Why Dogs Chew And Lick Their Paws

Does your dog licks its paws excessively? Well, its important to determine whether your dog has an underlying health problem if this happens regularly. There are many reasons why canines chew or lick their paws. Below is a guide to help you determine why your dog is licking and chewing the paws.

Grooming

Dogs occasionally lick the paws for self-grooming. But if the dog licks its paws consistently, or licks one paw attentively, then there might be a problem. Here are common reasons why dogs lick or bite their paws from time to time.

Dandruff/Flakes

Dandruff in the dog’s fur might indicate dry and itchy skin, which often happens when your dog stays in certain seasons for long. That said, you should find moisturizing creams suitable for dogs to prevent dry and itchy skin.

Hot Spots

Repetitive licking by your dog can cause hot spots due to inflammation. This is usually a response to itchiness that happens overnight. As a result, this causes hair loss and turns the skin moist and red. If you notice these hot spots, you should apply an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory spray designed for dogs. 

Bacterial Infection

Often, bacterial infections develop if the dog’s skin is damaged. Look for presence of hair loss, flaky skin and generally redness of the skin. Wipe the skin with dog shampoo routinely to restore healthy balance of essential organisms that nourish the dog’s skin.

Yeast Infection

Yeast can also cause infection when left untreated and can cause odor, itchiness, and greasy skin. To treat greasy skin or yeast infection, you can use dog wipes and medicated shampoos with antifungal ingredients to prevent the infection from spreading.

Allergies

When the dog has itchy paws, then it might have an allergy. Studies show that allergies are often caused by food, environment, or any irritant that touches the dog’s sensitive skin. Brown staining, dark pigmentation and redness of the paws indicate signs of allergic reactions. Wipe or bath the dog’s paws regularly after it finishes playing outside to eliminate these allergens.

Conclusion

While topical dog sprays or creams can help to reduce the itch, intense licking usually indicate a underlying health problem. That means you have to visit the vet to get systemic medication to treat the condition before it worsens.

 

References: Petmd, The Spruce Pets, The Bark

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