The behavior is not that bizarre for dogs. Canines lick one another as a submissive sign or when mothers clean and bond with their newborn pups. “Now that folk’s structure most of a dog’s pack, licking behavior has been transferred to us,” said Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, who serves on the planning board for Pet Life Today. “Dogs often lick people to point out Affection, as a greeting, or to easily get our attention. Of course, if you happen to possess a touch food, lotion, or salty sweat on your skin, which will play a task also.” alongside Affection, these are another thing your dog wants from you
Dogs do lick their paws often. It’s a common behavior among dogs. This is at times considered as a part of their self-grooming. You must have noticed dogs licking their paws frequently after having their meal, after returning from outside, etc. This is actually the dog who wants to keep itself clean. If you notice your dog licking paws constantly, it might be a sign of danger.
Are we taste yummy?
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If your dog is licking the bowl, the ground after a spill, or the counter after you’ve been cooking, you would possibly pretty easily have concluded that they simply just like the taste. But did you recognize that an equivalent thing is often true when they’re licking us? Sometimes we’ve tiny food particles that they will taste, and beyond that, dogs enjoy the salt on our skin.
Common causes for paw licking:
When your dog continually licks its paws, this action shows there be something wrong. The following mentioned underlying causes can be one of the reasons:
• Allergies from various foods.
• Allergies from fleas
• Apprehensive behavior
• Dryness of skin
• Boredom
• Imbalanced hormones
1. Pain:
If your dog is always licking his paw. It is an indication of an underlying cause such as wounds, broken nail, flea bite, or maybe allergy.
2. Allergies:
If your dog is continually licking its paw. It might be an allergy. These allergies can be a result of various things such as chemicals used at home. Some infections are also caused by yeast which is normally due to malnutrition. It is very important to keep an eye on the food our pet eats. Proper food with the best nutritional value should be provided to ensure good health.
Causes and treatment of dog allergies:
Allergies might have a root cause and once you figure that out, you can start the appropriate treatment. Some dog allergies along with treatments are mentioned below:
Allergy from food:
Some common food allergies are from all kinds of meat, additives used in the food. The best solution is to get a food allergy test and avoid giving your pet cheap artificial flavored food, instead give your dog natural products.
Allergy from pollen grains, mold or grass:
Do not allow your dog to go out if there are lots of pollen grains shedding. This can cause severe allergic reactions. Avoid your dog to go outside once you have trimmed the grass. Always clean your dog’s feet after he returns from outside. This will help to reduce such allergic reactions and itching due to which your dog licks his paw frequently.
Material:
Try not to use rubber or plastic material for your dog, rather give him food in stainless steel bowls. These will never cause irritation and itching which eventually leads to chronic allergic reactions.
Insecticides and perfumes:
Avoid using too much perfume, and other insecticides. The sharp smell could cause allergy to your pet.
GI issues:
Sometimes your pet might face some gastrointestinal disorders. These upset the pet’s stomach resulting in pain and discomfort. Due to the continuous pain, your dog starts to lick its paws.
Boredom:
Sometimes your dog licks its paws because he is bored. Dogs need to take out their excessive energy. If there won’t is any activity for your pet, he will get frustrated. It is recommended don’t leave your dog alone at home for a long time span. Provide dog toys for your pet, keep him busy with some dog puzzles. Dogs should be given time to play with or exercise. These activities will keep him busy, and it will never lick its paws.
Hormonal imbalance:
Hormonal imbalance can also be one of the reasons why your dog licks its paws. He might be having Cushing’s disease or maybe hypothyroidism. It is important to have a regular check-up of your dog to ensure its health.
Dry skin:
Breeds that are hairless are more likely to cause dry skin such as American hairless terrier, chines crested.
It can also be due to dry weather resulting in your pet to lick its paws. Dog lotion can be applied on a regular basis to cope up with this issue.
Moreover, over bathing also causes dry skin. This is because the soaps contain harsh chemicals that make the skin dry and itchy. Always try to bathe your dog with mild products.
What should be done to stop your dog from licking his paws:
It is important to stop your dog from licking his paws because continuous
licking will be caused by infection and other problems. Keep your pet busy with a variety of activities like catching the ball, Kong, etc. Make your pet wear an Elizabethan cone. You can also spray bitter apple to keep him away from his paws.
What natural solutions can be done?
- To deter your dog from its digits, you first have to find the core issue and plan the remedy accordingly. For instance, if your dog has any sort of infection. Apply ointment to the affected area which will solve the issue.
- Give a warm bath to your dog with baking soda added in the water. This will soothe his paws. Finally, the itchiness and discomfort will vanish.
- Since coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities. Rub it frequently on your dog’s feet. This will definitely give a feeling of comfort and relaxation.
When to see the Veterinarian:
If you feel no positive change despite trying all possible home remedies, this is the high time when you should rush towards the veterinarian. He will check and maybe will recommend some tests to find out about the underlying problem. Sometimes, we cannot see the problem with our naked eye. They are only caught when tested or after detailed physical examination by the veterinarian.
Synopsis:
Dogs licking their paws can be a normal behavior but at times it is considered as the cause of an underlying problem your dog is going through. It can be a result of different allergies, pain, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, or even boredom. Try to give a solution to the problem by using various home remedies such as spending more time with your pet, provide dog toys and puzzles to keep them engage, socialize with other dogs if he likes to. But, if you notice your pet is vigorously licking its paws, and the remedies applied are not working. This is the time when you should immediately rush towards the veterinarian for quite a detailed check-up.