There are many things that our dogs do that we take as normal behavior when, in fact, it could be the sign that something is amiss. For instance, has your dog ever started licking their paw… and then continue to lick it for what feels like five minutes? Well, while often nothing to worry about, we at Dan’s Pet Care have asked the experts on what some of the reasons could be.
Why does my dog lick their paws?
Licking is an important way for dogs to groom themselves as well as to communicate and show emotion. For the most part, licking is entirely normal behavior for a dog. However, there are a few underlying causes for excessive licking. And as always, while we hope this information is useful, if your dog is licking their paw more frequently and obsessively than usual, take them to the veterinarian to get them checked out.
Allergies - your dog could have a food allergy or be reacting to allergens in the environment.
Dry skin - the licking could be due to dry skin.
Anxious behavior - an especially anxious dog is more prone to lick their paws frequently to self-soothe.
Boredom - your dog might need more attention or exercise if the only thing they find interesting is their paw.
Observe the paws for clues
Check out your dog’s paws! Is there blistering or a certain area that seems more licked? Check for foreign objects that could be lodged in their paw and take note of any unusual or specific details that could be useful in figuring out what the cause is.
How can I get my dog to stop licking their paws?
It is important that one distracts their dog in order to get them to stop licking their paws instead of scolding them. If the licking is to self-soothe their anxiety or moisten their dry skin, you don’t want to scold your dog for a perfectly normal reaction to a condition. Try diverting your dog’s attention away from their paw by engaging them in an activity. It could be as simple as offering a treat in exchange for obeying a command, or giving them a bone or toy to play with instead.
Consider a trip to the vet
If continuous licking persists, it is time for you to consider taking your dog to the vet. A veterinarian can provide an official diagnosis and prescribe anti-anxiety medicine if the dog is anxious or obsessive, or dislodge the foreign object in their paw if there is something stuck in their paw. Ultimately, a veterinarian is going to be able to pinpoint the cause and help find a solution for your dog.
