomiting of bile or lick fits, some owners will give the last meal of the day to their GSMDs late in the evening.