Brut was not a licker with a couple of exceptions, if I was laying on the ground, he would lick my face all over. This happened most of the time in the wintertime. The second exception was when Mark would get home from work, Brut would lick his hands. It became a ritual with them two.
We didn't know it at the time, but before Brut was diagnosed with a tumor on the spleen, his licking ritual increased noticeably. Especially with Mark. Brut was licking Mark's hands, arms and face almost raw. Non-stop. We had no idea that anything was going on internally and guessed at the many reasons he was doing this.
Chance is a licker. He is one to lick your hands and face when given the chance. He has always indulged in kisses. Now since his liver cancer, we've noticed the same intense licking on hands, arms, legs and face. Almost every time we put our hand out to pet him, Chance stops it in mid-air and starts licking it. He is licking Mark's hands and arms almost raw every night. And it is getting worse with each day.
Chance knows something isn't right with his body even if he can't put words or definition to it. Brut did the same thing. I think it is comforting for Chance and is a way of releasing his anxiety. I also think he is preparing us and comforting us over what is going to happen. And I think as the cancer grows, the licking will too.
Has anyone noticed this with their ailing dog?
1 comment:
Unfortunately, this is the downside of dog ownership - knowing that things are changing, but trying to extend and enjoy the time that is left. I feel your pain and wish both packs all the best. In general, I've noticed some dogs lick more as their care needs become greater. Our yellow lab would give kisses after ear cleanings, eye ointment applications, tick removals, icing or heat on muscles, nail clippings, ... As a youngster we had to disguise pills, but as he aged he would just take them from my hand. It has been eight years and I still miss him.
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