Why is My Dog Licking His Paws So Much?
by mylifewithpets | Last updated on October 26, 2021
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Dogs lick themselves quite often and they do it quite thoroughly.
Usually, this is seen as a healthy, balanced behavior, even when they lick or chew their paws.
But, like any obsessive behavior, if you notice your dog doing it too much or all the time, then you need to be alert.
Because sometimes, when a dog licks or chews on his paws, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue that requires action.
And, occasionally, even veterinarian treatment.
When Should I Pay Attention to it?
Like we’ve mentioned, if your dog does it all the time or more often than before, you need to pay attention.
Or if he’s doing it so much or so eagerly, he’s actually hurting himself.
When your dog is constantly licking or chewing on his paws, you need to take it seriously.
Another thing to consider is he may do it while you’re away, in which case you need to inspect his paws and look for tell-tale signs like swollen paws, red or hot skin, smelly paws, opens wounds or patches of missing fur.
Related: 5 Paw Care Tips You Should Know
5 Reasons Why Your Dog is Licking His Paws Incessantly
These are the main possible reasons why your dog is licking and chewing on his paws so much.
As you’ll see, some are easy to solve while others require a bit more work.
Either way, being able to identify the cause is the first step towards helping your dog feel better.
1# Pain
One of the reasons that may explain your dog licking his paws or just one paw, is pain.
Maybe it’s a sore or a skin irritation or even a wound or a cut he’s made during a walk.
He may have been bitter by a bug or broken a nail or he can even have something lodged in his paw like a thorn or glass.
The only way you’ll know it that’s the case is to inspect his paws thoroughly.
In order to do so, you need to keep very calm in order for your dog to remain as calm as possible, especially if he’s hurting.
If you find a wound that’s big or still bleeding, the vet is your better option.
If it’s a treatable wound, you need to clean it, disinfect it and treat it.
If you do find a small, treatable wound, disinfect it and treat it.
Until it’s fully healed, you need to protect his paws, both from him and from the dirt he’ll step on during the day until the paw skin is fully restored.
For that, we got our dogs these very cute dog shoes.
We love these little boots and we use it quite often like on rainy days, hot days when the ground is too hot or whenever we want to keep our dog’s paws protected all year around.
Yes, our dogs did find it strange at the beginning, but eventually they got used to them.
Them being light and comfortable helped with that.
Related: 10 Warning Signs Your Dog is in Pain
2# Boredom or Anxiety
Let’s face it, dogs lives used to be more meaningful than they are today.
They had jobs, freedom to walk around and run every day, even hunt!
Nowadays, more often than not, a dog will spend the days doing nothing, sleeping and waiting for their family to return home. Even with a dog walker coming by, it’s a couple of minutes in a day.
Even if you have a backyard, it’s still the same scenery every day.
ogs suffering from boredom and anxiety may lead to excess grooming and, in this case, paw licking for relief.
Curbing boredom, anxiety or some sort of OCD behavior can be hard to do.
But the theory is simple enough: find ways to calm him or do distract him. If he does it while he’s home alone, try to leave him extra toys and maybe even puzzles to solve.
For our dogs, nothing keeps them as occupied as a treat filled Kong.
3# Allergies or a Hormonal Imbalance
Dog allergies are more and more common and afflict thousands of dogs worldwide.
Worst yet, the cause can be very hard to pin-point because it can be just about anything, from the food he eats to the grass he steps on during walks to the products you use to clean the house.
A hormonal imbalance that makes is easier for him to develop skin issues, can also cause your dog to lick himself.
The best way to deal with something like this is scheduling a vet visit. He can get some tests done that will be able to tell you more.
4# Dry Skin
Much like for humans, dogs need a skin care routine.
Dry skin itches. A lot!
Also, there are a lot of reasons why your dog may have dry skin like his breed (hairless breeds are most affected), the weather, bathing habits (too many baths destroy the skin’s natural oils) or even what he’s stepping on.
If during his walks, he steps on hot concrete, ice or salt, changes are his paws will become dry and cracked.
You need to hydrate his paws, in order to keep them healthy.
However, be careful not to over hydrate his paws, in which case his paws will become too tender and easy to hurt.
For us, this oatmeal paw butter was a life-changer.
We love how it smells and how it dries easily, making sure not to leave oil paw marks all over our home.
5# Ticks of Fleas
Your dog may also be licking or chewing on his paws because of parasites.
If he’s walking on grass during hot weather or if you don’t keep his anti tick medicine up to date, odds are you’ll find small ticks hiding between the paw pads.
It’s disgusting and very itchy, particularly if your dog is allergic to them.
The best way to keep your dog protected at all times is with a repellent collar.
Even if the parasite comes near your dog, it will either stay away or die if it comes too close (like attaching itself to the paws).
Best yet, it keeps them away from your home.
When to Take Your Dog To The Vet
If you’ve tried everything you could and your dog is still going at it, it’s time to visit the vet.
Also if you notice infection, particularly if there’s a wound.
Incessant paw licking can also be a sign of gastrointestinal issues that only a vet can help to sort out.
A vet can, not only give you great advice to deal with this issue, but can also scrap the area for culture exams and add specific medication, if needed.
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