best dog food for dogs that lick their paws

Why Does My Dog Lick Their Paws?

You may have noticed your dog chewing and licking their paws. Why do they do this? As with other dog behaviors, there can be several causes, including injuries, skin problems, allergies to canine environments, parasites, or food, and boredom or anxiety.

Occasional paw licking is normal for dogs as a part of their self-grooming process, especially when they come inside after walking on dirty or sandy ground. But if your dog frequently and intensely licks their paws, you can assume that something is wrong.

Injuries

The first step to take, especially if the licking begins very suddenly and is focused on one paw, is to examine the paws. Youll need to check to make certain there is not an injury such as a cut, torn nail, growth, or perhaps a stone, thorn, or ice ball stuck between the pads. Look closely at the nails, between the toes and pads, and at the tops of the feet.

Your dog may have irritated their paw by stepping on something sharp, walking on salted or hot sidewalks, being stung by a bee, or getting a blister. Some of these problems can be relieved by a simple first-aid treatment, while others might require treatment by a veterinarian.

Dermatitis

If the paw pads and feet appear normal, the licking could be due to a skin condition (dermatitis), which often is the result of bacterial problems, allergies, or food sensitivities.Your dog could develop dermatitis by being allergic to chemicals used in your yard, products meant to deice your driveway, or certain types of grass or weeds. Keeping a bowl of water and a towel near the door to gently clean off the paws when you come inside could help.

Parasites

Parasite infections (such as fleas or mange) can cause the paws to be very itchy. Your veterinarian can recommend treatments to eliminate the parasites, which should relieve the itching.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are known to cause itchy paws, and these types of allergies are difficult to pinpoint. Your vet may suggest a special diet or elimination of certain ingredients in your dogs food to try to address the problem.

Pain

Finally, a dog that is experiencing pain due to arthritis or other foot or leg conditions may lick their paws. Even if the pain is somewhere else in their body, some dogs will try to deal with it by licking a front paw continuously. This requires diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.

Behavioral Issues

If you and your veterinarian have ruled out all of the above problems, then your dog may be suffering from boredom or a behavioral problem such as anxiety. Again, this is difficult to diagnose, but there are some steps you can take to help. Some dogs develop compulsive behaviors, which include paw licking.

To deal with boredom, try taking your dog for more walks or runs. Increase playtime with you and with other dogs to use up more mental and physical energy. Give your pet puzzle toys or safe chew toys to take their focus away from his paws.

If you think anxiety, such as fear of noises or separation anxiety, may be causing them to lick their paws, there are a number of ways you can attempt to relieve the anxiety, including calming treats. A good animal behaviorist can suggest a variety of options to try.

Secondary Infections

Its important to recognize that licking behavior can be indicative of a health problem or may become harmful to the dog. You should work with your veterinarian to determine the cause and find an appropriate solution. Dont wait too long to do this, because the moisture of constant foot licking can cause a secondary bacterial or yeast infection causing even more itching, redness, swelling, and licking.

Meanwhile, depending on the underlying cause of the problem, the veterinarian may relieve your dogs itching by prescribing topical anti-itch sprays, steroids to reduce inflammation, antibiotics for a bacterial infection, or antifungals for yeast infections. The sooner you can address the problem and illuminate the cause, the better.

6 reasons your dog constantly licks their paws, plus tips to handle this behavior

• Dogs naturally lick their paws, but unusually excessive licking may have an underlying cause.
• If your dog frequently licks the same paw, they could be in pain or have an injury or infection.
• When you can't find a clear reason for your dog's constant paw licking, it's best to call your vet.

Lately, it seems every time you look at your beloved pooch, they're licking their paws.

Should you be worried? Well, it depends. Excessive paw licking can happen for many reasons, including pain, injury, and, in some cases, behavioral issues though some dogs may be more prone to nervous grooming than others.

Whatever the cause, identifying the issue before complications arise is key, Dr. Emily Wilson, a verified veterinarian with Fuzzy, said.

Because pets can't explain what's wrong, paying attention to new and unusual behaviors like excessive paw licking can help you take steps to address those concerns promptly.

1. Pain

If your dog is licking their paws, it could be a sign that they have an ache somewhere on their body. Paw licking is a kind of "coping mechanism for discomfort," Wilson said.

Causes for pain-related licking vary, but they may include:

• Arthritis.
• Pain elsewhere in the body, such as lower-neck pain.
• Wounds.
• Cysts or other growths.
• Cancer.

Conditions like arthritis and cancer are especially common in older dogs.

Once you have a diagnosis from a veterinarian, you can limit licking by helping manage your dog's pain often with prescription medication, but the remedy will vary depending on the underlying cause.

