It is important to know why do dogs lick their paws and discover the common reasons from normal grooming habits to potential signs of:
Allergies, anxiety, pain, infection, parasitism, dry skin or others. Understanding to seek veterinary advice helps you to determine whether it’s a normal sign or needs further attention to overcome.
Paw licking is a common behavioral issue in dogs or sometimes more curious to solve for some potential reasons. Here we outline many reasons why dogs lick paws and how to overcome this habit.
Read About Hypoallergenic Dogs
Allergies cause itching and licking in dogs
Allergy is caused by various conditions also called as allergic disease, common symptoms includes red eyes, itching, sneezing, vomiting, coughing and swelling normally Caused by environmental and genetic factors.
In animals especially in dogs allergy is may be caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system towards the harmless substance of the surroundings.
And caused certain changes in dog’s behavior like licking their paws, following the tail of their own, and showing disturbed behavior by certain actions. Allergy is also caused by some environmental issues, food allergy, and flea allergies.
Flea allergy
Fleas and ticks are parasites that can make dogs uncomfortable as these pests lie anywhere in dogs causing itching, licking and even dogs can bite themselves. Some dogs show different allergic reactions to fleas. The skin of dogs get irritated and cause severe reactions of allergy that condition in dogs are called flea allergy dermatitis.
How can I overcome fleas allergy in dogs?
Used soothing products like shampoo and the products which contain omega 3 and zinc helps to reduce fleas also strengthen immune system and reduce allergy reaction.
Environmental allergy
Environmental allergy may cause itching and infection in the paws of dogs. And result in licking and showing irregular behavior by dogs. The main reason for environmental allergy is due to pollens, grass, mold that could irritate a dogs skin and result from licking its paw for better feel.
Food allergy
The abnormal immune system response on certain food caused trouble breathing, itching, diarrhea and low blood pressure in dogs and humans. In dogs, food allergy may be caused by eating imbalanced food or eating poop of cats because some dogs have a habit of eating.
Dogs with food allergies may experience an itchy throat, and feel an uncomfortable sensation on their paws also and this will tempt your dog to scratch the itchy paw excessively. If this behavior is only noted before or after eating certain food, blame may go to food allergy.
To overcome this serious issue consult your dog’s consultant that could trigger allergy and avoid food items that could cause allergy.
Certain food reactions cause allergies that lead to itching and licking.
Parasitism
Parasitism is a major cause of allergy that leads to severe itching and dogs lick their paws. Parasites like fleas, ticks and mites cause discomfort in dogs by producing allergies.
Pain and injuries in dogs results to paw licking and itching
An unpleasant distress feeling caused by damaging stimuli and dogs lick their wounds to manage this distress pain. Check your dog to treat small wounds with a first aid kit and spirited the affected area to reduce germs and infection.
Note the joint condition of the paw because arthritis in joints may be the common reason for licking. Examine dogs and frequently consult physicians.
Injuries can occur intentionally and unintentionally in humans and and in animals or may be caused by burning or toxic exposures. The intense injuries cause severe pain and itching in an affected area, especially in dogs paws which cause itching and swelling which results in licking.
Personal grooming
An ordinary reason dogs lick their paws is the part of their self grooming routine in order to clean themselves normally after walking if the paws are dirty. Dogs not only lick their paws but also chew their legs and rub their paws on their faces, this typically considered a healthy behavior unless you notice something wrong.
Infection
Infection may be caused by pathogens, viruses, bacteria or yeast infection. If infection is caused by bacteria in dogs, the moisture from their licking causes intensive buildup of bacteria that cause itching and redness or may produce blisters around an infected area.
When you notice licking continuously visit the veterinarian to treat the original cause and secondary infection.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is basically a joint disease that results from breakdown of cartilage of the joint causing severe pain and stiffness in joints. When dogs are unable to reach the painful joint they oftenly lick and even bite the infected area to get relief.
How can dogs get relief from osteoarthritis pain?
Examine the exact position and consult a doctor. The dogs with cartilage damage are reluctant to use stairs, climb, running and long jumps.
Overgrown nails
Overgrown toenails cause pain in paws and stretching the bones and ligaments can definitely cause licking when feeling discomfort. Dogs owners can reduce this pain by taking care of toes, continuous trimming of nails and through providing toes and paws pedicure 1 to 2 times a week.
Cracked paw cause extensive licking
When a dog’s paw is cracked it can be irritated, itchy or more painful leading to licking the area to relieve pain or discomfort. However excessive licking can worsen and lead to infection here some cause of cracked paws include; dryness, injuries, allergies and infections.
How can I heal cracked paws of dogs to stop licking and itching?
To use pet-safe balm, moisturizer, using protective bandage and clean with antibacterial solution to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. If the palm does not heal, consult a doctor for proper treatment.
Dermatitis in dogs toes
Dermatitis (Eczema) common symptoms include itchy skin, rash, blisters and reddish skin that leads to skin viral or yeast infection.
Medications like antibiotics, or antifungal drugs are used to treat dermatitis. Also control used flea prevention, dietary changes, allergy testing and consult with veterinarian for proper diagnosis.
Stress, anxiety and burns
Stress and anxiety are another cause of excessive licking in dogs when the dogs experience discomfort, pain and emotional imbalance.
What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?
Dogs show destructive behavior when they feel pain and anxiety and it leads to licking and biting of paws and legs. Owners can overcome this by providing mental stimulation or pheromone diffusers.
On the other hand dogs can suffer burns when exposed to chemicals or heat sources. Symptoms of burns are red skin, raw skin and blisters.
Burns can be managed with pet-safe ointments and bandages to prevent licking.
FAQS
How to address licking in dogs?
We can identify the cause to determine if the licking is due to injury stress or from other problems. After identifying problems, engage your pet to reduce stress related activities. Consult veterinary care to implement proper treatment and to prevent licking.
Why do dogs lick their paws is it normal?
Excessive licking could cause health issues like infections and fungal growth within the infected area. Dogs lick their paws due to a variety of reasons such as allergies, injuries, infection, behavioral issues, boredom, pain and skin irritations.
Sometimes licking is normal and can be a part of self grooming behavior if it becomes frequent to consult a doctor.
Can licking cause health problems in dogs?
When the moisture from saliva of dogs interact with paws in infected areas it could cause fungal growth and bacteria which leads to create an ideal environment for yeast to grow and parasites to attract.
Conclusion
Why do dogs lick their paws ? Paw licking is normal to dogs and cats. Excessive licking can be the sign of issues. Like anxiety, allergies, bacterial infections, parasitisms, dermatitis in dogs, osteoarthritis, overgrown nails and cracked feet could lead to itching and licking in dogs. Continuous licking brings viral and bacterial infections. Prevention should be made to overcome the licking of dogs, should monitor your dog’s behavior and inspect the sign of injury. Addressing the issue early to prevent further complications will help to insure your dogs good health and make them comfortable all the time.
In this article we discuss all preventive measures to avoid licking of dogs and discover the common reasons that will help dog owners to find better solutions.
