Seeing a dog licking its paw is a common sight. While some occasional licking is normal grooming, frequent and intense licking is a cause for concern.
This behaviour can be a red flag for underlying issues bothering our furry companions. As a concerned pet owner, you want to understand why this is happening and how to help.
This article provides comprehensive insight into this common, yet often misunderstood, dog behaviour.
Key Takeaways
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Dogs often lick their paws for self-grooming, but excessive licking can indicate underlying issues.
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Dogs commonly lick their paws due to:
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Food, environmental or flea allergies
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Minor injuries, foreign objects, fractures or arthritic joints
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Dry skin and yeast infections
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Separation anxiety or boredom
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Limping, swelling, redness, or foul odors around the paws indicate the need for a vet visit.
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Regularly clean paws, address allergies and provide engaging distractions to prevent paw licking.
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Always seek veterinary advice to diagnose the root cause and provide the best treatment plan for your dog.
Table of Contents:
- Causes and Solutions for Dog Licking Paws
- Signs Your Dog’s Paw Licking is Cause for Concern
- FAQs
- Ian's Wrap
Causes and Solutions for Dog Licking Paws
While dogs do lick their paws for self-cleaning, this becomes concerning when it's excessive or paired with other behavioural changes. If your normally playful pup turns into a paw-licking machine, there's a good chance something else is going on. Identifying the root cause is crucial to giving your pet the proper care.
Allergies
Just like us, dogs can suffer from allergies leading to their paws itching.
Food Allergies
When a dog has a food allergy, their immune system overreacts to specific ingredients. This reaction leads to various symptoms, including itchy paws.
Determining the culprit often involves an elimination diet with the guidance of your vet. Common culprits include beef, dairy, chicken and grain-based dog food.
Environmental Allergies
Think pollen, dust mites, mould – all those things that make us sneeze can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. Often this results in itchy skin, leading to persistent licking. If you notice your dog's licking intensifies after walks, especially in grassy areas, an environmental allergy might be the problem.
Avoid walking in certain areas and consult with your vet about medication.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
This is more than just fleas being annoying – it's an allergic reaction to their saliva. Even one bite can cause intense itching and inflammation for sensitive dogs, with the paws being a common target area.
It's essential to maintain year-round flea prevention.
Pain
Think back to a time when you had a splinter or a cut on your foot. You probably poked and prodded it. Well, that's essentially what your dog might be doing by licking.
Minor Injuries
Cuts, thorns, insect bites or burns from hot pavement can all lead to irritated paws. This discomfort prompts your dog to lick the area for comfort.
Regularly checking their paws, especially after walks, can help you spot and treat these injuries.
Foreign Objects
Grass seeds, thorns or tiny pieces of glass can get lodged between paw pads, leading to pain and persistent licking.
If you suspect a foreign object, carefully examine your dog's paw. If you cannot remove it easily or if the area appears infected, seek veterinary attention.
Fractures
While less common, paw injuries can include fractures, particularly in more active dogs. These are more serious and require immediate vet attention. If your dog is exhibiting sudden lameness, holding the paw up, or showing signs of significant pain, a fracture should be ruled out by a veterinarian.
Arthritic Joints
Older dogs experiencing arthritis may lick to try relieve pain.
Dogs have a way of masking their pain, so paying attention to even subtle behavioural changes like increased licking is important. Other signs include stiffness, limping, and reduced activity. Orthopedic beds can help senior dogs manage pain.
Skin Issues
If your dog is dealing with constantly licking their paws, consider having them checked for skin issues.
Dry Skin
Dry skin can affect dogs, especially in arid climates or winter.
Using a paw balm can help. We highly recommend Paw Soother by Natural Dog Company as it is all natural and very effective.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections love warm and moist areas. Since dogs sweat through their paws, these can become prime locations for overgrowth, causing irritation and that familiar licking frenzy.
Yeast infections often cause a distinct, musty odour and may be accompanied by redness or discolouration of the paw. Your veterinarian can prescribe medicated shampoos or wipes to address yeast infections.
Behavioural Causes
While health-related issues are often the cause behind a dog licking paw, sometimes the reasons lie in their psyche. Anxiety, boredom, or even past experiences can contribute to licking paws excessively.
Anxiety or Boredom
Dogs are creatures of habit, and just like humans, can develop unhealthy coping mechanisms when stressed or bored. If your pup spends long hours alone with little mental or physical stimulation, paw licking might become their way of self-soothing their separation anxiety.
Zach's Pet Shop stocks fun dog chew toys that can help curb boredom and anxiety while you're away. Providing plenty of exercises and mental stimulation can also alleviate boredom and anxieties.
Signs Your Dog’s Paw Licking is Cause for Concern
If pet owners notice any of the following accompanying your dog's licking, it’s essential to consult a vet promptly:
- Limping
- Yelping when touching their paws
- Redness, hot spots, swelling or bleeding
- Loss of fur around the affected area
- Foul odour coming from the paws
- Broken nails from chewing
Tips for Addressing Your Dog Licking Paws
- Consult Your Vet: Before trying any DIY solutions, remember, a vet checkup is your first course of action. They can properly diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
- Keep Paws Clean: Regularly clean your dog's paws, especially after walks. Use lukewarm water and a mild, dog-friendly soap. Ensure you dry their paws thoroughly to prevent bacterial or yeast infections.
- Provide Distractions: If you notice your dog licking their paws out of boredom or anxiety, spend time together and provide engaging distractions. Puzzle toys can keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- Consider a Protective Barrier: If your dog is prone to paw cuts and burns, consider using a protective balm such as Pawtection by Natural Dog Company .
- Address Allergies: If allergies are the culprit, work with your vet to identify and manage them. This might involve dietary changes or allergy medications.
FAQs
Why is my dog licking his paw so much?
Common reasons dogs lick include injuries, burns, bacterial infections, environmental allergies, food sensitivities and separation anxiety.
When should I take my dog to the vet for paw licking?
While occasional paw licking is normal, if you've noticed your dog licking its paws constantly, it's crucial to contact your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Trying to diagnose the problem yourself can sometimes worsen the issue.
Should I let my dog lick its paw?
Occasional licking is part of their self-grooming routine. But, if it's persistent, preventing them from licking is important. Continued licking, especially in the presence of wounds, can worsen the issue, introduce infections, and delay healing.
Using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a bitter-tasting deterrent spray can help discourage licking.
Is there a home remedy for dogs licking paws?
While some home remedies like soaking paws in lukewarm water with oatmeal or applying coconut oil might temporarily provide relief, they aren't addressing underlying issues. It's always best to consult a vet.
Ian's Wrap
Watching our furry friends excessively engage in paw licking can be concerning, and understanding why it happens is essential for providing appropriate care. While a certain amount of licking is typical canine behavior, excessive paw licking can often point to a deeper issue bothering your furry friend.
Whether it's due to allergies, infections, injuries, or anxieties, addressing the root cause is crucial. This helps your dog find relief and ensures their paws stay healthy.
Regular vet check-ups, maintaining good hygiene for your pup, and being attuned to their behavior can go a long way in preventing this common issue and many other potential health problems.
Remember, your vet is your best resource when dealing with your dog licking paw—never hesitate to seek their guidance for the best course of action.
