Have you ever wondered what makes a dog obsessively lick his paws? A dog may lick his paws for a number of reasons. According to Pet Education, the most common reasons include a skin condition such as mange, allergies, behavioral problems or even diseases such as cancer. The good news is whatever the reason, treatments are available to curb his licking.
-
Skin
-
Cool baths with Epsom salts and oatmeal can provide a dog temporary relief from dry, itchy skin. Specially formulated shampoos are also available to help sooth irritated skin.
Topical applications, such as cortisone, steroids and aloe are skin calming treatments that can eliminate the itch and stop the lick, as well as promote healing of a skin infection. Cortispray and Dermacool---made with witch hazel---are also options.
Dogs suffering from mange---a condition caused by infected parasitic mites that burrow beneath the skin---must be treated with a prescription drug, such as Amitraz or Ivermectin.
Allergies
-
When the allergen is known, allergy injections provide the best cure for allergy symptoms such as itchy paws that result in continuous licking. Epinephrine, corticosteroids and antihistamines may reduce itching and can be effective treatments for seasonal allergy sufferers who have reactions to grass, pollen and mold. Allergic reactions caused by flea bites also respond well to steroids and antihistamines. For dogs suffering from food allergies, a diet change is the remedy of choice. However, avoiding irritants that cause allergic reactions is the best treatment to quell symptoms.
Behavioral Problems
-
Veterinarian-prescribed behavior modification medications may be the answer for canines with behavior-induced paw licking caused by trauma, separation anxiety, stress or even boredom. There are several psychotropic medications like Clominpramine available for canines suffering from these issues. In addition, working to change the dog's behavior with the aid of behavior modification techniques can also prevent obsessive licking.
Diseases
-
When itchy paws are caused by an underlying disease such as cancer, a medication like Ketoconazole may be the answer. It's a prescription drug the dog takes orally. In addition, cool baths with Epsom salts or oatmeal may also offer temporary relief. Dogs with arthritis usually experience relief with anti-inflammatory medication.
-