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Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

29 11:26:20
I have one dog who seems to spend too much time licking her paws. She sits on the sofa and licks and licks until her paw and the sofa cushion are soaked. This is the first dog I have had who spends so much time with this activity. So I decided to do some research on the reasons dogs undertake this habit and found several possibilities for this.
The most likely reasons I found are:
- Something is stuck in the paw. I live in an area with beach dunes and there are many sticker-like things that can get stuck in a dog's paws, even stones from the streets.
- Cut or injury on the paw. Licking a wound would be a natural remedy for a dog. You may have seen a dog with a plastic collar to limit movement and access to the wound.
- Allergies. Your dog may be allergic to one of the foods he/she is consuming and similar to human allergies is causing an irritation, also any lawn treatments could be something your dog is allergic to and is affecting the paws.
- Boredom. Dogs who are left alone and inactive may resort to licking to entertain themselves.
- Infection. Excessive licking in itself may also cause an infection, or an infection may cause an irritation which a dog relieves through licking.
- Pain. If something is causing pain your dog may lick the area for relief.
- Anxiety - Separation anxiety or obsessive disorders may resort to licking paws. Dogs crated for extensive periods of time may develop stress and look for ways to relieve that stress.

You should check the paw area very carefully to see if there is a good reason for the licking. Seek veterinarian help to treat the affected area. If there is no obvious reason for the licking then seek veterinarian help to see what treatment is possible.