We all have habits that are hard to break. Whether it’s nail biting, smoking, or fidgeting, we know there are ways to control these actions. However, with pets, you may think it’s a completely different matter. If one day you notice that your dog is licking its paws, your first instinct is perhaps a normal reaction to something. However, if you find that after several days the licking hasn’t stopped, there could be cause for concern. First of all, it is important to define the reason for this behavior.
Why does your dog lick his paws to the point where he starts to lose hair? There may be a number of reasons, and the following may not immediately apply to your pet. If you can’t get to a vet in a timely manner, consider the following possibilities and see what can be done to determine the true cause:
- Your dog may be experiencing pain in his paws and joints. If your pet is of legal age, he could be affected by joint irritations or arthritis that make it difficult for him to move. Licking could be a way to relieve pain, if only temporarily.
- Your dog may have an undetected allergy. If this happens in the spring, it could be a pollen problem, or if your dog walks in an area treated with pesticides, he could experience a reaction to the chemicals. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior when he goes for a run.
- A less serious reason: there may be something stuck in there! Just as a pebble in our shoe bothers us, if one of them gets stuck in a paw it could mean a lot of pain for your four-legged friend. If you suspect this, do a careful inspection of the paw.
- Lastly, a dog can lick its paws for the same reason we bite our nails… it’s a habit to break. Some dog owners and veterinarians may suggest a product that is safe for dogs but has a very unpleasant taste. Place it where the dog licks and hopefully you can discourage the habit.
As for problems that cannot be easily resolved by this or by inspecting your dog’s paws, it is important to seek the help of your vet. From there, you can determine if it is an allergy and if medication is needed to help your dog feel better and break the bad habit.