We all wish to have a heartfelt conversation with our dogs and understand what they want to convey to us through their gestures but it’s still a process that doesn’t seem to end. We would like to believe that the day when we would be able to communicate our feelings to our furry friends is not so far. Researchers have been studying the behavior of canines for a long time now and so far they have been able to present theories related to a few traits that these pooches exhibit. One such canine behavior that has always given rise to curiosity is the licking of paws. Why do dogs lick their paws? Let’s find out what makes them indulge in this activity!
Soothing The Ache
There are times when dogs manage to keep their pain to themselves and no one finds out that they are uncomfortable. However, when canines are suffering and are under a lot of pain, they tend to lick their paws. It’s one way to convey their aching. The pain could be due to arthritis, a sting wound, or a thorny plant or object under the skin. You cannot judge the severity of the pain but a veterinarian can. So, it is advised to take your pooch to a specialist to know the real reason for that pain.
Coping With An Allergic Reaction
Dogs can face an allergic reaction to certain things in the surroundings or particular food items that their bodies can’t adapt to. However, it is hard to comprehend the allergies of a canine unless you witness a change in their behavior or notice their health deteriorating. When you observe that the pooch has been licking its paws for quite a while, it can be due to an allergy. This is one of the common explanations given for this habit. Allergies cause discomfort for the dogs and they begin licking and chewing frequently as that makes the irritation slightly less painful. Firstly, take a look back at all the changes you have made to your dog’s lifestyle and whether there has been a new food item or ingredient introduced in their regular meals. If that isn’t the case, just visit a vet.
Sign Of Dermatitis
Take a closer look at the paw pads of your canine before taking any further action. If there’s nothing strange in the way their feet look, the excessive licking might be due to an itchy skin disease called dermatitis. This is usually caused due to some bacterial infections and leads to allergies. In some cases, this infection arises due to the chemicals that you might spray in your garden where your pup plays. Before your dog steps in the house after being on the lawn for a while, clean their paws with a damp towel. This will keep away the allergic particles that may have been stuck to them.
Lack Of Fun
No one likes a dull day with no recreational activities to cheer us up. It is exhausting to even think of such a phase when monotony surrounds us. Well, this is no different in the case of dogs. They can’t tolerate stillness in their lives. They need to utilize the energy that they are filled with and when they find nothing to do that, our furry friends turn to lick their paws. They might indulge in constant chewing on various stuff around them and licking their body or even barking too much unusually. You have to keep them active by taking them out for a walk or conducting play sessions with them regularly.
Dealing With Dryness
Humans are not the only ones affected by dry skin troubles. Canines are also the target of dryness and the issue can be quite galling for them. So, to feel at ease, dogs may start licking the dry area. Turns out, the constant licking aggravates the situation and their skin might not respond well to this action. While hairless breeds have a higher possibility of experiencing dry skin, other canines may have to deal with this skin problem. You can stop your dog from licking its skin when he is around you, but you can’t control this action every time. So, it’s better to take precautions by moisturizing your pooch with the special creams created for dogs. Add fish and coconut oil in their meals to let their skin breathe without that flaky sensation.
An Anxious Behavior
In general, dogs like to lick their paws as it sends a relaxing sensation through their body and helps them hold onto a peaceful state of mind. But if you notice that your pooch has started licking his paws quite often and is unable to refrain from that action, you might want to understand this theory related to licking. According to a few studies, dogs lick their paws more than usual when they are stuck in an anxious or stressful phase. You can cheer them up by walking them in a calm environment or not altering the smooth routine that makes them comfortable. If you are unable to help your pooch, take them to a vet as medical assistance can be quite effective in such scenarios.
Fighting With The Hormones
Dogs can undergo hormonal changes in their bodies and sometimes, these anatomical alterations can have an impact on the behavior of the pooch. Their skin turns dry and itchy for various reasons and one of the medical conditions that lead to this is referred to as Cushing's disease that arises due to the high amounts of cortisol (a hormone produced by adrenal glands) being released into the system. Hypothyroidism which occurs as a result of low thyroid levels is also one of the reasons for the skin infections that makes the dogs lick continuously and excessively. Proper medical treatment must be given to the pets when this problem is diagnosed.
The Bathing Regime
We like to watch our dogs all groomed and clean after a rejuvenating bath. Dogs should be given a refreshing shower but anything when overdone can be risky. So, dog owners need to fix days for bathing their pooches. Chronic licking can happen when they feel discomfort due to the irritating skin that can be a consequence of excessive bathing. Mostly, it is recommended that dogs should be bathed once a month, and canines with certain sensitivities should be given the necessary bath according to their requirement. Apart from the bathing routine, one must use safe shampoos and conditioners that will be appropriate for your pet friends.
A Flea Attack
Fleas and ticks are a dog’s worst enemy. Once they attack a pooch, it becomes quite difficult to get rid of them as they stick with no intention to leave the pet’s fur. This makes the dog uncomfortable and the pesky ticks cause peeving that leads to a continuous urge to scratch and lick. Dog specialists always recommend that the owners should incorporate flea and tick preventatives in their pet’s routine. Keep a check on your dog’s fur, particularly when they have been out playing or walking. Fleas and ticks may enter from the most unexpected places and so, one needs to stay alert. If an infestation occurs, ask the vet about the products that cure such troubles. There are special shampoos and other tools available to make those nettlesome parasites go away. Some effective flea-eradication techniques for your home should be followed.
Frosty Trouble
At some places, winters are way more intense and it would be snowing for days at a stretch. For dogs, their fur might protect them from the frosty weather while out for the daily walk but snow can be the reason for some serious discomfort for the canines. If the snow finds its way into the dog’s paw hairs, it will clump together to form tiny ice balls between their toe pads. That can be really annoying! That’s when your pooch will start licking the paws excessively. Snow is not the only thing that causes irritation, de-icing salts and chemicals are equally responsible for such discomfort experienced by canines during snowy days. Use protective boots for your dogs and always clean their paws with warm water and a soft towel after a walk in the snow.
Remedies For Excessive Licking
If you spot your dog licking his paws unusually and way too many times during the day, it’s time to take some action as that is not a healthy habit. Try to prevent your pooch from licking by distracting him with various activities. You can bring a cone-shaped emergency collar that will act as a necessary obstruction between their mouth and the paws. You can use a soft cloth or a proper bandage to cover the impacted region. The bitter apple spray is also one option that will discourage the pooch from touching the affected area. It will be a barrier but it can’t be sprayed directly on the itchy or broken skin. Contact the vet for professional guidance and they definitely are capable of pointing out the exact reason for excessive licking. The vet will offer correct and effective treatment.
