Why Do Dogs and Cats Self-Harm, and How Can You Stop It?

Brain & CognitionQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled a veterinary-backed guide to the causes of self-harming behaviors, such as repetitive biting and licking, in pets, along with step-by-step management strategies.

What Is Self-Harming Behavior in Pets?

A dog licking its front paw with a cat sitting beside it

Self-harming behavior in pets refers to abnormal actions where dogs or cats repeatedly bite, lick, or scratch their own bodies, causing injuries. The most critical step is identifying the underlying cause. Management strategies vary significantly depending on whether the issue stems from simple itching (skin or allergies), pain in a specific area, or compulsive disorder triggered by stress. Standard veterinary practice dictates that self-mutilating licking should first be evaluated for physical causes such as skin diseases or pain before considering behavioral issues. Since bacteria can rapidly proliferate on damaged skin, if the condition involves recurring skin erosion or hair loss, it should not be ignored; prompt veterinary examination is essential to accurately diagnose the root cause.

Why Do They Bite and Lick Their Own Bodies? 4 Main Causes

There are four main causes of self-harming behavior, and it’s important to evaluate both physical and psychological factors. - Skin and allergy issues: Severe itching due to atopy, food allergies, or flea and mite infestations - Pain: Pets may obsessively lick specific areas when experiencing pain from conditions such as arthritis, anal sac inflammation, or intervertebral disc disease - Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress caused by separation anxiety, environmental changes, or the absence of their owner - Compulsive disorders (CCD/FCD): A condition where the repetitive behavior persists even after the original trigger has been removed

Comparison of Self-Harming Behavior Characteristics by Cause

Item	Skin/allergy	Pain	Stress/anxiety	Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Main area	Whole body, belly, between toes	Specific area (joints, anus)	Forepaws, flank	Fixation on one area
Trigger timing	After seasonal or dietary changes	During movement or defecation	When the owner leaves	Even without any stimulus
Skin condition	Redness, oozing	Localized swelling, tenderness	Hair loss	Callus formation from licking
Response to interruption	Resumes when itchy	Resumes when in pain	Stops when called by name	Hardly stops even when called

Two or more may overlap. Differentiation at a veterinary clinic is needed.

Self-Harming Behavior Checklist You Can Check at Home

If you notice two or more of the following signs, your pet needs a veterinary evaluation. - Duration: Licking or biting a specific area for more than 30 minutes a day - Hair and skin changes: Hair loss, flaking skin, or oozing - Lack of response to cues: Continues or resumes the behavior even when called - Sleep disruption: Unable to sleep properly at night due to licking - Fixation on a specific spot: Repeatedly targeting the same area - Tail chasing or shadow chasing: Engaging in meaningless, repetitive behaviors

Situations Requiring Immediate Veterinary Visit

If any of the following apply, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours. Leaving it untreated can lead to secondary infections and self-mutilation. - When biting causes bleeding and wounds - When one area is intensely attacked for more than two hours a day - When attacks shift to other areas despite wearing an Elizabethan collar - When appetite and activity levels both decrease - When neurological symptoms such as seizures or difficulty standing are present

How Is It Diagnosed at the Veterinary Clinic?

According to veterinary internal medicine textbooks, self-injurious behavior should be diagnosed by first ruling out physical diseases before investigating behavioral causes. Skin scrapings and cytology are used to check for infections and allergies, and if pain is suspected, neurological exams along with X-rays and ultrasounds help identify joint, disc, or internal organ issues. If all these tests come back normal, stress environment analysis and behavioral assessments are conducted to determine whether compulsive disorder is present. Skipping this process and immediately attributing the behavior to a behavioral issue risks missing underlying pain.

Step-by-Step Management Strategies You Can Do at Home

Here are some management tips you can start implementing right away at home: - Physical barriers: Use an Elizabethan collar or protective socks to prevent your pet from accessing the affected area. - Environmental enrichment: Alleviate boredom with nose work, puzzle feeders, and scratching posts. - Regular walks and play: Help your pet burn off energy with at least 30 minutes of activity daily. - Licking diary: Record when, where, and how long the licking occurs to help identify the underlying cause. - Mind your reactions: Overreacting when your pet licks can inadvertently reinforce the behavior. Instead, calmly redirect them to a different activity.

Medication and Behavioral Therapy for Compulsive Disorder

According to veterinary behavioral medicine textbooks, a diagnosis of compulsive disorder requires a combined approach of behavioral modification training and medication. Compulsive and self-injurious behaviors are known to involve neurotransmitter pathways such as serotonin, so medications like fluoxetine (an SSRI) and clomipramine (a TCA) are commonly used. These medications do not work immediately; it typically takes several weeks of consistent administration to observe changes. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage and duration based on your pet’s weight and condition, so never administer human medications without professional guidance. For long-term effectiveness, medication should be combined with trigger avoidance, alternative behavior training, and environmental modifications.

Breed and Individual-Specific Points of Attention

Compulsive self-harming behaviors are more commonly reported in certain breeds. - Dogs: Doberman Pinschers (flank licking), Labrador and Golden Retrievers (interdigital licking, also known as Acral Lick Dermatitis), Bull Terriers (tail chasing) - Cats: Siamese and Oriental breeds (psychogenic alopecia, excessive grooming of the flanks and abdomen) In breeds with a genetic predisposition, symptoms tend to manifest easily under stress. The key to prevention is providing an enriched environment and regular exercise from an early age.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will putting on a neck collar stop self-harming behavior?

An e-collar is a temporary measure to prevent wound aggravation. If the underlying cause (itching, pain, or stress) isn’t addressed, the problem will resume as soon as the collar is removed. It must always be used alongside treatment for the root cause.

Is my cat pulling out its belly fur? Could this be a sign of self-harming behavior?

It could be psychogenic alopecia. However, since the most common cause of hair loss in cats is self-trauma due to itching, you should first rule out skin diseases and parasites before checking for stressors such as a new pet, moving, or prolonged absence of the owner. This condition is particularly common in Siamese and Oriental breeds.

Do I need to give my pet medication for self-harming behavior for the rest of its life?

Not at all. Typically, medication is continued for a period even after symptoms have stabilized, and the dosage is gradually tapered off under veterinary guidance. When environmental management and behavioral training are implemented alongside medication, the likelihood of recurrence remains low even after discontinuing the drugs.

Is it safe to give human antidepressants to pets?

Absolutely not. Dogs and cats metabolize medications differently than humans, which can lead to toxic reactions, and psychiatric drugs carry a high risk of dangerous interactions. Certain breeds are even more sensitive to medications, meaning they can experience side effects even at low doses. Therefore, it is essential to strictly follow your veterinarian's prescription.

Will scolding or stopping the behavior make the self-harming stop?

In fact, it can have the opposite effect. Physical punishment or yelling increases anxiety and reinforces self-harming behaviors. It’s more effective to calmly redirect your pet to another activity, such as finding treats or playing with a toy, as soon as they start licking.

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References

[1] Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat, 4th Edition, Chapter 10: Stereotypic and Compulsive Disorders

[2] Horwitz DF, Mills DS. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, 2nd Edition, Compulsive Behaviour

[3] Overall KL. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats, Chapter 9: Abnormal Canine Behaviors and Behavioral Pathologies

[4] Ethology and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, Introduction to Animal Behavior, Ch.3 & Ch.9

[5] Miller PE, Dubielzig RR. Veterinary Dermatology, Acral Lick Dermatitis in Dogs