You may also have to add soft runner rugs over slippery wood floors for dogs who have trouble getting around because of arthritis or other conditions that cause chronic pain, Wilson said.

2. Paw injury

Your dog might lick the site of the injury if they have a cut or scrape, or if a thorn, burr, or other foreign material has become stuck in their paw.

A cut or scrape is likely if your dog is licking one particular spot. But it's not always easy to spot embedded objects. Foxtails, for example, are barbed plants that can get between the toes and cause incessant licking and chewing, Wilson said.

If you spot any foreign material in the wound, contact your veterinarian right away instead of trying to treat the injury at home.

You can take a few steps to help your pup get relief from a minor wound:

1. Flush the area with water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Clean the cut or scrape it using mild soap and water.
3. Dab antibiotic ointment on the injured paw with a cotton swab.
4. Cover the site of injury with a sock or put a cone on your dog to keep them from licking the wound, which could lead to infection.

3. Skin conditions and infections

Some skin conditions, like dermatitis, can trigger continual licking. They can also contribute to secondary problems, like infection, which can then lead to licking.

Bacterial or fungal infections are more likely to crop up in dogs with hairier feet, particularly in wet weather, Wilson said. You can help prevent these infections by:

• Wiping paws dry after taking your dog out on a rainy day.
• Using dog booties to keep your pup's paws protected from things like ice and winter salt.

Note: Wilson also tells pet owners to avoid trying to wrap the paw in question. Wrapping too tightly can cut off circulation and cause irreparable damage to your dog's paw. Covering the area may not even stop the licking. Frequently, they'll just pick another spot to lick, Wilson said.

4. Boredom or anxiety

Some dogs may lick their paws to self-soothe.

Behavioral reasons for constant licking include:

• Separation anxiety.
• Boredom.
• Phobias, including fear of strangers or loud noises like thunder.
• Compulsive disorders, including acral lick dermatitis and canine compulsive disorder.
• Moving to a new environment.

"Most breeds will get destructive before they start overgrooming," Ali Smith, a dog trainer, said. Destructive behavior can include chewing furniture, excessive barking, or shredding pillows and toilet paper.

Sometimes, you might be able to link the licking behavior to a recent change in your dog's life.

"If you know for a fact that you've just moved house, and your dog tends to be a little bit of an anxious one, then yeah, it's likely that that's had an impact," Smith said.

But a vet visit can help you rule out other causes before you bring on a behavioral expert.

"It's very much a group effort. Behavioral things can be really frustrating for some pet parents, and it can be hard to explain to your care provider," Wilson said.

In the meantime, enrichment items can help distract your pet from licking. Things like toys filled with yummy treats, for example, will cause most pups to forget about their paw, at least temporarily.

Smith said giving dogs a fulfilling life and boosting their enjoyment of daily activities would make anxiety less likely to take hold.

5. Allergic reaction

Dogs might also lick paws that itch, and frequent itching could relate to an allergic reaction.

While it can be tough to narrow down the cause of your dog's allergies, culprits include:

• Food.
• Grass (particularly if it's been chemically treated).
• Fleas.
• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Mold.

According to the American Kennel Club, other symptoms of allergies include:

• Swelling.
• Redness and inflammation.
• Ear itching.
• Sneezing.
• Diarrhea.

One way to minimize allergic reactions to outdoor environmental triggers like grass is to wipe your dog's paws after a romp outside, Wilson said.

If you suspect a food allergy is at play, ask your veterinarian about trying an elimination diet.

6. Fleas

Another common cause of constant paw licking is a flea infestation. Many flea bites lead to itchiness and irritation that can trigger licking.

In some cases, you may be able to see the fleas, but some dogs with a flea allergy may experience a reaction from a single bite.

"They can get one bite when they're out on a walk and kind of go through this itch cascade," Wilson said.

Ideally, you want to take steps to prevent flea infestations from happening in the first place by:

• Asking your veterinarian about flea-control products for all pets in your home.
• Checking for fleas, especially during the warmer months, if your dog spends time outside.
• Treating your home for fleas.
• Keeping your dog from interacting with wild or stray animals.

Still, if you discover your dog's coat is crawling with fleas, you do have options for treatment.

When to contact your vet

Because excessive paw licking has several causes, reaching out to your vet is generally a good next step.

Not sure the problem is worth a vet visit? Wilson recommends contacting a telehealth service like Fuzzy, adding that veterinary telehealth services can offer pet parents more insight on the options available and prepare them before a full-service vet visit.

Keep in mind that a dog licking one spot or paw more than the other may be in pain, so it's best to connect with your vet right away if you notice this type of licking.

Insider's takeaway

Pinpointing the reason for your dog's constant paw licking can take some time and careful attention.

