What Causes a Greyhound to Lick Its Toes?

Greyhounds, like other dogs, lick their toes for physical and psychological reasons. When a greyhound licks or chews the pads of its toes excessively, owners should become concerned about its health and happiness. Many factors cause greyhounds to lick their toes, and owners may need to consult with a veterinarian for help. Excessive licking also causes sores, which is a condition known as lick granulomas.

  1. Cleanliness

    • Dogs, just like cats, lick parts of their bodies to keep them clean. Greyhounds may lick their toes after walking, digging or anything else that might make their feet dirty. Owners can stop excessive licking if it becomes a problem by cleaning the greyhounds' feet after such activities.

    Injury and Illness

    • Injuries will cause the greyhound to lick to try to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Greyhound paw injuries include scratched skin; burns; lesions; foreign bodies like burrs between claws; thorns embedded in the pads of the toe; and cuts. If an injury occurs, the owner needs to take the dog to get medical attention.

      Infections, brain chemistry changes or hormonal changes like hyperthyroidism can cause greyhounds to start licking their toes excessively. If this occurs, a veterinarian can help to find the cause and relieve the underlying symptoms to help stop the licking behavior.

    Allergies

    • Some grasses cause allergies for greyhounds. These allergies cause excessive itching and greyhounds lick their toes trying to get rid of the discomfort caused by the allergy.

    Stress

    • Greyhounds have been traditionally raised as racing dogs. Trained greyhounds can become bored as household pets because they have no commands to follow and they miss the excitement of racing. Boredom can cause greyhounds to lick their toes excessively. This licking can then turn into a habit or addiction. Licking increases endorphin levels for dogs and helps to relieve boredom and stress. Greyhounds also may lick their toes as a result of a compulsive disorder. Dogs that feel they are neglected by the family or dogs that do not have the company of other dogs also tend to lick their toes excessively.