What makes dogs lick their paws

Some dogs do this as a way of self-soothing and relaxing before they go to sleep. Some dogs will lick their paws after scratching at their ears because they are sniffing and analysing the odor. The best thing you can do is to take your dog to the veterinarian.

As discussed previously there are multiple reasons why your dog might be licking his feet and your vet will be able to help you work out which it might be. Your veterinarian will start by examining your dog, and this may be enough for them to find out the cause, particularly if there is a wound or broken nails.

Sometimes samples are required such as hair plucks, skin scrapes, and swabs, to look for parasites, bacteria, and yeasts. If your vet suspects an underlying skin allergy they may discuss the next steps to investigate and treat this further. Your vet may recommend a behaviourist if they suspect your dog licks their paws when stressed or because of anxiety issues. The earlier the treatment is started the more effective it is likely to be. Your dog will be much more comfortable once the underlying cause is identified!

Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. She works in the South West and loves complex medical cases. Group 30 Created with Sketch. Group 29 Created with Sketch. If a parasitic infestation from fleas, ticks, mites, lice, or some other parasite is to blame, your vet will prescribe anti-parasitic medicine and possibly a medicated shampoo. In the case of food allergies or environmental allergies , avoiding the allergen that causes the problem is the primary treatment.

If food allergies are to blame, your vet will help you with a food trial, which involves feeding your dog different foods to find out what their immune system is reacting to and then avoiding that ingredient moving forward. You might also try an allergy supplement like Native Pet's allergy chicken chews , which are formulated to help build a defense against allergies and target itchy skin and hot spots.

If your dog keeps chewing and licking at their paws because of anxiety or compulsive behavior , your vet will guide you through training and behavior modification to resolve the problem. Anti-anxiety medications are also an option. Your vet might also put you in touch with a dog trainer or animal behaviorist.

Why does your dog lick his paws? There are several possibilities. Some of the most common are allergies; pain or discomfort from an injury, arthritis, or a foreign object; bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections; parasites; and anxiety. The occasional lick at the paw area is perfectly normal dog behavior.

But when licking is constant and you can't get your dog to stop, something is wrong. It's time to get your veterinarian's opinion and get your dog medical attention. From there, you can help your dog recover from whatever is causing them discomfort and get them back to their normal, happy self as quickly as possible.

Would you like to read more about your dog's health and wellness? Visit the Native Pet blog today. Common Causes of Paw Licking. Read More. Omega Oil. Simple first aid may be an option in some instances. Left untreated, paw injuries can lead to bacterial infections.

These infections may then cause issues such as interdigital cysts. This painful paw problem results in large, pus-filled bumps between the toes, which can be difficult to treat based on the severity.

Dogs suffer from allergies much like humans do, and itchy paws are a common allergy symptom among dogs. Allergic reactions in dogs are usually caused by one of three factors — flea allergens, food allergens, and environmental allergens.

The first and most obvious of these is caused by saliva from flea bites. With flea allergy dermatitis, the condition caused by these allergens, treatment options include topical flea-killing products like a cream or collar, as well as oral preventatives. Food allergies are often misinterpreted in dogs. Often, what seems like a true allergy is instead more of a food sensitivity.

These are often in response to common ingredients in dog foods, such as wheat or beef. Nonetheless, food sensitivity can lead to similar symptoms as allergies, including itchy paws and ears, swelling or redness, and gastrointestinal distress like vomiting or diarrhea.

A visit to the vet is recommended in the case of suspect food allergy or sensitivity. Doctors may employ an elimination diet to identify the offending food, and may prescribe an allergy relief medication like Benadryl for treatment. Environmental allergens like pollen, weeds, or poison ivy can cause reactions in dogs. This may lead to canine eczema , also known as atopic dermatitis, a condition marked by itchy, irritated skin.

Like with food allergies, the ears and paws are commonly affected areas, so excessive paw licking may be a hint. A common issue in winter , especially in urban areas, is sidewalk salt used to melt snow. While some pet-safe snow melts now exist, traditional salt when mixed with ice can have a burning or irritating effect on paw pads. Besides salt, pesticides used in lawn treatments are another irritant dogs may encounter outdoors. In these cases, thoroughly cleaning and soaking the paws can help provide relief.

Often, dogs who suffer from boredom, anxiety, or a lack of stimulation will engage in compulsive behaviors or displacement behaviors, like excessive paw licking or tail-chasing. These may be difficult to recognize, but a deviation from otherwise normal behavior is a useful sign to look for.

An animal behaviorist can help to identify and pinpoint these types of actions. If you determine anxiety or boredom may be contributing to paw licking, try introducing new or different activities. Extending your nightly walks, doing daily training sessions, and experimenting with brain games are all good ways to engage your dog physically and mentally. Lastly, dog calming supplements offer an effective mix of herbal and chemical compounds to help soothe anxious dogs.

May 19, 3 Minutes. Key Points. Injuries The first step to take, especially if the licking begins very suddenly and is focused on one paw, is to examine the paws 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.

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. Parasites Parasite infections such as fleas or mange can cause the paws to be very itchy. Food Allergies Food allergies are known to cause itchy paws, and these types of allergies are difficult to pinpoint. Pain Finally, a dog that is experiencing pain due to arthritis or other foot or leg conditions may lick his paws.

Behavioral Issues If you and your veterinarian have ruled out all of the above problems, than your dog may be suffering from boredom or a behavioral problem such as anxiety. Why does my dog do that? You have questions, we have answers. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. AKC Privacy Policy.