Since dogs can't talk, Wilson said, they're left relying on humans to help decipher the problem. While you can identify and address some causes of excessive paw licking at home, in some cases, your dog may need prompt veterinary care.

If there's any chance your dog could be injured or in pain, reach out to your veterinarian right away to confirm a diagnosis and get the right treatment.

Causes Of Dog Licking Paws

[ad_1]Dogs are known for their adorable and sometimes quirky behaviors, and one common behavior that many dog owners may notice is their dog licking their paws. While some paw licking is normal and can be a way for dogs to clean themselves, excessive licking can be a cause for concern. There are several reasons why a dog may engage in excessive paw licking, and its important for pet owners to be aware of these causes in order to address any underlying issues.

One of the most common reasons why dogs lick their paws excessively is due to allergies. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies to various substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. When a dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system may overreact, leading to symptoms such as itching and paw licking. In some cases, dogs may also develop hot spots, which are red, inflamed areas on the skin that are caused by excessive licking and scratching.

Another common cause of excessive paw licking in dogs is skin irritation or infection. If a dogs paws are constantly exposed to moisture or irritants, such as chemicals or rough surfaces, it can lead to irritation and even bacterial or fungal infections. In these cases, dogs may lick their paws in an attempt to soothe the discomfort, but this can actually exacerbate the issue and lead to further irritation.

In some cases, paw licking may also be a sign of pain or discomfort in the paws or joints. Dogs may lick their paws if they have a splinter or foreign object stuck in their paw pads, or if they are experiencing joint pain or arthritis. Its important for pet owners to carefully examine their dogs paws for any signs of injury or discomfort, and to seek veterinary care if necessary.

Additionally, behavioral issues such as anxiety or boredom can also contribute to excessive paw licking in dogs. Dogs may lick their paws as a way to self-soothe when they are feeling anxious or stressed, or out of boredom when they are not getting enough mental or physical stimulation. In these cases, addressing the underlying behavioral issues through training, exercise, and mental enrichment can help reduce paw licking behavior.

To delve deeper into the causes of dog licking paws, we reached out to a veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, a pet nutritionist, and a dog trainer for their insights on this common issue. Here are some of the trends and quotes we gathered from these professionals:

1. Trend: Increased awareness of food allergies in dogs leading to more pet owners seeking specialized diets for their dogs to alleviate paw licking.

Quote: Ive seen a rise in pet owners switching their dogs to hypoallergenic diets to address paw licking and other allergy symptoms. Its important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dogs specific needs. Pet Nutritionist

2. Trend: Growing interest in natural remedies and supplements for managing skin allergies in dogs, such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.

Quote: Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation in dogs with allergies, which may help alleviate paw licking behavior. Its important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new supplements. Veterinarian

3. Trend: Increased awareness of the role of mental and physical enrichment in addressing behavioral issues in dogs, including excessive paw licking.

Quote: Dogs that are bored or anxious may engage in excessive paw licking as a coping mechanism. Providing mental stimulation through interactive toys and physical exercise can help address underlying behavioral issues and reduce paw licking behavior. Dog Trainer

4. Trend: Rising interest in alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage for managing pain and discomfort in dogs with joint issues.

Quote: Alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage can help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with joint issues, which may help alleviate paw licking behavior. These therapies can be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care for optimal results. Veterinarian

5. Trend: Increased awareness of the importance of regular paw care in preventing skin irritation and infections in dogs.

Quote: Regularly checking and cleaning your dogs paws can help prevent irritation and infections that may lead to excessive licking. Pay attention to any changes in your dogs paw pads or nails, and seek veterinary care if you notice any issues. Veterinarian

6. Trend: Growing interest in behavior modification techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning for addressing anxiety-related paw licking in dogs.

Quote: Behavior modification techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning can help dogs with anxiety issues learn to cope with stressors in a more positive way, which may reduce paw licking behavior. Working with a veterinary behaviorist can help develop a customized behavior modification plan for your dog. Veterinary Behaviorist

7. Trend: Increased awareness of the link between dental health and paw licking behavior in dogs, as dental issues can cause pain and discomfort that may lead to excessive licking.

Quote: Poor dental health can cause pain and discomfort in dogs, which may manifest as excessive paw licking. Regular dental care, including brushing your dogs teeth and providing dental chews, can help maintain oral health and reduce the risk of dental-related paw licking behavior. Veterinarian

Common Concerns and Answers Related to Dog Licking Paws:

1. Concern: My dog is licking their paws excessively, but Im not sure why. What could be causing this behavior?

Answer: Excessive paw licking in dogs can be caused by allergies, skin irritation or infection, pain or discomfort, behavioral issues, or dental problems. Its important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

2. Concern: How can I tell if my dogs paw licking is a sign of a more serious issue?

Answer: If your dog is licking their paws excessively, has red or inflamed skin, is limping or showing signs of pain, or is licking other parts of their body, its important to seek veterinary care. These could be signs of an underlying health issue that requires treatment.

