It may be frustrating for dog owners to watch their dog constantly lick at its paws. Dogs on the other hand, may have their own good reasons for engaging in such activity. Because this annoying behavior may at times stem from health problems, it is important for dog owners to have a veterinarian assess the situation carefully.
-
Pain
-
It is always a good idea to inspect the dog's paws for anything abnormal. Dogs generally tend to lick when something is bothering them. Check for thorns, broken nails, swelling, open wounds, scratches and insect bites.
Allergies
-
The problem could be the food you are feeding your dog or the pesticides or fertilizers used on your yard. Skin allergies frequently affect a dog's paws.
Anxiety
-
When exposed to highly stressful situations, some dogs may resort to licking and even chewing their paws. This is often seen in cases of obsessive disorders or separation anxiety.
Boredom
-
A dog left alone all day in a crate may become frustrated and resort to licking its paws to keep itself occupied. This can be seen in high energy dogs that require lots of daily exercise and stimulation.
Considerations
-
Left untreated, paw licking may lead to a condition where the paws develop unsightly ulcers known as lick granulomas. To prevent this and find the underlying cause of the excessive licking, consult a veterinarian.
-