Why do dogs lick their paws?
Your dog licking its paws may seem like a common practice. But how common is your dog engaging in this action? If it is once in a while, then fine. However, there is a cause of alarm if your dog is constantly licking its paws.
Often human beings will think that their dog licking paws are associated with the dogs’ liking of the paw. But does your dog licking its paw mean the dog likes paws? Let us find out what it means when a dog is licking its paw:
What does it mean?
Here are some reasons explaining why your dog can’t get enough of his paw:
- Allergies
If you have grown up around dogs, you know they are bound to get seasonal allergies related to the pollens and molds are a major cause of excessive licking. What people do not know is that dogs are also prone to getting allergies because of the food they consume. Sadly, the allergies affect various parts of their bodies, especially their paw, and because of the irritation they feel, the dog has no option but to lick the paw.
- Dry Skin
There are a number of reason for dry skin, from hormonal upsets, food allergies to the central heating in your home. One reason could be an under active thyroid gland that would mean the skin is not being kept supple and moist. Whether you have oily skin or normal skin, you understand how irritating dry skin can get. Surprisingly, dogs also feel the irritation once their skin runs dry. As a result, they have no choice but to seek refuge in licking their paws.
- Parasites
The other obvious reason why your dog is licking their paws is because of disease and parasites. When buying a dog you were most likely advised on the importance of your dog’s hygiene. It is unfortunate that no matter how well you manage to keep your dog clean and immunized, it will sometimes get attacked by ticks and other parasites. The feeling of these creatures on the dog is not comfortabe. In an attempt to relax their bodies to get rid of this awful feeling, the dogs opt for licking their paws.
- Injury and pain
Dog experts indicate that besides the three health issues above, a dog can also lick their paws when they are in pain. They do this in an attempt to get rid of the pain. If you have an active dog and all of a sudden it changes to being dull and too much into the paws, consider checking if they have any injuries or if they are nursing some sort of pain. Other reasons why your dog is licking their paw is because of hormonal imbalance and the changes in weather (cold weather).
There is no doubt as dog owners we need to look out for any changes in our dogs behaviour. However, there is no to panic, the only thing you need to do is take your dog for a checkup. This will help in understanding better why your dog is licking his paws for the correct measures to be put in place. It is always best to consult with your vet if you feel that your dog is licking his paws excessively.
