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Why is my dog licking their paws?
What is the Cause?
Allergies are the most common cause of paw licking, more specifically pollen allergies. Many dogs have flare-ups of itchy paws in the spring and fall when pollen levels are high.
Most of the time when a dog is biting the bottom of his paws, it’s a mild and temporary condition that lasts only one to three weeks, which often get better without any special treatment.
Symptoms
- Paw chewing on the tops and/or bottoms of feet
- Fur loss between toe pads
- Red, pink or blackish discoloration of fur
- Skin swollen and red between the toes and pads
- Moistness between toes and pads
- Odor of corn chips or popcorn-stronger than normal
- Pain, limping, reluctance to walk on gravel
- Other allergies symptoms: red/runny eyes, red ears itchy skin all over, itchy lips, itchy bottom, sores, scabs, hair loss, areas of flakey dry skin, bumps, pustules, increased black pigmentation, thickened “elephant” skin.
Why are the paws Affected?
The most obvious reason is because the paws are in the most contact with the environment. Researchers found that the ear flaps and skin between the paw pad have a higher number of mast cells than other areas of a dog’s body.
There is a high concentration of immune system cells in the skin of a dog’s feet. And their feet are constantly exposed to allergens that cause an itch sensation.
Secondary Infections
Yeast infections occur secondary to allergic dermatitis. Yeast is not the root cause of the problem but it can make it much worse.
Dogs can also develop Staphylococcus bacterial infection.
Identify secondary skin infections with testing from your family vet. Appropriate treatment of the primary allergy and the secondary infection should be done at the same time. Ignoring one or the other will prolong your dog’s discomfort.
Treatment Options
Identify & Avoid the allergen
To decrease overall exposure, avoid walking your dog during high-pollen times of the day. Pollen counts are highest between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., peaking again at dusk.
Foot coverings like dog shoes and socks help keep your pup’s feet clean when they walk outside during their bad allergy season.
Rinse your dog’s feet with lukewarm water frequently, especially after spending time outdoors. Be sure to dry them thoroughly as trapped moisture can make symptoms worse.
Bathe their entire body weekly & clean your house more.
Improve the diet
One of the best ways to improve your dog’s overall health is through it's food & supplements. It’s important to feed your dog a balanced, nutritionally complete diet.
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