CONSTANT LICKING OF PAWS CAN BE HARMLESS, BUT ALSO DANGEROUS
They are cute, fragrant, we love their print, but at the same time, taking care of them is a chapter in itself. We are talking about dog paws, which can make a furry person very angry. This time we will focus on their excessive licking. Why do dogs do this? And what health problems can they point to?
Pollen season
Have you noticed that the dog licks its paws most often when you return from a walk? This behavior may be a reaction to grass, pollen or mites. In some cases, it is enough to wash the paws from allergens and the dog will be relieved immediately. At other times, the allergy can be manifested by watery eyes, itching or a rash. Perhaps it reminds you strikingly of the pollen season hated by all human allergy sufferers. However, if you want to give your dog any medications that are commonly used by allergy sufferers, first of all consult with a veterinarian.
Fleas
Dog fleas, which supposedly do not attack humans, can make a nice clearing in a fur coat. Such an unwelcome visit can trigger the so-called flea allergic dermatitis, which is extremely itchy. Dogs most often lick their paws or bottom to get rid of the unpleasant feeling.
Food allergy
An allergy to certain foods can also be manifested by abnormal licking of the paws. If you suspect that your dog is licking its food, tell your vet about your concerns. He usually starts an elimination diet, when the most common allergens are removed from the dog's diet, such as cereals, soy, cow's milk, corn or chicken, and observes how the dog reacts to elimination and gradual inclusion.
Dry skin
Leaving aside all the possible allergies that often cause licking, the explanation can be even simpler and that is dry skin. It is a consequence of e.g. excessive bathing, which strips the fur of its natural grease. The skin is then dry, irritated and itchy.
Injury or illness
Another potential cause of a dog's excessive licking is an injury to the paw itself. It often occurs in the summer when walking on hot pavement or, conversely, in the winter as a result of aggressive road salt. More serious causes can be finger fractures, soft tissue infection or nail bed disease.
Anxieties and obsessive behavior
Before you start looking for health complications, observe the dog's psychological state. Excessive paw licking can be caused by mental discomfort. Hasn't there been a big change lately? Didn't he start to be alone at home more, didn't he die or, on the contrary, didn't he have an animal friend at home?
Boredom
The explanation can be as simple as this. In short, the dog tries to amuse itself by licking its paws. This happens more often with working breeds that are used to being constantly in a sled.
Dermatitis, yeast and bacterial infections, hotspots - all these complications can be caused by excessive paw licking. It is important to regularly check the places between the fingers and pads, especially watch out for insidious wasps. Dry the paws thoroughly after each shower.
You know your dog better than anyone else. In order to recognize health complications, you must first know what is normal for your dog. Changes in the state of health are often slight or take place gradually, which makes it difficult to detect the problem in time. Licking paws in particular may seem harmless at first. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Pollen season
Have you noticed that the dog licks its paws most often when you return from a walk? This behavior may be a reaction to grass, pollen or mites. In some cases, it is enough to wash the paws from allergens and the dog will be relieved immediately. At other times, the allergy can be manifested by watery eyes, itching or a rash. Perhaps it reminds you strikingly of the pollen season hated by all human allergy sufferers. However, if you want to give your dog any medications that are commonly used by allergy sufferers, first of all consult with a veterinarian.
Fleas
Dog fleas, which supposedly do not attack humans, can make a nice clearing in a fur coat. Such an unwelcome visit can trigger the so-called flea allergic dermatitis, which is extremely itchy. Dogs most often lick their paws or bottom to get rid of the unpleasant feeling.
Food allergy
An allergy to certain foods can also be manifested by abnormal licking of the paws. If you suspect that your dog is licking its food, tell your vet about your concerns. He usually starts an elimination diet, when the most common allergens are removed from the dog's diet, such as cereals, soy, cow's milk, corn or chicken, and observes how the dog reacts to elimination and gradual inclusion.
Dry skin
Leaving aside all the possible allergies that often cause licking, the explanation can be even simpler and that is dry skin. It is a consequence of e.g. excessive bathing, which strips the fur of its natural grease. The skin is then dry, irritated and itchy.
Injury or illness
Another potential cause of a dog's excessive licking is an injury to the paw itself. It often occurs in the summer when walking on hot pavement or, conversely, in the winter as a result of aggressive road salt. More serious causes can be finger fractures, soft tissue infection or nail bed disease.
Anxieties and obsessive behavior
Before you start looking for health complications, observe the dog's psychological state. Excessive paw licking can be caused by mental discomfort. Hasn't there been a big change lately? Didn't he start to be alone at home more, didn't he die or, on the contrary, didn't he have an animal friend at home?
Boredom
The explanation can be as simple as this. In short, the dog tries to amuse itself by licking its paws. This happens more often with working breeds that are used to being constantly in a sled.
Dermatitis, yeast and bacterial infections, hotspots - all these complications can be caused by excessive paw licking. It is important to regularly check the places between the fingers and pads, especially watch out for insidious wasps. Dry the paws thoroughly after each shower.
You know your dog better than anyone else. In order to recognize health complications, you must first know what is normal for your dog. Changes in the state of health are often slight or take place gradually, which makes it difficult to detect the problem in time. Licking paws in particular may seem harmless at first. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.
Leave a comment