Why do dogs lick their feet and What you can do about it!

There is nothing quite like being woken up in the middle of the night or trying to enjoy some TV when you hear the constant sound of your dog’s licking their paws. It not only is an irritating noise and wet spot to us but did you know it often is a sign something is bothering them? So, before we get too annoyed at the constant excessive licking, lets take a look at some possible causes and what we as pet parents can do to try and help.

The most common reasons include:

1. Itching or irritation: If a dog's paw is itchy or irritated due to allergies, insect bites, or wounds, they may lick to alleviate discomfort. Persistent licking in such cases can lead to further irritation or even infection. Yeast paws are commonly associated with your pups’ feet smell like corn chips.
2. Pain relief: Licking can provide some pain relief for minor injuries or discomfort in their paws. It is always a good idea to examine their paws, nails, foot pads and in between their toes to ensure nothing is visibly wrong.
3. Stress or anxiety: Many dogs chew, some lick. Dogs may excessively lick their paws when they are stressed or anxious.
4. Medical issues: In some cases, excessive paw licking can be a symptom of underlying medical issues such as skin allergies, dermatitis, fungal or bacterial infections, or arthritis.

Now that we went over some of the reasons why they may be triggered to lick their paws, lets discuss some of the things you can do to help them. Tip: A lot of these strategies can be combined to expedite results.

1. Bath Time. Sometimes it’s that simple. Your pooch needs a bath. Try Ari Probiotic infused shampoo and conditioning line.
2. Paw Massages. Depending on the severity you may find your pup finds comfort from rubbing coconut oil on their paws. You can also distract them with a treat or long-lasting chew.
3. Supplements. Your pups could benefit from a little boost to their daily dish. Especially those prone to allergies and other health conditions. Health Extension has Belly + Immunity and Advanced Immunity +. These are supplements, not a medical claim.
4. For a quick fix. In some cases, dogs lick their paws as part of their grooming routine. Clean their feet with lukewarm water, or wipe with damp cloth and then again with dry one.

If you notice the issue persists and your dog is still licking their paws excessively or if it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as swelling, redness, limping, or abnormal behavior, it is essential to have them fully checked. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems and address the issue appropriately.