21
Oct
When allergens come into contact with the abnormal epidermis of a dogs paw they cause inflammation itch and pain. Often times extreme licking of the paws is due to one of 3 underlying causes.
The second most common reason why dogs lick their paws is allergies Lucas says.
Why does my dog lick his paws all the time. Why do dogs lick their paws. Dogs lick their paws because of anxiety stress frustration boredom or OCD. But they may also do it due to poor paw condition and grooming injuries parasites or insect bites.
As a general rule the number one reason for a dog licking his paws excessively is allergies. When allergens come into contact with the abnormal epidermis of a dogs paw they cause inflammation itch and pain. Dogs lick their paws to relieve the discomfort caused by their immune system overreacting to allergens.
Although they dont often live on the feet if your dog isnt able to scratch the fleas they might start licking their paws instead as a distraction. If your vet has ruled out itchy feet they might discuss that your dog is licking for other reasons. If not theres a good chance hes dealing with a medical issue.
The second most common reason why dogs lick their paws is allergies Lucas says. Yeast infections which are primarily caused by an allergytend to begin either in a dogs ears or in their paws. Although hot spots or acute moist dermatitis can occur anywhere on your dogs body they are most often found on the head chest or hips.
Because dogs often incessantly scratch lick or bite. Dog Keeps Licking Paw All the Time Not just does extreme licking cause pain for your dog however it is frequently due to a hidden medical problem. Often times extreme licking of the paws is due to one of 3 underlying causes.
Atopy the equivalent of hay fever in people. Why Is My Dog Chewing His Paws. The most common cause.
Its a common skin disease that results from chronic inflammation and is associated with allergies. Like us humans our canine companions can suffer from the uncomfortable reality of allergies. When your dog keeps licking its paw continuously and obsessively the body hairs in that area start falling off and exposes the skin which then becomes red and shiny.
If licked further and undetected the area hardens up and sometimes the skin breaks and bleeds. These conditions are referred to as lick granulomas. Dogs with allergies have itchy skin and naturally tend to lick and chew their skin all the time.
Its totally normal for your dog to lick their paws occasionally as normal self-grooming especially after a muddy walk or whenever their paws might be dirty. However licking paws excessively is cause for concern and can indicate a number of health issues which should be addressed. Look out for these signs of harmful paw licking.