Have you ever seen your dog licking its paw ? This seems super normal, because after all, who doesn’t scratch themselves sometimes or something?
But in the case of frequent licks, they could mean that there’s something wrong with the pet’s physical or emotional health.
In both cases, proper treatment is essential so that they remain free of discomfort and can continue to be the cutest things in the world, with great well-being!
Dog licking its paw: know what are the causes
Parasites
Unfortunately, parasites are responsible for causing our pets various annoyances, from simple itches, or infections, skin problems, to more serious illnesses.
In the midst of all this, licking your paws is one of the signs that these pets are disturbing the doggies, and that’s why we should keep an eye out.
Ticks, fungi and fleas are small, but very agile and sneaky when it comes to taking advantage of the fluffy and furry body of dogs. Thus, they cause itchiness that can even hurt them, in addition to resulting in psychogenic or allergic dermatitis, which leads to frequent licking.
Dirt
Here’s an example: Have you ever gone a while without washing your hair and it made your scalp itchy?
So, that’s because dirt really causes discomfort. In the case of dogs, instead of scratching, the instinct is to lick their paws.
This part of the body is always and directly exposed to all types of waste. Whether on the street, backyard, or even indoors, splinters, pebbles, remnants of everything can get into their paws.
In this case, both the nuisance of dirt and even physical pain are possible, as when we step on sharp objects, for example.
Emotional
Dogs licking their paws is not just physical discomfort, but a sign that they are sad, bored or anxious.
Who never kept swinging their feet in a moment of tension? Yeah, with dogs, this also happens and they externalize what they are feeling inside.
Skin and allergy problems
Dogs are very prone to skin and allergic conditions, and to relieve them, he licks where it bothers him. When it’s on the paws, they lick them frequently.
In these cases, it is important to take them to the veterinarian, especially to a specialist.
And when it comes to allergies, you should pay attention and investigate whether your pet does not have symptoms due to fabric, food, mold, mites, etc.
So the dog licking its paw is likely to indicate that some of these things should be considered.
What to do when this happens?
Observe
As we have seen, there is not only one cause for the “ lick lick ”, therefore, observing is the first step, as this is the only way you will be able to identify the real reason why your pet is licking itself.
Look at the paws, see if there are no wounds, redness, pus and parasites. Also, a lot of dirt or debris of all kinds.
Also check that he has not been locked up for a long time, without a walk, in a small space, etc., as the symptoms can be emotional.
avoid the licks
We know it seems obvious, but from the reasons we talked about, don’t you think you can prevent them from licking their paws?
A clean, welcoming environment and up-to-date visits to the veterinarian already rule out many of the causes.
Don’t underestimate our power to improve our little friends’ quality of life. As the expression says, who loves, takes care!
That is, when a dog licking a paw is something common around, start by preventing it from happening other times, but first…
Go to the vet
An expert is an expert, and as much as guardians observe and avoid them, when the licks are already a reality, only the veterinarian will indicate the appropriate treatment.
If you yourself cannot find out the reason for the “mania”, he investigates further and treats the occurrence in a private and professional manner.
But what is the treatment for this nuisance anyway?
It depends on what caused it, so going to the vet is important.
If the reason for the pet to lick its paws is dirt or waste, a cleaning is enough for them to stop.
On the other hand, if the issue is emotional, giving them more affection, attention, playtime and outdoors, so that they can run, vent and burn energy, are the best alternatives.
As for parasites, removing them with specific products is a good start. Also, keeping the places where the dog sleeps and transits clean is also a way to avoid pets.
In episodes of allergy, you should investigate what the puppy is allergic to and keep it away from what causes the symptoms.
Same thing with skin problems in general, first investigate the reason and then comes the appropriate treatment.
Caring for Paws
Check out the essential care for the paws of our little friends:
- keep it in always clean places and especially without shards, glass, splinters, stones, etc.;
- never walk with him when the ground is hot, the rule is: if you can’t stand going barefoot, neither can he;
- nowadays, there are specific moisturizers and products for pets’ paws, investing in them is a good idea;
- sanitizing and cutting nails is very important;
- on the floor, use only pet-specific cleaning products;
- clean clothes, blankets, beds and carpets to avoid fungus and mites;
Catching the dog licking its paw is a common scene, which doesn’t mean there isn’t something wrong with it.