Lick Granuloma

Dec 4

Understanding Lick Granulomas (Acral Lick Dermatitis) and What You Can Do

If your dog just won’t stop licking one spot—no matter what creams, cones, or meds you try—you’re not alone.

Lick granulomas (also called acral lick dermatitis) are a frustrating but important signal from your dog’s body... and they almost always mean there’s something deeper going on.

Let’s walk through what causes them, how you can reduce the risk naturally, and why finding the real reason behind the licking is the key to helping your dog heal.

What Is a Lick Granuloma?

A lick granuloma is a skin lesion, usually on the front legs or paws, that develops when a dog licks the same spot repeatedly.
Over time, this can lead to:

Red, inflamed skin
Hair loss
Thickened or calloused tissue
Open sores that may ooze or crust over

It’s painful, itchy... and it rarely heals without addressing the root cause.

See your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Then you and I can collaborate on a wellness strategy to support your dog.

Common Causes of Lick Granulomas

Licking is your dog’s way of trying to soothe something—but it’s not always just about the skin.

Physical Causes:

Allergies (food, environmental, seasonal)
Pain from arthritis, injuries, or nerve issues
Insect bites or local irritation
Underlying infections

Emotional & Behavioral Causes:

Anxiety or stress (separation anxiety, noise phobia, trauma)
Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
Nervous system dysregulation

Other Factors:

Immune system imbalances
Toxin accumulation or poor detoxification
Thyroid dysfunction or hormonal imbalances

Traditional Treatment Approaches

In conventional veterinary care, treatment usually includes:

Steroid creams
Antibiotics
Elizabethan collars
Anti-anxiety medications

These methods may temporarily stop the licking—but they don't solve why your dog started licking in the first place.
Without addressing the root cause, the cycle often returns.

Natural and Holistic Support Options

When we look deeper, we can create a real path toward healing—not just symptom management.

Nutrition & Gut Health

Transition to a fresh, whole food diet to support skin repair and reduce inflammation
Eliminate processed foods and known allergens
Add Omega-3 fatty acids (like sardine or anchovy oil) to promote healthy skin

Essential Oils for Skin and Emotional Support

Apply diluted Helichrysum or Lavender essential oil blends to soothe skin and support regeneration
Use calming oils like Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, or Valor to reduce emotional triggers
Diffuse calming blends to create a more grounded, stress-free environment

(Always use high-quality oils properly diluted for dogs.)

Herbal and Homeopathic Strategies

Herbal support like calendula or licorice root for skin healing
Homeopathic remedies such as Ledum, Hypericum, or Silicea when indicated by a professional

Physical and Emotional Enrichment

Provide puzzle toys, nose work games, and new sensory experiences to reduce boredom and redirect focus
Daily walks, hikes, or structured activities to mentally and physically tire your dog in a healthy way
Raindrop Technique, massage, and acupressure to help relax the body and nervous system

Advanced Natural Therapies

Red light therapy to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation
PEMF therapy for pain, nerve issues, and healing support
Acupuncture to rebalance nervous system and energy flow

Breeds More Prone to Lick Granulomas

While any dog can develop a lick granuloma, these breeds seem more predisposed:

Dobermans
Golden Retrievers
Labradors
German Shepherds
Weimaraners

Breed tendencies, however, are only part of the story. Every dog is an individual... and every healing plan should be, too.

Top 5 Things You Can Do Today

Transition to a fresh, anti-inflammatory diet
Introduce calming essential oils and natural emotional support tools
Increase physical exercise and mental enrichment opportunities
Soothe the skin naturally while supporting detoxification
Seek holistic coaching to uncover and address the true root cause

Dana’s Thoughts

If your dog has developed a lick granuloma, it’s not just a “bad habit”—it’s a cry for help.
Whether it’s unresolved pain , stress, allergies, or something deeper, finding the real reason matters.
Suppressing the licking without solving the cause only pushes the problem deeper into the body.

Healing requires listening... then creating a full-body plan that supports your dog emotionally, physically, and energetically.

That’s exactly what I help dog moms do every day.

Want to go deeper with support for your dog through all life stages?
Join the client forum for ongoing support and resources:
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Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Dana Brigman