If your dog spends a lot of time lying down and licking its feet, it&'s probably not because his paws taste good. The most common cause of paw licking is allergies. Your dog could be experiencing an allergic reaction to something it has eaten or something he has touched.
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Allergies
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Allergies in dogs are much like allergies in humans. A dog comes in contact with allergens every day. In a dog with allergies, the immune system reacts to allergens as though they are a serious threat. The immune system&'s attempt to expel the allergen from the dog&'s body is what causes an allergic reaction. Your dog can come in contact with allergens in its food or in the places it walks, according to the ASPCA.
Symptoms
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If a dog is experiencing a food allergy, its paws can become swollen. The skin might be covered in a moist red rash. The dog will spend a lot of time licking at the paws in order to soothe the itch. If a dog is experiencing contact dermatitis because of an allergy to something it has touched, then it is likely that in addition to swollen, itchy paws, it will also have a rash on its belly, according to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook."
Diagnosis
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If you have recently purchased a new carpet or changed cleaning supplies, keep your dog away from them. If this causes a decrease in paw licking and the other signs of allergies, then you will have found the problem. For food allergies, a veterinarian can prescribe a special diet free of potential allergens. After a few months, you can begin giving your dog old foods to figure out what is causing the allergic reaction.
Treatment
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The best way to treat an allergy in a dog is to remove the allergen from its environment. If a dog has a food allergy to chicken, then it should not be given food that contains chicken or any chicken products. If a certain cleaner is causing the allergic reaction, stop using it. Clean whatever the new cleaner was used on with a different cleaner, preferably one that your dog has been exposed to before and has not caused any problems.
Considerations
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Dogs of all breeds can develop allergies at any age. If a dog has a food allergy, it could require a special diet of homemade food for the rest of its life to make sure it does not end up with itchy paws again. There is a small chance that a dog that experiences allergies over a long period of time could develop a compulsion to lick its paws. Even after the allergic reaction is over, it could continue to lick at them.
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