Dog Obsessively Licking Paws

Take your dog to the vet and explain when the licking first began and what area of the body or objects the dog is licking.

Dog obsessively licking paws.

While it s true they might simply be grooming themselves paw chewing could indicate something more going on if they are doing it all the time. Anxiety hormones dermatitis etc it is essential to seek advice from your veterinarian. Take your dog to the vet. A simple way to address behavioral paw licking is to distract your dog.

Not only does excessive licking cause discomfort for your dog but it is often due to an underlying medical problem. If this is happening read on. Often times excessive licking of the paws is due to one of three underlying causes. A study has also linked excessive dog licking with medical especially gastrointestinal disorders so a routine veterinary exam is the best place to start.

Paw licking is a common behavior in dogs but a healthy dog should not excessively paw lick and a history of excessive licking could be a red flag for a more serious problem. In severe cases your dog may have obsessive compulsive tendencies that lead them to obsessively lick their paws. Excessive or compulsive licking is the repeated licking of an area on the body over and over until the skin or hair is gone. Maxwell says if you notice your dog panting or furrowing their eyes as they obsessively lick the same spot in the carpet or on the couch it s time to have them checked out.

Notice a red swollen inflamed appearance to the area between the paws. Your dog may also obsessively scratch or chew at the spot. Is your dog licking at his paws constantly. If it is relating to a health issue e g.

It doesn t help that all that constant foot licking can. Among the most common causes for compulsive dog licking chewing or scratching behaviors are fleas ticks and mites. Excessive licking can lead to the formation of hot spots or red raw spots where the skin and fur is now missing. Compulsive chewing or licking can also be a response to orthopedic problems including arthritis and hip dysplasia.

If your dog begins excessive licking in old age or at any time you should take your dog to the vet. It is very frustrating when you watch your dog incessantly and obsessively licking their paws especially when they lose interest in everything around them. Take them for more walks play with them more often and offer them toys to hold their focus. It is important to first establish the reason why your dog is licking their paws before trying to modify this behavior.

Once the health issue has been resolved you should notice the paw licking disappears too.