Dog Paw Licking

Whilst paw licking is a normal part of a dog’s self-grooming routine, there may be other factors at play.  If your dog is ‘over’ licking his paws the first thing to investigate is injury.  Dogs lick those places where injury occurs so try to rule that out.  Check for ticks, cracks, splits or broken skin.  It may even be as simple as an ant bite.  A vet should certainly address limps and fractures.  Dogs with diabetes may also have sore feet just as humans do.

Allergies can be another cause of paw licking.  These can be brought about through environment e.g. grasses, pollens etc.  Contaminants on the ground as well as chemicals like weed treatments can also urge a dog to paw lick. It can be due to one of these 3 underlying issues.

Atopy – (the equivalent of hay fever in people)
Food Allergies
Flea allergy dermatis

The moisture caused by excessive foot licking between the paws can cause a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. This can actually worsen the itchiness and clinical signs.

Your vet and a canine dermatologist can help to identify skin reactions and provide help.  Fungal infections or mites are just a couple of troublesome conditions that may be aggravating your dog.

Paw licking can be one way to ease boredom so aim to create a lifestyle where your dog is exercised and stimulated regularly.  It is also a way for a dog to self-soothe and therefore can be habit forming. Chat to your trainer about distraction methods etc. if you suspect you may have a chronic paw-licker in the making.

Please note that the above is not medical advice.

 

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)