A dog licks its paws: why and what to do?

Dogs, like humans, can develop a variety of bad habits. The most common problem is licking one's paws. It is somewhat similar to human when people constantly bite their nails.

Those who are not interested in the health of their pets, or simply do not have enough experience in keeping dogs, often do not pay attention to such actions of the animal. Many are sure that this is just a sign of cleanliness. But, despite the seeming harmlessness, this problem can be caused by serious reasons.

When the dog enthusiastically licks its paws, over time, wool is pulled out in these places, and then weeping wounds develop. Such consequences can already be considered a cause for concern. The resulting wounds heal for a long time. The dog will suffer from pain and constantly lick them, further exacerbating the situation.

Causes

This habit can arise for several reasons. Consider the main ones.

1. The most common reason for this habit is psychological problems. This is often the result of a lack of attention from the owner and other family members. Perhaps the pet is too rarely walking, and during the day he is left alone and bored. Being in the apartment alone, the dog talks all day long and feels lonely. It is because of this that such a habit develops. The dog licks its paws in order to occupy itself with something. Subsequently, this turns into an obsessive action. According to experts, this habit is most often observed in dogs of small sizes, which today are very popular. Therefore, when buying a puppy, it is important to think about whether you will have time to devote enough attention to it. Otherwise, you simply doom the animal to suffering.
2. The habit of licking paws can also develop due to the lack of any attention. This is also the fault of the owner. Dogs need to communicate so that their psychological state remains normal. If the pet does not feel care, it experiences stress. The dog’s attention switches to monotonous action. Such an action may be caused by a desire to attract at least some attention. The dog may understand that it is impossible to lick the paws, but wants to see that the owner noticed its actions and reacted to them.
3. Another reason is neurological. The dog can lick its paws due to the fact that he has pain in this area. This may be due to pinched nerves. It happens when a dog breaks his chain with all his might. If you think that the dog’s paws hurt, you need to contact a good specialist. Active games and activities at this time is better to limit.
4. Allergy. The dog may nibble and lick its paws due to itching. Most likely, she is allergic to any product or substance with which she comes in contact. In this case, it is very important to determine the cause, and eliminate the source of allergies.
5. Fungus. You yourself cannot determine if the dog really suffers from a fungus. But this is easily determined by the veterinarian, taking the necessary tests. Before you go to a specialist, you do not need to bathe an animal. This will prevent the doctor from seeing the full picture of the infection. The specialist will tell you how and how to help the pet.
6. Inflammation. Such a process can cause pain and itching in the dog, as a result of which it will constantly lick its paws. Perhaps she has a splinter or an old cut that does not heal for a long time. An infection easily gets into such wounds.
7. Diaper rash. Longhair dogs most often suffer from such a problem. The cause of diaper rash may be poorly dried coat after bathing or rain.If the coat remains wet for a long time and is not ventilated, an unfavorable microflora develops on the skin. Feeling irritated, the dog begins to lick its paws, which further exacerbates the problem.
8. Parasites. The cause of paw licking can be commonplace fleas. We may not notice them, but they live in the pet’s thick coat, biting its skin. The bites themselves cause discomfort, in addition, the pet may be allergic to their saliva. If there is such a problem, then even after several bites of fleas, the dog will gnaw hard and lick its paws. To avoid this, you need to carefully care for the coat and body of your pet.
9. Joint diseases. These problems develop most often in animals aged. But in recent years, they are also observed in young pets. The veterinarian will help to cope with the problem. Signs that the dog started having joint problems are lameness, decreased activity, and swelling at the joint site.
10. Bowel problems. If the dog does not eat properly, it can often cause heartburn and a stomachache. Paw licking may be a symptom of such a problem. In this way, the dog wants to induce vomiting to alleviate the condition.
11. Chemical reaction. During the walk, the pet's paws can come in contact with grass treated with chemical fertilizers, or with snow sprinkled with reagents. This may cause irritation. In addition, it can lead to poisoning. Therefore, after a walk, it is advisable to wipe the pet's paws well.
12. Too long claws. So that the dog does not try to shorten its long claws on its own, it is necessary to cut them in time.
13. Bones. When a dog eats bones, it pinches them with its paws, so appetizing leftovers remain on them.

How to solve the problem?

Even if you correctly determine the reason for the development of this habit in your dog, getting rid of it will not be easy. Regardless of the original cause, licking becomes an obsessive action. Experts recommend constantly distracting the dog from this action. It should be something that will cause interest in the pet. For example, a treat or a favorite game.

The main thing is not to start this problem, and try to help the dog. To prevent the development of such habits, it is important to pay attention to the pet, properly care for the dog, regularly visit a veterinarian, and walk daily.

Video: how to properly wash the dog's paws after a walk