The scratching communicates love and companionship Your dog enjoys having physical contact with you because it solidifies your relationship. Scratching his butt is just another form of bonding, and he will feel good and lick the air to show that he is having a great time with you.
This behavior may be caused by excitement and anticipation, as well as activation of digestive enzymes. Thirst can cause a dry mouth, which leads to licking. Many dogs will appear to lick the air when they have been fed something sticky, such as peanut butter.
Dogs with itchy skin or external parasites, like fleas, will usually lick, bite, or scratch at their skin to relieve the itch. However, if a dog has been scolded for licking, or they can't quite reach the itchy spot due to obesity and/or arthritis, they may lick at the air in an attempt to mentally scratch that itch.
Dogs lick the air for a number of reasons: to better smell things they are interested in, to communicate anxiety, to combat an upset stomach, etc. Occasional, short-lived episodes of air-licking are not a cause for alarm, but you should watch for increases in the time and/or frequency spent licking.
The most obvious symptom is neuropathic pain, or the abnormal processing of sensory input by the nervous system. The altered sensation usually occurs at the back of the head and neck, which is why owners find their dogs constantly scratching at the air with no relief (phantom scratching).
Whenever you pet or scratch your dog, you form a stronger emotional bond with him. Your dog enjoys having physical contact with you because it solidifies your relationship. Scratching his butt is just another form of bonding, and he will feel good and lick the air to show that he is having a great time with you.
Anything that causes an irritation or itching to the area under the tail may cause an animal to scoot. The most common cause of scooting is anal gland disease. Diseases of the anal gland include impacted anal glands (by far the most common cause), infected or abscessed anal glands and anal gland tumors.
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.
You're Doing Something that Feels Good to Him What is this? So, when you scratch this for him, it is very similar to when someone scratches the middle of your back for you. Of course, dogs don't have a voice, so they can't say “oooOOOhhh, that feels good!” So, they do the next best thing – they lick the air!
Licking the air can be a sign that you should check your pet's mouth to make sure there isn't an obstruction. He may also be licking the air if he has a loose tooth or other dental issues that are causing him pain. As dogs age they can develop canine cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to Alzheimer's in humans.
Dogs with nausea may drool, lick their lips, or lick the air. This may occur just prior to the act of vomiting. Some dogs may also eat grass when they are nauseated.
Air licking can indicate a loose tooth, periodontal disease, or any tooth-related cause of infection or pain. Just as we humans, dogs need regular cleaning to avoid bacteria accumulation and dental plaque formation. Occasional visits to the veterinary dentist for teeth cleaning should be a part of their care.
This is a behavior that dogs learn in order to communicate with each other. Similarly, your furry friend may lick your arm to communicate with you, to show that he loves you and appreciate you, or to show submission.