Boxers are known for their unique boxing style and quirky behaviors like licking the air. This strange habit of licking the air, also called “air licking” or “phantom licking”, is common in boxers but rarely seen in other breeds. Here are some of the main reasons why boxers lick the air:
To Collect Scents
One of the most common explanations for air licking in boxers is that they are trying to collect scents. Boxers have very strong sniffing instincts and are constantly trying to analyze scents in their environment. The action of licking the air helps collect these scent particles so they can detect smells more efficiently. This allows them to gather information about other animals who may have passed through the same path or spot.
Genetic Predisposition
Many experts believe genetics play a major role in air-licking. Boxers were originally bred to be hunting and working dogs. Their progenitors needed to be able to detect prey and pick up scents when on a trail. This included behaviors like holding their heads high, sniffing excitedly, and licking the air. Modern boxers likely retained these instinctual traits and habits encoded in their DNA, which manifests as phantom licking.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Some researchers theorize that compulsive air licking in boxers could be a form of canine obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD in dogs is characterized by repetitive behaviors that don’t seem to have a function or purpose. The compulsion to excessively lick the air – at times doing it for several minutes without stopping – suggests it could be a neurobehavioral disorder. However, more research needs to be done on this hypothesis.
Boredom or Anxiety
Many boxer owners notice the air licking most often occurs when the dog is left alone and bored. This has led to speculation that it could simply be a behavioral quirk that develops out of boredom, stress, or separation anxiety. The repetition of licking could become a compulsive self-soothing mechanism for boxer dogs who are highly attached to their owners.
Overheated
Boxers are prone to overheating due to their short snouts and compressed breathing. As heat regulation mechanism, a boxer may lick the air to aid evaporative cooling through panting and moisture on the tongue. The light airflow created by air licking may make them feel cooler. This is most likely to occur when the dog is hot and thirsty.
Explore Their Environment
Since boxers use licking to analyze scents, they may simply lick the air out of curiosity about their surroundings. Air licking may allow them to get more details about an environment when there are no obvious scents to sniff directly. It serves as a way to get additional sensory input about their world.
Attention Seeking
Boxers thrive on human interaction and affection. Some boxers may have learned that air licking gets them extra attention from owners or other dogs. The unusual behavior draws eyes to them, which rewards the attention-seeking dog. This can reinforce the phantom licking, especially if it elicits laughs or concern.
When Do Boxers Start Air Licking?
Most boxers begin exhibiting air licking behavior starting around 6 months old. However, it can begin as early as 3 months or develop up to 12 months. There are a few patterns to the onset:
- Often starts during teething as puppies explore the world more.
- May begin after a move to a new home.
- Can develop after returning from boarding or stays away from home.
- May begin when left alone for longer periods.
Once the air licking habit starts, it often continues throughout adulthood to varying degrees. Some boxers only display it occasionally when bored or anxious. More compulsive air lickers will do it every day for extended periods. This behavior trait is persistent because it’s deemed “normal” for the boxer temperament.
Do All Boxers Lick the Air?
The majority of boxers exhibit air licking behavior. Estimates range from 70% to 90% of the boxer population depending on the source. However, the frequency and duration varies between individual dogs.
Additionally, male boxers appear more prone to excessive air licking than females based on observational data. One study found male boxers spent 3 times longer licking the air in a given session compared to females.
While most boxers lick the air, it’s not found in all. Some speculation for why a minority of boxers don’t have this habit includes:
- Genetic differences
- Raised in environments with less stimulus
- Calmer temperament
- Spend less time alone
So while the majority of boxers exhibit this trait, it does not appear universal to all. Theories continue as to why some boxers deviate from the norm and refrain from air licking entirely.
Common Air Licking Triggers
Boxers don’t air lick constantly throughout the day. Certain triggers or scenarios tend to precede a bout of the behavior. Some of the most common triggers include:
Boredom
Lack of activity and mental stimulation often leads to air licking. Boxers left alone at home all day may start compulsively licking within the first hour. The boredom seems to spark the meaningless activity. Supplying puzzle toys may help.
Stress
New or stressful situations commonly cause a flair up in air licking. Events like moving, traveling, new people in the home, construction noise, or schedule changes can induce stress licking. Helping the boxer feel secure helps calm the behavior.
Separation Anxiety
Time away from owners can result in separation anxiety. Boxers are “Velcro dogs” that bond tightly to their families. When left alone or separated, they often feel stressed which manifests in licking the air. This suggests a need to address the underlying anxiety.
Lack of Exercise
Sedentary boxers with pent up energy may channel it into obsessive air licking. Ensuring they get adequate daily exercise prevents boredom and excessive licking. Walks, play time, and allowing them to run outdoors helps.
Overheating
On hot days, excessive panting can transition into air licking as a means of evaporative cooling. Allowing the dog to access water, rest in shade, and regular breaks from heat prevents overheating anxiety.
Hunger
Waiting too long between meals or snacks can trigger air licking episodes in some boxers. The behavior may represent a feeding routine disruption. Sticking to regular daily meal times may help reduce hunger-related licking.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies to pollen or inflammation from food allergies can cause anxiety and discomfort that a boxer may try to sooth through obsessive air licking. Consulting a vet helps determine if allergies are the root trigger.
Is Constant Air Licking Bad?
Occasional short bursts of air licking are normal and nothing to worry about. However, excessive constant air licking can be problematic. Risks and issues associated with unchecked frequent air licking include:
Self-Harm
Constant forceful licking at the air can lead some boxers to accidentally self-mutilate by scraping their nose and snout on the floor, furniture or crate. This can result in raw spots and abrasions which are prone to infection.
