Have you noticed your dog licking
his paws much more than usual? While it’s a common grooming habit for canines,
excessive paw licking may indicate a bigger health problem. If your dog can’t
seem to stop licking his paws, there’s a chance he might be experiencing
irritation, itchiness, or pain. If he’s unable to stop for whatever reason, it
could lead to complications such as swelling or infection. If you want to know
how to stop a dog from licking paws, you have to find out what causes him from
doing so. Here are some of the most common causes:
1.
Yeast infection or allergies
Dogs can be allergic to food,
household products, plants, mold, dust mites, cleaning products, grooming
products, or medication. Your dog may be licking his paws more often than usual
because he may be suffering from an allergic reaction. Yeast infection, which
causes severe itchiness, is also a probable reason for excessive paw licking.
How to stop a dog from licking paws if he has allergies? Try giving him a foot
soak by mixing water with oatmeal shampoo for dogs.
Your vet can prescribe
antihistamines but you must also try to find the source of the allergy, whether
it’s from food, chemicals, or other environmental factors. Refrain from using
cleaning or bathing products that cause irritation and itchiness to your dog.
Find out if your dog is allergic to a particular type of food or brand and stop
feeding it to him.
2.
Gastroenteritis problems
Research showed that excessive paw
licking can be an indication of gastrointestinal
(GI) issues in canines. If you suspect that your dog might have GI problems and
want to know how to stop your dog from licking its paws, take him to the vet
for a checkup where he will undergo tests and examinations.
3.
Boredom
As much as we love our dogs, it
sometimes happens that we get too busy that we may not realize we’ve been
neglecting our pets. Dogs can get bored if left at home for long periods of
time and have the tendency to engage in destructive behavior like licking or
chewing of the paws. How to stop my dog from licking his paws out of boredom?
Make sure that you spend some time playing with your dog. Short training
sessions and proper socialization are also important. There are also several
ways you can keep your dog
entertained indoors.
4.
Anxiety
Dog anxiety can manifest
in symptoms such as aggressive or unusual behavior like paw licking. How to keep
dog the from licking paws if he’s anxious? You must find out what’s causing
your dog’s anxiety to be able to address the problem. It could be because of
boredom, depression, separation anxiety, lack of exercise, or an underlying
medical condition.
5.
Chronic pain
If your dog can’t suddenly stop
licking his paw, consider the possibility that he might be injured and is
experiencing severe pain. An inflammation, sprain, or fracture would often be
accompanied by limping. If you want to know how to stop a dog from licking his
paws, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
6.
Skin problems
Canines can suffer from skin problems like dry
skin, irritation, and dandruff. Dry and flaky skin can irritate your dog and
cause him to lick his paws more than usual. How to stop dog from licking his
paws if he has skin problems? Skin dryness, itchiness, and irritation can often
be resolved by making changes to your grooming and bathing routines. Your dog’s
overall skin and coat maintenance may also be addressed with a proper diet.
7.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal diseases like
hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease may make dogs prone to developing skin
problems like bald patches or red spots that they may lick constantly because
of irritation. How to stop your dog from licking his paws? Inspect his paws and
see if there are cuts, growths, or scrapes that can lead to infection. Take
your dog to the vet to rule out the possibility of a hormonal imbalance
problem.
8.
Fleas or ticks
When a dog infested with fleas, he
may have a reaction that he’s trying to relieve by licking his paws. A dog’s
immune system may react when the fleas’ saliva comes in contact with his skin, resulting
in a condition known as FAD or flea allergy dermatitis. Afflicted dogs suffer
from itchiness and other symptoms like, redness, thickened skin, hot spots,
hair loss, and paw licking.
How to keep a dog from licking
paws if he has fleas or ticks? You can have him wear a cone for protection.
Distracting him with chew toys might also work.
9.
Sore paws from cold weather
Your dog may lick his paws
excessively during winter, when he may have been exposed to deicing salts,
which are applied in the driveway and roads to melt ice. Ice balls may also
form in between a dog’s hairy toes, causing cracking, bleeding, and pain. If
this happens, how to prevent dogs from licking paws? When it’s winter and you
take your dog for a walk, make sure to wipe his paws with cloth and water when
you get back inside. Make sure to dry his paws properly to prevent moisture
buildup. For more read winter safety
tips for your dog,
10. Displacement / obsessive behavior
If the paw licking isn’t caused by
physical health issues, it’s possible that the habit is stemming from
behavioral problems. Dogs can suffer from what is known as a canine compulsive
disorder, with symptoms that include paw licking, chasing their own tail, and
sucking toys and blankets. Displacement behavior may also occur in dogs in the
same way it does in humans.
How to stop the dog from licking
paws raw? You can also try boosting your dog’s immune system by providing him
with a high-quality fish oil supplement. Fish oil is rich in omega fatty acids
and serves as an excellent anti-inflammatory. Whatever the reason for your
dog’s excessive paw licking, you may consult a vet for professional help if the
habit is causing your pet harm.
