Why do dogs chew their paws? Is she chewing and sucking on her own means of transportation, or is she strangely licking her toes and feet? Such conduct raises concerns in addition to being weird and impolite around guests. How much is excessive?
You should be concerned if your dog’s paw gnawing or licking is excessive, protracted, or frequent. Additionally, you should consult your veterinarian if your dog is limping and the “overly licked” region is red, bloated, bleeding, or musty.
The following is a list of the most frequent causes of excessive paw licking and chewing in dogs:
“Dry skin”
Like us, dogs might experience dry skin throughout the winter or in arid locations. However, dogs may lick their paws to relieve the itchy sensation of dry skin on their paw pads rather than moisturising or purchasing some lotion at CVS. The fact that your dog has dry skin may also be a sign that she isn’t eating enough fatty acids. Fatty acids maintain the flexibility and health of the skin and coat.
If you believe this to be the case, you can correct the deficit by adding a splash of olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or fish oil to your dog’s diet a few times each week. Or think about using an animal-specific skin balm.
Allergies
Dogs may become allergic to cleaning supplies or chemicals in your home, as well as seasonal allergies to pollens and moulds. However, canine food allergies are common and frequently cause skin rashes that spread throughout the body.
Certain proteins in their food (beef, lamb, dairy, chicken, wheat, eggs, maize, or soy) might cause sensitivities in certain dogs, but it can be challenging to pinpoint the offending component on your own. It’s probable one of the elements in your most trusted dog food is the problem because a dog must have previously been exposed to the offending ingredient in order for her to develop the allergy.
Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s diet to see if there are any dietary adjustments you can make to reduce skin irritation.
Injury
Your dog may be nursing an injury if they lick their paws excessively, such as a fractured claw or toe or a cut or puncture to the toe pads. This may be the best explanation if your dog is very energetic or has been running off-leash in unfamiliar area.
Always make sure to look for a starting cause on the paw (or any region that has been overly combed). Look for any obvious indications of damage to the region.
Watch out for burrs, splinters, wounds, rips, and cuts to the paw pads.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and mites all undoubtedly cause itchiness, and your dog may attempt to relieve the discomfort by licking the pests off or biting them out.
The easiest parasite to locate is a tick, but mites are rarely noticeable and fleas are hard to spot unless they’ve become out of control on your dog.
Talk to your veterinarian for parasites if you are unable to find another reason for your dog’s behaviour, especially if you do not already regularly treat your dog for ticks and fleas.
Upset psychologically
Dogs, as with many other animals, including people, are prone to over-grooming when they’re stressed, lonely, unhappy, or bored.
A dog’s nervous system may be momentarily calmed by licking his paws if he feels “overstimulated” or isn’t getting enough play, excitement, or affection.
Undoubtedly, some dogs have a natural tendency towards anxiety, especially while their owners are gone. Rescue dogs may have been subjected to abuse or neglect, which intensified their dread and anxiety. Watch your dog’s behaviour and what else is going on in the house when it occurs.
A caring dog sitter or dog walker can work wonders to make your dog feel less stressed if they are left home alone a lot.
The conclusion
If your dog never licked herself, it would be strange. However, if your dog is continuously licking the same spot after a few days or a week, call your veterinarian right once.
Because the conduct may be self-perpetuating, it is crucial to step in and look for a solution. Your dog may lick what begins as an injury, but she may come to like the sensation. Since licking can result in fresh paw injuries (tongues are harsh and moist! ), the dog may continue to lick at the wound even if doing so would only exacerbate it.
This activity may result in a pretty terrifying lick granuloma, an open wound on the paw or leg, or it may be accompanied by a skin infection caused by bacteria or yeast. It is therefore best to get aid as soon as you realise the licking and chewing have become excessive.
