Dogs are among the most interesting beings in the world. They are the best companions for humans and also have unique abilities that make them the best to live with humans. Do you know that dogs can detect human illness and smell human feelings? These are the major reasons why dogs make the best partners for humans.
Many reasons could cause dogs to lick their paws.
Here are six reasons why your dog could be licking his paws:
1. The presence of Parasites on Your Dog’s Paws
Your dog is trying to warn you when they lick their paws because they suffer from an infestation of parasites. As dogs walk around, they are prone to collecting mites, ticks, and lice that attach to their paws.
When your dog’s paws have parasites, they experience irritation, leading them to aggressively lick their paws. You can tell your dog’s discomfort by the rate at which they lick their paws.
Check your dogs’ paws to identify any parasites that could be causing them discomfort. Inspecting your dog should be done very often to make sure he is comfortable.
2. Your Dog Could Be Hurt
Licking their paws could be a way to help ease pain in their paws. Your dog could have hurt their paws as they ran outside and had their feet cut.
Other injuries include bee stings, insect bites, or burns. Whenever your dog starts licking their paws, check if they have any signs of being hurt.
You can also check for other characteristics that show pain, such as being more vocal, restless, or having any other abnormal behavior.
3. Allergic Reaction
Your dog may be experiencing an allergic reaction to either the food or a substance that has come into contact with their paws. Some dogs have allergic reactions to foods such as chicken and some flavored dog treats.
Other causes of allergic reactions include grass sprayed with chemicals, pollen, and dust. Your dog’s paws could be cold and inflamed. You should also check for any signs of swelling. The itchiness caused by allergies will make your dog lick their paws.
If you notice that your dog has dust, pollen, or grass allergies, always clean their paws after outdoor activities. Also, make sure to know that food causes your dog to feel itchy. Reduce or stop the intake of that food.
4. Anxiety and Boredom
Your dog could be licking their paws to help soothe themselves. Licking their paws could be a way in which they can overcome their feelings of anxiety and boredom. It could be a way to stimulate their brains and distract themselves.
You may notice that your dog licks their paws after being left home alone. This means your dog could be experiencing separation anxiety. It could get worse with time, and your dog may adopt other behavioral problems, such as tearing up their bed.
To deal with boredom and anxiety, get your dog play toys so that they stay away from licking their paws. Toys can also help deal with separation anxiety. If your dog is busy playing or engaged with a particular toy, it will not suffer separation anxiety.
5. Your Dog Is Coping With Change
Dogs, like human beings, do not always enjoy change. They thus acquire new behaviors in the event that there is an environmental change. Dogs may like their paws to help them cope with the uncomfortable state of a new environment.
As a dog owner with a sensitive dog, ensure you are ready to be present and help your dog cope with any changes. For example, when you move into a new house, be ready to help your dog cope with the new environment.
6. Skin Infections
Bacterial and fungal infections could result in itching of the paws. As a result, your dog will obsessively lick their paws to satisfy the need to itch.
Infections such as dermatitis will mainly result from the environment. Buying dog boots to hike in and for walks is advisable, especially in the rainy season.
Make sure to treat skin infections completely, and do not expose your dog to stray cats or other dogs that may transmit skin problems to your dog.
How to Stop Dog Licking Paws at Home
To help your dog stop licking their paws, you should ensure a disease does not cause it.
Here are some tips to help you stop dogs from licking paws at home:
- Buy your dog’s toys to keep them busy and prevent them from acquiring paw-licking behavior.
- Ensure your dogs exercise well during the day to help them not lick their paws at night.
- Make sure to clean your dog’s paws daily to check for any injuries, and nurse them as early as possible.
- Provide emotional support by showing love to your dog and assuring them in cases where they are in a new environment to help them cope with change.
When Should I Worry About My Dog Licking His Paws?
It would be best to worry when the behavior becomes very constant and seems very vigorous. As a dog owner, you can tell when your dog has higher stress levels. It is thus very easy to tell that your dog is also experiencing pain.
If you cannot tell what is wrong with your dog, it is best to visit a veterinarian to get your dog’s help. Itching is very uncomfortable, for whatever reason. It is advisable to help your dog overcome any discomfort to stay healthy.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for Licking Paws?
Yes, you can give your dog Benadryl, but you must first consult with your veterinarian. Benadryl will be helpful to your dog as the irritation on their paws results from any allergies that result from medications, insect bites, or bee stings.
However, Benadryl will only relieve itching and cannot be used to treat skin infections such as dermatitis. It is thus important to seek a vet’s opinion before giving Benadryl. Moreover, it would be best if you were very careful with the amounts you gave your dog so you would not overdose.
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