Q: If your dog begins excessive licking in old age, or at any time, you should take your dog to the vet. Excessive licking is a possible symptom for a number of different treatable medical conditions. Take your dog to the vet and explain when the licking first began, and what area of the body, or objects the dog is licking. Possible causes for licking include:  Allergies. Boredom. Dry Skin. Hormonal imbalance. Pain. Parasites. Some excessive licking among dogs is caused by allergies. For example, your dog may have an allergic reaction to their food or something they ate. They could also experience an allergic reaction to environmental triggers, such as pollen or mold in the air. Allergies in dogs typically result in a skin irritation, rather than sneezing or a runny nose, so licking can be a common indicator of an allergic response.  For example, your dog may begin licking their paws because they have been exposed to an allergen. Visit your vet in order to diagnose the problem and treat with antibiotics, steroids, anti-itch products, or by changing their food. Excessive licking, typically of the air, can also be a symptom of nausea, which can be associated with more serious illnesses in older dogs. Nausea can trigger the production of excess saliva, which will cause the dog to lick in an attempt to remove the buildup.  For example, diseases that cause gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea include: liver disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, inflamed bowels, and intestinal problems. Take your dog to the vet and have them run tests to determine if the licking is associated with nausea. Tests may include x-rays, abdominal ultrasounds, blood tests, skin allergy testing, or even endoscopy, if necessary. Excessive licking, primarily among older dogs, can be associated with neurological disorders. For instance, the licking could be associated with a brain tumor, epilepsy, or hydrocephalus. These conditions are more common in older dogs and can often be connected to the progressive nature of the condition. The licking may be a result of a neurological disorder if:  It is extremely difficult to interrupt the compulsive licking. If the dog seems disoriented while licking. Other symptoms such as seizures or circling are observed in context with the licking Problems including senility and dementia can also cause excess licking behaviors in dogs. Other indicators of cognitive dysfunction may include disorientation, irritability, decreased desire to play, inability to learn new tasks, decreased self-grooming, incontinence, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction should be made by a vet. They will go through the dog's history an current symptoms with you to see if this may be the cause of your dog's licking. While there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction, therapy, medication, and support can help your dog maintain a close-to-normal life and may help reduce some symptoms.
A: Take your dog to the vet. Consider allergies. Ask about nausea. Determine if it is a neurological condition. Check for cognitive dysfunction.

Q: Using a dull razor causes unnecessary irritation to skin under all conditions. Instead of gliding across your skin, a dull razor drags, which causes more irritation. Imagine it chipping away at your skin -- no thank you!  You can reuse your razor a few times if you take good care of it. Make sure to wash it after every swipe. Don't leave it wet though, as water can erode at the metal, too. Clean it with rubbing alcohol to kill all the bacteria for extra precaution. You may think lathering up is all you need do, but a badger brush really works in your shaving cream to the hairs, resulting in a cleaner, smoother shave. You may also want to look into a safety razor. It's a single blade that provides a clean cut. The blades are cheap, too! Wait until halfway through your bath or shower to apply the shaving cream. Allow it to sit on your skin for at least 3 minutes to soften the hairs. The aloe and other ingredients in the shaving cream create a surface that yields a smoother shave with less irritation. Gentlemen, you may be better off with your girlfriend's shaving cream. Products marketed toward women's legs are often a bit more hydrating and skin-softening. You can handle a pink can, right? Do this immediately after shaving to reduce the sting and redness caused by your razor. The salve works to soothe the skin and heal any irritation. Refrain from using hydrocortisone cream daily. Regular application causes skin to become used to it, which reduces its effectiveness. Regular use can cause skin to thin. Use a moisturizing, unscented, unperfumed lotion on the shaved area. Lotions reduce the impact of dry skin that results from shaving, which causes many skin irritation symptoms. Bag Balm (available at places like Wal-Greens or CVS) is a great product for all things skin-hydrating. In reality, apply lotion all the time, not just after shaving.
A:
Get a new razor. Men, purchase a badger brush. Use shaving cream with aloe or other ingredients intended for sensitive skin. Apply hydrocortisone cream or salve after shaving. Put on lotion after shaving.