Dehydration
Frequent air licking is a form of obsessive panting. The heavy breathing and moisture loss can cause dehydration if the dog isn’t drinking enough water.
Dental Damage
Long bouts of vigorous licking can wear down tooth enamel over time. The friction against the tongue and repetitive motion poses a dental risk.
Mental Distress
Obsessive compulsive tendencies indicate psychological distress. Excessive air licking may undermine the dog’s overall well-being and happiness despite it being self-soothing.
Interruptions
Pervasive air licking can make it challenging for an owner to get their boxer’s attention, train them properly, or engage in play. The zoned out licking interruptions disrupt normal human-canine interaction.
How To Reduce Air Licking
Most boxer owners don’t mind a normal amount of air licking. However, excessive or obsessive licking should be mitigated. Here are some tips to help reduce prolonged air licking episodes:
More Exercise
Ensure your boxer gets at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. Long walks and playing fetch help release pent up energy that may otherwise get channeled into air licking obsessions.
Mental Stimulation
Boredom is a major trigger for air licking. Provide puzzle toys, chews, play time, and even short training sessions throughout the day to engage your boxer mentally. This provides cognitive exercise.
Soothing Toys
Supplying safe chewing toys or frozen Kongs filled with peanut butter can distract from air licking and redirect your boxer’s oral fixation. Offer several toy options to divert the compulsive habit.
Ignore the Behavior
Don’t gives affection, attention or laughs when your boxer licks the air, as this can reinforce it. Instead gently interrupt and redirect them to another activity. Withdrawal of attention helps discourage the obsession.
Crate Training
Crate training with a comfortable den-like crate provides security and mitigates separation stress that induces air licking. Gradually condition your boxer to enjoy the crate as a safe resting zone.
Obedience Training
Work on “leave it” and “look at me” commands using positive reinforcement techniques. Being able to get your boxer’s attention on cue helps interrupt unwanted air licking.
Remove Stress Triggers
If certain situations like being home alone tend to trigger air licking, try to minimize those scenarios. For example, take your boxer to doggy daycare or hire a dog walker to reduce time by themselves.
Natural Calming Aids
Anxiety-reducing supplements like chamomile, lavender, ginger, valerian root or CBD oil may ease stress that contributes to obsessive air licking. Consult your vet first.
Prescription Medication
For severe chronic air licking that resists training or natural remedies, prescription anti-anxiety or anti-obsession medications may be warranted. Fluoxetine and clomipramine have proven effective, but should be a last resort.
Rule Out Underlying Issues
Have your vet examine your boxer to determine if allergies, gastrointestinal issues or other problems are fueling the excessive air licking urges. Treat any medical issues.
Is Air Licking Harmful to Dogs?
On its own, the act of licking the air is almost always harmless to boxers. Exceptions may include:
– Dehydration if excessively panting without water. Ensure fresh water access.
– Self-harm if snout abrasions from repetitive friction. Cushion areas they may rub against.
– Dental damage from constant licking motions and friction. Regular dental cleanings help minimize risk. Monitor for tooth wear.
– Interrupted breathing if licking interrupts normal panting rhythm. Usually adjusts naturally on its own.
For the majority of compulsive air lickers, no serious bodily harm results from the pure act of licking air. However, steps should still be taken to reduce extreme obsessive tendencies.
When to See the Vet
Most minor or moderate air licking requires no veterinary intervention. However, see the vet promptly if your boxer exhibits any of the following:
– New onset of excessive, frequent air licking
– Self-injury to the nose or mouth
– Visible wear or damage to teeth
– Dehydration
– Disruption in eating patterns
– Anxiety, aggression, or changes in normal behavior
– Compulsive fixation on air licking for prolonged periods
– Resistance to redirection or distraction from the obsessive habit
– No improvement after attempting training techniques to correct it
While not an emergency, worsening air licking warrants medical investigation to rule out potential contributing factors. The vet can also provide personalized behavioral modification guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my boxer suddenly started licking the air more?
Sudden onset of excessive air licking often indicates a stress trigger like a move, schedule change, new pet, or separation anxiety. Try to identify the root cause and minimize stressors. Check for medical issues like allergies or GI distress as well.
Is air licking a sign of autism in dogs?
No, there is no evidence linking air licking to autism in dogs. Excessive licking is likely an anxiety compulsion. Autism has a genetic neurological basis, while obsessive licking stems from environmental stress triggers.
Should I yell at my boxer when he licks the air?
Do not yell at air licking, as yelling and punishment will make your boxer more stressed or fearful, likely worsening the obsessive habit. Instead gently interrupt and redirect to a new behavior or toy. Remain calm and patient.
Why does my boxer only lick the air outside?
It’s instinctual to lick the air while exploring outdoors to gather scent information. The outdoors provides more aroma stimuli. Try bringing a favorite toy to redirect the licking during walks. Indoors, ensure your boxer has enriching mental activities.
Can air licking cause health problems in boxers?
Excessive air licking over many years may contribute to some dental erosion or minor snout abrasions. But generally, air licking itself doesn’t cause major health issues. Preventing escalation of obsessive tendencies is ideal.
Conclusion
In summary, air licking is an innate behavioral quirk exhibited by the majority of boxers. Licking the air helps collect scents and provides sensory stimulation. While harmless in moderation, excessive or obsessive air licking can indicate boredom, stress, or anxiety issues. Addressing root triggers and redirecting with training and enrichment provides a healthy solution to keep air licking under control. Overall, occasional brief air licking episodes are nothing to worry about in happy, well-adjusted boxers. Through patient positive reinforcement training and meeting your boxer’s needs, the obsessive habit can be minimized.