Dogs repetitively licking their paws, known as paw licking, can lead to conditions like moisture-induced dermatitis and exacerbate skin inflammation on the soles of the feet.
Once a dog starts, it can continue for hours. Online communities often share stories of pet owners scolding or admonishing their dogs for this behavior. But why do dogs do this?
According to SparkPet and Zoetis on the 18th, the behavior of dogs licking their paws can worsen in the humid summer. It’s imperative to quickly identify the cause while carefully managing the situation at the same time as a pet owner.
Dogs lick their paws for various reasons. If it happens occasionally, it’s a normal behavior they engage in to groom themselves or to seek comfort and relaxation.
However, if the behavior becomes frequent, it is a sign that there is a problem. The causes can include paw injuries from grass, thorns, or foreign objects during walks, as well as infections from bacteria or fungi, allergies, joint pain, and stress due to anxiety or boredom. If the paw-licking behavior persists for a long time, it can worsen interdigital dermatitis, causing swelling and even bleeding between the toes. In severe cases, it can even lead to compulsive behavior. Since improvement in symptoms may not occur easily, when pet owners witness the paw-licking behavior, they sometimes react by scolding their dogs, saying things like “No! Stop it!”
Kim Min Hee, a pet behaviorist at SparkPet, advises, “Scolding them can make the dog feel frustrated and increase their stress levels, leading to unintended consequences where they may lick more severely when not observed by their owners.” She further recommends, “Providing them with plenty of toys or increasing the frequency and duration of walks can redirect their attention elsewhere.”
It’s especially important to identify the root cause of the dog’s paw-licking behavior. If it’s due to itching from allergic or atopic dermatitis, consulting a veterinarian for medication can be helpful.
Lee Da Rae, a veterinarian from Zoetis’ pet care team, says, “If allergic dermatitis is initially left untreated, it can lead to chronic skin damage accompanied by secondary infections. This makes treatment more challenging. If allergies are suspected, it’s advisable to visit a nearby animal hospital promptly to initiate treatment.”
She continues, “Apoquel, the first medication for canine allergic dermatitis, is recognized as an irreplaceable treatment due to its efficacy in improving skin conditions. Recently, Apoquel Chewable Tablets were released with the same ingredients as the original Apoquel. It’s made to suit a dog’s taste, making it easier to administer and reduce the stress of taking medication.”
To reduce a dog’s paw-licking behavior, it’s also crucial to maintain good daily habits. During the summer, when outdoor activities increase, washing their paws too often can dry out their skin. Dry skin can lead to itching, causing the dog to lick their paws excessively to relieve the itchiness.
Kim said, “To minimize contact with water, consider wearing walking shoes, and thoroughly dry their paws with cool air after washing them with water.” Kim added, “Using a waterless paw cleanser designed for dogs is also recommended.”
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