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Why Dog Licks Paws? 7 Reasons Dogs Lick Their Paws
By Sheraton Luxuries
If you're a bona fide canine enthusiast, you're probably more than aware of their many seemingly inexplicable habits. You've most likely seen your four-legged friend persistently licking his paws on many occasions as well.
Although paw licking may seem somewhat mysterious to human beings, there are actually a number of logical explanations for the behavior.
Do Dogs Lick Their Paw Because Of Injuries and Pain?
1. Pain or Injury
The experts who represent the American Kennel Club indicate that painful injuries are sometimes behind paw licking behaviors.Do you spot anything like a cut? Does it seem like he ripped a nail? Is there something trapped in the middle of his paw pads?
Make a point to thoroughly gaze at your dog's nails. Assess what's going on in the middle of all of his toes, too.
Remember, paw licking can signify discomfort that's associated with everything from stings to contact with overly hot surfaces.
How Allergies To Food Can Irritate Your Dog Paw?
2. Food Allergies
Dogs are exactly like human beings in that they're sometimes susceptible to pesky food allergies and sensitivities.
If your dog keeps licking his paws, then it may actually be related to something he recently had to eat. If your dog is allergic to a food item, then it may bring on itchiness of her paws.
Paw itchiness is actually a pretty typical food allergy clue. If you see your pet licking her paws all of the time but cannot figure out why, then it may be time to consult a veterinarian regarding dietary matters.
What Other Kinds of Dog Allergies Can Cause Problems?
Dog licking doesn't necessarily have to involve food allergies. That's because it can also involve allergies that are the result of environmental factors.
If your dog has a tendency for paw licking, then she may be allergic to something that's in the air. She may be allergic to things like dust mites, grass, plant pollens, mold spores and even lawn care supplies that you use.
Pay attention to your pet.
Does she lick her paws any time she gets back indoors after running around your backyard? If that's the case, then the environment and its substances could be behind it all. If you suspect that the environment is the culprit, then it may be wise to thoroughly wash your pet's paws using a moist cloth and plenty of water. Do this as soon as you get inside, period. It's better to be safe than sorry as well.
Schedule a veterinary appointment right away. A veterinarian can verify your environmental allergy suspicions. If the paw licking has nothing to do with environmental allergies, the veterinarian can help you pinpoint what actually is going on and activating your pet's stubborn habits.
Why Standard Dog Grooming Can Cause Paw Licking?
3.Grooming
Paw licking isn't always cause for alarm. That's because it can in many cases signify standard grooming practices in canines.
Although dogs tend to get themselves into many rather messy situations outdoors, they at the end of the day feel best when they're clean and fresh. A dog that licks his paws nonstop may feel frustrated by the presence of dirt accumulation on them.
Note, though, that excessive licking can be problematic. If your dog's paws have started to take on an odd red appearance due to frequent licking, then you may want to investigate the matter a bit further.
4.Digestive Woes
The Journal of Veterinary Behavior performed a study that indicated that digestive woes could be responsible for paw licking actions.
If a dog licks her paws in an excessive fashion, then it could point to concerns that involve her gastrointestinal tract. It could denote conditions like chronic pancreatis, lymphocytic-plasmacytic infiltration and perhaps even the presence of gastric foreign bodies.
5.Boredom
If your dog licks his paws on a frequent basis, then it may be an indication of pure boredom. It may also be an indication of separation anxiety.
It isn't unusual at all for dogs to feel stressed out any time they're isolated and away from their owners for extended spans of time. It's critical to note, too, that paw licking that's the consequence of being bored may be accompanied by a handful of other problematic behaviors that may be related.
If your dog licks himself for hours on end, chews your favorite pair of shoes and digs a lot, then it may be time to look into investing in some stimulating canine toys.
How Yeast or Bacterial Infections Can Affect Your Dog?
6. Infection
It's imperative to never ever make the mistake of brushing off excessive paw licking in pets. That's because constant licking can bring on the accumulation of moisture in paws.
The American Kennel Club state that that unwelcome moisture can trigger yeast or bacterial infections.
If your poor pooch ends up with any sort of yeast or bacterial infection, then it may exacerbate the licking behaviors. That may bring on unusual redness or swelling of the skin. It's vital to seek veterinary assistance for any sort of yeast or bacterial infections that may pop up.
7. Dryness of the Skin
Skin dryness can be unpleasant to humans. It can be just as unpleasant to their canine friends as well. If your dog seems to be fond of licking her paws, then she may simply have dry skin.
If there isn't a lot of humidity in the air, then that may bring on dehydrated skin in your pet.
Bathing a dog too much can bring on skin dehydration all the same. If your dog is struggling with rough skin that itches and flakes off, then he may respond to that by licking his paws a lot. Ask a veterinarian for advice.
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