Do dogs lick themselves like cats? - briefly
Dogs do lick themselves for grooming, but they are generally less meticulous and frequent compared to cats, who are known for their thorough self-cleaning habits.
Do dogs lick themselves like cats? - in detail
Dogs do lick themselves, but their behavior differs significantly from that of cats. While cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits, using their rough tongues to clean their fur thoroughly, dogs engage in licking primarily for specific purposes rather than comprehensive grooming. Dogs lick themselves to address localized issues, such as cleaning a wound, relieving an itch, or removing dirt from a particular area. Unlike cats, dogs do not have tongues designed for extensive grooming; their tongues are smoother and less effective at detangling or cleaning fur. Additionally, excessive licking in dogs can indicate underlying health issues, such as allergies, skin irritation, or anxiety, which require attention. While cats rely on self-grooming to maintain cleanliness, dogs depend more on their owners for regular bathing and brushing. This distinction highlights the differences in natural grooming behaviors between the two species. Dogs may lick themselves, but it is not a substitute for the systematic grooming routine that cats perform instinctively.