Why Does Your Dog Lick His Paws? Understanding and Addressing Skin Irritation

As dog owners, we know how important it is to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. One behaviour we may notice in our dogs is excessive paw licking. While occasional paw licking is normal, persistent and excessive licking can be a sign of skin irritation. In this blog post, Doggy Styles Dayspa will explore the common reasons why dogs lick their paws, the potential causes of skin irritation, and provide tips on how to address this issue to keep your canine companion comfortable and content.

Reasons for Paw Licking:

1. Allergies: Dogs can develop allergies to different substances in their environment, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. These allergies can manifest as itchy skin, leading to paw licking as a way to find relief.

2. Dry Skin: Just like humans, dogs can experience dry skin, particularly during harsh weather conditions or due to a lack of necessary nutrients. When their paws become dry and itchy, dogs may resort to licking them to alleviate the discomfort.

3. Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate your dog's skin and trigger excessive paw licking. These tiny critters can cause intense itching, prompting your dog to lick his paws in an attempt to relieve the itchiness.

Addressing Skin Irritation:

1. Consult Your Veterinarian: If you notice your dog excessively licking his paws and suspect skin irritation, it is important to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination. They can help identify the underlying cause of the skin irritation and recommend appropriate treatments.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Providing your dog with a well-balanced diet that includes necessary nutrients can help improve his overall skin health. For some dogs this may mean a clean raw diet but for others with specific allergies, it may mean a veterinary prescribed diet. If you are a raw feeder, there are many mobile delivery services that service Redlands area, including Gourmet Pet Food Australia.

3. Regular Grooming: Regularly grooming your dog can help remove allergens, debris, and potential irritants from his paws. Gently clean his paws with a mild, natural pet shampoo designed for sensitive skin, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or wet walks. Be sure to feel in between his paw pads for prickles and knots as this can become very irritating and sore if left untreated. For fluffy dogs or dogs who live inside on tiled or timber floors, we recommend receiving regular clipping of the internal paw pad area to mitigate the risk of prickles and knots, and also to allow your dog extra grip on slippery surfaces.

4. Minimize Exposure to Allergens: If allergies are the root cause of your dog's paw licking, try to minimize his exposure to common allergens. Keep your home clean, vacuum regularly, and wash your dog's bedding frequently to reduce the presence of allergens like pollen and dust mites. Bellamy's Carpet Cleaning and Pest Control offer excellent carpet cleaning and flea and tick treatments for Redlands residents and have been doing so for 42 years!

5. Use Natural Skin Soothing Products: Look for natural, high-quality skin soothing products that are safe for dogs. Some ingredients to look out for include aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and Tea Tree Oil. These ingredients can help soothe irritation and provide relief to your dog's itchy paws. Doggy Styles also offers a Mineral Cleanse to help pups who have skin irritation. Our signature products harness the power of Dead Sea Minerals amongst other botanical ingredients to provide relief to itchy, dry, sore or hot skin. The Mineral Cleanse is available as dog spa treatment and also in our dog hydrobath for Redlands residents.

6. Keep Your Dog Active and Engaged: Boredom and anxiety can also lead to excessive licking. Ensure your dog gets regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of quality time with you to prevent him from resorting to excessive paw licking as a means of coping. If you are a busy working pawrent, consider taking your dog to a Doggy Daycare one or two days a week to stimulate their mind and body.

Conclusion: Excessive paw licking can be a sign of skin irritation in your beloved canine companion. By understanding the reasons behind this behaviour and taking appropriate steps, you can help alleviate your dog's discomfort and keep his skin healthy and itch-free. Remember, if you notice persistent paw licking or any signs of skin irritation, consulting your veterinarian is always the best course of action to ensure your dog receives proper care and treatment. With a little extra attention and care, your dog will be happy and licking-free in no time!

About the Author:

Leita Culpeper is the creative mind behind Doggy Styles Dayspa, Doggy Hampers, and Doggy Eco. With six years of experience in the pet industry, she's mastered the art of pet care through her grooming business and pet gift hamper company.

Fascinated by animal psychology, Leita shares her expertise through her YouTube channel, Doggy Lifestyles, where she interviews top experts in dog training, nutrition, and lifestyle trends. Doggy Lifestyles has become the go-to resource for pet owners seeking to enhance their furry companions' quality of life. With Leita's passion and dedication, Doggy Styles Dayspa, Doggy Hampers, and Doggy Eco epitomize excellence in the pet industry, fostering stronger bonds between pets and their humans.