3. Concern: Can I treat my dogs paw licking at home, or do I need to see a veterinarian?

Answer: The best course of action will depend on the underlying cause of your dogs paw licking. In some cases, home remedies such as cleaning your dogs paws, changing their diet, or providing mental enrichment may help. However, if the paw licking persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, its important to see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

4. Concern: My dog only licks their paws when they are anxious or bored. How can I help them cope with these emotions?

Answer: Providing your dog with mental and physical stimulation, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise, can help alleviate boredom and anxiety. Working with a dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can also help develop a behavior modification plan to address these underlying issues.

5. Concern: My dog has been licking their paws for a while now, and Im worried about the long-term effects. What should I do?

Answer: Chronic paw licking can lead to skin irritation, infections, and even self-inflicted injuries. Its important to address the underlying cause of your dogs paw licking and work with a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan to prevent long-term complications.

6. Concern: Ive heard that certain breeds are more prone to paw licking. Is this true?

Answer: While any breed of dog can engage in paw licking behavior, certain breeds may be more prone to allergies or skin issues that can lead to excessive licking. Breeds with long hair or folds in their skin may also be more susceptible to skin irritation and infections.

7. Concern: My dog only licks one paw. Should I be concerned?

Answer: If your dog is only licking one paw, it could be a sign of a localized issue such as a splinter, foreign object, or injury. Its important to carefully examine the affected paw and seek veterinary care if necessary to address the underlying cause.

8. Concern: My dogs paw licking seems to be seasonal. Could this be related to allergies?

Answer: Seasonal paw licking could be a sign of seasonal allergies, such as pollen or grass allergies. Keeping track of when your dogs paw licking occurs and any environmental factors that may be triggering it can help identify potential allergens and develop a plan to manage symptoms.

9. Concern: My dogs paws are red and inflamed from excessive licking. What can I do to soothe the irritation?

Answer: Cleaning your dogs paws with a mild antiseptic solution, applying a soothing paw balm or coconut oil, and using a cone collar to prevent further licking can help soothe irritated skin. If the inflammation persists or worsens, seek veterinary care for proper treatment.

10. Concern: My dog has a history of skin allergies and paw licking. How can I manage this long-term?

Answer: Managing skin allergies and paw licking in dogs may require a combination of treatments such as specialized diets, supplements, medications, and environmental modifications. Working with a veterinarian to develop a long-term management plan tailored to your dogs specific needs is important for controlling symptoms.

11. Concern: My dogs paw licking is disrupting their daily routine and causing distress. What can I do to help them?

Answer: If your dogs paw licking is severe and impacting their quality of life, its important to seek veterinary care for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan. Addressing the underlying cause of the paw licking and providing appropriate care and support can help improve your dogs well-being.

12. Concern: My dog has been prescribed medications for their paw licking. Are there any side effects I should watch out for?

Answer: Some medications used to treat allergies, skin infections, or pain in dogs may have side effects such as drowsiness, increased thirst, or gastrointestinal upset. Its important to follow your veterinarians instructions for medication use and monitor your dog for any changes in behavior or symptoms while on medication.

13. Concern: My dogs paw licking is causing damage to their skin and nails. How can I prevent this?

Answer: Providing your dog with regular paw care, such as trimming their nails, keeping their paw pads clean and moisturized, and using protective boots or socks when necessary, can help prevent damage from excessive licking. Its important to address the underlying cause of the paw licking to prevent further skin and nail issues.

14. Concern: My dog has been licking their paws since they were a puppy. Is this normal behavior?

Answer: While some dogs may engage in paw licking as a grooming behavior, excessive or persistent paw licking should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Early intervention and treatment can help address any underlying issues and prevent long-term complications.

15. Concern: Ive tried various treatments for my dogs paw licking, but nothing seems to help. What should I do next?

Answer: If your dogs paw licking persists despite trying different treatments, its important to seek veterinary care for a comprehensive evaluation. A veterinarian can conduct diagnostic tests, such as allergy testing or skin biopsies, to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

In conclusion, dog licking paws can be a common behavior with a variety of underlying causes, including allergies, skin irritation, pain, behavioral issues, and dental problems. By being aware of these causes and seeking veterinary care when needed, pet owners can help address their dogs paw licking behavior and improve their overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your dogs specific needs.[ad_2]