How do I stop my dog from licking his paw?
Thurman McLaughlin
2025-08-21 14:04:57
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To stop your dog from licking their paws excessively, address underlying causes, as most causes of excessive paw-licking, from allergies to injuries to severe anxiety, require treatment from a veterinarian. If your dog licks their paws more than occasionally, it’s time to get your vet involved. Consider a dietary change, if your veterinarian thinks your dog may be allergic to their dog food, they may recommend placing your dog on a food trial. Groom regularly, if your dog is allergic or sensitive to substances, they encounter out-of-doors, wipe down their paws when they return from a walk. Make any necessary lifestyle changes, if your dog’s paw-licking is anxiety-related, your vet may recommend a combination of medication, behavior therapy, and lifestyle changes. Protect your dog’s feet, to prevent paw irritation, you may want to give your dog protective footwear during snowy weather, to protect from salt on the ground, and on very hot days. Swap out cleaning products, if you think your dog may be sensitive to the products you use to clean your floors, consider swapping them out for hypoallergenic products.
Annamae Sawayn
2025-08-14 00:40:55
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: 18
We thought, maybe he's got something between the pads, something thats poking him or irritating him. When we took him to the vet, however, they said there was nothing. The vet suggested it was a nervous/anxious tick or something, so we started walking him a mile every day, so far he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
Dominique Witting
2025-08-06 18:51:21
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: 27
There is normally an initial reason for licking the area – an insect bite, a small cut or underlying allergies are common triggers. Infection can set in and the act of licking can then become a compulsive behavioural habit. Treatment may involve one or more of the following: the use of toys and games to reduce any boredom or stress medication to help suppress the itchy sensation and therefore reduce the urge to lick physically preventing the act of licking by using bandages or Elizabethan collars. Oral or topically applied antibiotics to combat any infection present cryotherapy (freezing) or surgery to remove the affected skin. The complex nature of the problem dictates the need for a broad approach to the treatment. A trial and error approach may be necessary. Not all dogs respond to the same treatment, so patience and persistence will be required to find the most effective solution.
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