Licking Other dogs' urine

[TashaG]

Our 3 year old very healthy vibrant intact sheltie, Buddy, developed a habit 9 months ago, of licking other dogs' urine when he's out on the lead. He didn't used to do it, and it's mostly only when he's on the lead. (When he was tiny he used to try eat a lot of things / stones etc on the street, until we put him on a real food diet, then the eating everything stopped completely by about 6 months old.)
Now when he's licking, he responds to "leave it" and can be easily distracted with ball / treats / games but he usually goes back to licking when just walking slowly/on a sniff walk on the lead. We have read it's 'normal' but it seems compulsive and also concerns us for his health. We'd appreciate any thoughts about it or suggestions on discouraging it. TIA
@Dr. Christina @Dr. Jeff

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Tasha!

We have read it's 'normal'

It's pretty common to see this behavior in intact males.

However, it does often go away with homeopathic treatment. I'd therefore classify the behavior as common but not necessarily normal.

Perhaps more normal if it started at sexual maturity and persisted...

If you are working with a vet homeopath, the urine licking may just go away.