As a dog parent, one of the common things that you will see as soon as your dog starts licking his paws is that maybe he has had some dirty walk or maybe bitten something itchy on his paws. But if your dog does not stop licking his paws, it may be much more serious than what you can think of as an ordinary clean-up.
So, generally speaking, dogs lick their paws quite excessively, but knowing why do dogs lick their paws can be a difference between life and death for your dog’s overall well-being. Some pretty minor reasons, while others could be very serious, and you’re going to have to do something about it.
In this PawNpet’s blog, we are going to dive into the top seven reasons why do dogs lick their paws and how you should identify the problem, and what you can do for your dog to feel better.
7 Hidden Reasons Behind Your Dog’s Paw Licking Habit
- Allergies
- Dry Skin
- Injury
- Anxiety
- Parasites
- Yeast Infections
- Boredom or Habit of pet
1. Allergies
Allergies rank as one of the major causes of over-licking their paws, aside from infections. And, yes, dogs can be allergic just like we are. There must be some seasonal pollen or dust mites, and certain foods that they are allergic to in their environment. These might make them feel this scratchy sensation, especially on the sensitive paws.
Environmental Allergies: Pollen, grass, and dust are common allergens that your dog can pick up just from being outside. Exposure to the allergens may cause irritation on the paws and make it lick their paws continuously.
Food Allergies: Besides some specific foods which may not like their system so cause itchy skin, most particularly at the paws. Your dog may be allergic to beef, dairy, wheat, or chicken.
What to do:
If you identify an allergy, your vet may suggest you to use an elimination diet when food-related or to use medications. You can use hypoallergenic to wipe your dog’s paws after walks to clean them and remove any unnecessary creatures they are licking off.
2. Dry Skin
Even if you don’t have dry skin, your dog probably does. Dry, cracked skin is not just for humans; it’s pretty common in dogs too. Dry skin can be harsh on their paws. Just imagine walking barefoot on the sidewalk in the middle of summer or through the snow in winter.
That’s what your dog’s paws go through every day! Cool winter air dries the pads of your dog’s paws. In summer, scorching roads do the same job.
Chemical Contact: Walking your dog through chemically-laced lawns or using chemical soaps dries and irks your dog’s paws. On finding that his paws are dry, your dog will instinctively try to keep licking in an attempt to relieve the discomfort or add moisture.
How to Help:
If the problem is dry skin, putting on paw balm or coconut oil regularly can do wonders. Make sure that you’re using pet-safe products and are free from any really harsh chemicals.
3. Injury
Pain Sometimes it isn’t related to surface issues: it’s your dog’s way of crying to you that something hurts. Dogs instinctively lick their wounds in the hope that it can heal them. So, if your dog stepped on something that was sharp, or burned the paws or sustained some other sort of injury, it’ll probably begin to lick that area.
Cuts: Even minor cuts or scrapes on a dog’s paw, even those that you can’t easily see, will lead to chronic licking. Something as mundane as stepping on a sharp rock or a thorn can be very painful.
Burns: Hot pavements or sidewalks burn your dog’s paws, particularly in the summer. If you notice that they are licking their paws continuously after a walk, this could be one of the reasons.
How to Help:
If you notice signs of injury, including cuts, swelling, or redness, it’s time to take a closer look. Gently clean the area, and based on what you see, it may be best for them to have their vet take a closer look. To try and prevent future injuries, you can place protective dog booties on him in extreme weather or on rough surfaces.
4. Anxiety or Stress
Just like we humans bite our nails in an anxious moment, a dog breeds may lick their paws as some sort of calming mechanism for stress or anxiety. It’s more of a self-comfort activity when in stressful situations, which helps in making them calm. At times, it even becomes a compulsion to lick.
Separation Anxiety: Your dog excessively licks its paws when you leave the house because it suffers some form of separation anxiety. Anxiety is usually expressed through a variety of behaviours by dogs, such as licking, chewing, or just doing nothing.
Changes in Environment: Getting a new home, a new pet, or even new schedules stress out your dog. Licking is a way through which dogs control their emotions but excessive licking may lead to the formation of sores or infections.
How to Help:
For licking due to anxiety, a calm environment with toys, soothing music, or even anxiety wraps can be really effective. More serious cases might require treatments or techniques from a vet or dog behaviourist to minimise their stress.
5. Parasites
Fleece, ticks, and mites love to hide in dark moist areas, and your dog’s paws aren’t an exception. These parasites tend to cause severe irritation that leads your dog to lick or chew.
Fleas and Ticks: With these common parasites, you find them between your dog’s toes and on the pads making him scratch or lick persistently.
Mites: Mange, a skin infection by mites, can cause your dog to lick his paws, but with such heavy-duty itching and irritation, he is bound to develop other problems as well.
How to help:
If you believe that your dog has got some unwelcome guests, take him to the vet and have him checked. Medications or special shampoos will help to get rid of these unwanted guests on his body. Regular grooming and the proper application of flea/tick preventatives will ensure that the paws of your dog remain parasite-free.
6. Yeast Infection
Some of the common causes with dogs are yeast infections, which can occur anywhere on a warm, moist dog’s body-as in between the toes. One will be extremely itchy and uncomfortable, causing it to chew constantly. If your dog is chewing and the smell is musty or bad they probably have a yeast infection.
How to Help:
Most yeast infections require antifungal therapy, which will be prescribed by your vet. Helping your dog keep his paws clean and dry after he’s gone for a walk or bath also can help prevent recurrent infections.
7. Habit or Boredom:
Sometimes, it’s a habit out of pure boredom. If your dog is just bored or does not receive enough physical or mental exercise, then they might start licking their paws. We call it another form of fidgeting or tapping one’s fingers when one is just bored.
Lack of Stimulation: Dogs need mental as well as physical exercise every single day. If they are deprived of these, they may indulge in actions such as over licking because they have nothing better to do.
Attention-seeking behaviour: Dogs might get the habit of licking the paws to catch attention from the owner, even if that attention is a negative one.
How to help
Your dog needs to be adequately exercised and played with in addition to mental stimulation to keep boredom-induced licking away. Toys, puzzles, and regular play sessions may be needed to keep them absolutely happy and occupied.
How Soon Should You Get Concerned?
While licking sometimes here and there is absolutely negligible, excessive licking of paws can lead to infections, sores, etc. If your pet dog goes on licking continuously along with other symptoms like swelling, redness, limping, then you need to talk to your vet.
Conclusion
The understanding why dogs lick their paws begins with understanding the reasons behind the licking and the frequency of it. Allergies, dry skin, stress-there could be a variety of reasons, even something serious. When the right underlying problem is identified and solved, this will make all the difference between finding a cure. Next time your dog starts licking their paws you know exactly what to do.
Read More: Top 20 Popular Dog Breeds In India | Cat Sleeping Positions & What They Mean
