Do you have a dog that seems to lick its paws all the time? You’re not alone. Paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, but frequent paw licking can be a sign that something is wrong. Understanding the cause of this behavior can help you find the right solution to put an end to […]
Jan 26, 2024
Do you have a dog that seems to lick its paws all the time? You’re not alone. Paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, but frequent paw licking can be a sign that something is wrong.
Understanding the cause of this behavior can help you find the right solution to put an end to it once and for all. In this article, we will explore the different causes of excessive paw licking in dogs as well as potential treatment options and preventive measures that pet owners should consider..
All dogs occasionally lick their paws. In most cases, this is perfectly normal grooming behavior. Dogs lick their paws to clean them and to remove minor and temporary irritants such as burrs stuck to their fur or dirt between their toes.
However, frequent or constant paw licking is not normal. A dog licking its paws all the time might have a hidden health problem that, if not addressed, could turn into a bigger problem.
Paw licking is not only a concern because of the underlying reasons behind it, but also because excessive licking can lead to more serious skin issues including:
The key to stopping this behavior is to understand why your dog is licking its paws in the first place. Once the underlying cause is determined, it can be addressed and treated.
Allergies are the most common cause of paw licking in dogs. Dogs have allergic reactions to certain substances, known as allergens.
These allergens can be found in the environment, food, or parasites, and can trigger inflammation, leading to excessive paw licking. Allergens that commonly affect dogs include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, and fleas.
When a dog comes into contact with these allergens, its immune system responds by releasing histamines and other inflammatory molecules, which cause inflammation and itchiness. This often occurs on the feet and toes, causing the dog to keep licking its paws to try to relieve the discomfort.
Dogs with allergies may obsessively lick their paws, often to the point of causing trauma. This results in more pain in the paw and leads to even more licking.
Infections of the skin are usually painful and itchy. Licking is a natural response for dogs to try to soothe the pain and get rid of the discomfort and irritation.
There are four main causes of skin infections in dogs: bacterial, yeast, fungal, and mites. Each type of infection is unique and requires specific treatment approaches:
Dogs may begin paw licking as a result of various injuries or pain sources. These can include:
While a dog’s instinct to clean a wound is natural, excessive licking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It’s important to address the underlying cause of the pain or injury and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the dog’s discomfort.
Besides physical reasons such as pain or injury, dogs may also excessively lick their paws due to underlying behavioral issues. These can be more difficult to figure out since they are rooted in the dog’s emotions and mental state, and dogs are unable to tell us what they are “feeling”.
Behavioral causes can include boredom, anxiety/stress, habit, or an underlying obsessive-compulsive disorder (in dogs, this is known as Canine Compulsive Disorder). Dogs that are suffering from these conditions may keep licking their paws to achieve the following:
Over time, excessive paw licking can become a habit even if the original trigger or underlying cause is no longer present.
There are some things that can be done to get to the root cause of this behavior and provide relief for your canine companion:
Paw licking can be caused by a variety of underlying issues and it’s important to identify the cause before you take any action. Veterinary assistance may be needed to help determine exactly why your dog is licking its paws all the time.
Once the source of the problem has been identified, then appropriate steps can be taken to treat it. In addition to treating the underlying issue, it is important to establish a routine for paw care to help prevent future problems with paw licking in your dog.
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4982575/pdf/cvj_09_991.pdf
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/atopic-dermatitis/canine-atopic-dermatitis
https://doi.org/10.24425/pjvs.2023.145014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.032
https://www.dvm360.com/view/acral-lick-granuloma-stopping-itch-lick-cycle
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