If you think your dog’s itchy skin may be caused by a yeast, head to your vet for a skin scrape and prescription anti-fungal to combat it. Youâll also want to wait for a moment when theyâre feeling relaxed to coax them into the bath.Â. Coconut oil is completely safe to eat as well, so you wonât have to worry about your dog licking it off. Pain. If you see your dog licking paws excessively but are unsure why theyâre doing it, this is a good temporary fix until you can determine the root of the problem. If you notice the pads on your dogâs paws are excessively dry, they might be licking their skin because of dry skin. Winston’s paws were red and inflamed before his mom tried Paw Soother. Depending on where you live, your dog may be exposed to dozens of various pollens, mites, spores and other allergens which can trigger environmental allergies. Do you see any foreign objects like glass, pebbles, seeds, or ice balls? Dogs can lick their feet for many reasons. If youâve tried home remedies without any results, or you canât determine the cause of your petâs itchy paws, talk to your vet for more advice. Most episodes of a dog licking his paws are mild and last only one to three weeks. Oatmeal is naturally very moisturizing, so it helps to nourish dry, cracked skin. Here are some of the best dog licking paws remedies, as well as some of the most common causes of excessive paw licking.Â, When your canine companion is licking their paws compulsively, itâs often a sign that the skin around their paws is feeling irritated. Dogs have a strong instinct to lick and clean their wounds, even if there isn’t an actual wound to clean. Licking itchy paws can cause a secondary bacterial infection which makes skin even more irritatedâa vicious cycle that often requires antifungal medication to control. Does your dog chew their paws and generally obsess over their feet? Giving your dog a chamomile bath may help to soothe them if theyâre feeling anxious. Baking soda helps to calm the irritation, thus reducing the temptation for paw licking. It might be difficult to get your dog to stay in the soak for the full 10 minutes â try rewarding them with treats as an incentive. Sometimes a dog can lick their paws too much and cause the skin to become raw. If the paw pad is cracked or skin is inflamed, itâs likely your pup is suffering from either dry skin, allergies, or an insect bite. If you notice that your dog is also stiff, reluctant to play, losing weight, or generally more grumpy than normal, take a trip to the vet to determine the underlying cause. For aging dogs, try to find out the source of the barking. Dogs often lick their paws excessively if they ⦠Not only can it heal a bacterial infection, but it is also very helpful for healing dry skin. They may even be able to prescribe a stronger anti-pest medication if the problem is getting out of hand. The taste of apple cider vinegar will deter your dog from chewing at their paws and making the problem worse. If the licking is persistent and neither of these simple issues are to blame, here are five common causes of paw irritation: Salts and de-icing chemicals are not friendly to dogs’ paw pads. There are many formulas that are designed specifically for irritation and sensitivity. There are a number of different factors that can cause irritation around the paws and lead to compulsive paw licking or chewing. Look for options that are free of wheat, soy, and other common allergens. In many instances it is harmless, but when the licking becomes excessive, a solution is needed. While this may be the case for some canines, ⦠A tell-tale sign dog owners notice anxiety is excessive licking in dogs. However, excessive paw licking can be a cause for concern. This is because they often result in swelling, itchiness, and other forms of discomfort.Â, Anxiety: Another very common cause of paw licking is not physical at all, but instead has to do with your dogâs mental state. If theyâre feeling stressed or anxious, they may lick or chew on their paws as a nervous habit to try to calm themselves down. Chamomile is a natural herb that could be very helpful for calming your dogâs irritated paws. Applying the medication regularly helps stop infestations before they get out of hand.Â. It is important to intervene to lessen or stop this behavior before the dog licks off all of its fur (usually confined to one site on the body, such as a leg or t⦠The triple-antibiotic ointment will help moisturize the skin. Owners should seek veterinary attention for their dogs if the skin is changing color, if there are wounds, pimples, or crusts noted on the skin, if there is excessive scratching associated with the licking, and/or if fleas are seen. These home remedies can be a very effective way to soothe your dogâs paws.Â, While itâs normal for dogs to lick their paws occasionally, excessive or compulsive paw licking is usually an indication of discomfort.Â, Many dogs will lick their paws when they are feeling stressed. You can opt to massage the coconut oil directly onto your dogâs paws, or you can add a little bit to your dogâs diet.Â, If you think your dogâs excessive paw licking could be the result of a food allergy, you may want to make some changes to their diet. There are some over the counter medications that can help stop your dogâs paws from itching. Checking between your dogs’ paw pads is a good habit to get into, especially in winter. By far the most common reason for excessive ⦠Are you being woken up at night by that jarring toe-slurping noise? After a few soaks, you should start to notice the swelling and irritation start to go down.Â, Coconut oil supports skin health and helps maintain the normal moisture content of the skin. Since the weather has gotten a little colder and wetter, in between the pads on Winstonâs paws were becoming raw and irritated. If you see your pup licking a lot, you may need to take your dog to the ⦠These could include cleanliness, drying, injury or even bad habits. Try to soak your dogâs paws for at least 10 minutes for the best results. Look at the ingredients before making a purchase. Look out for these signs of harmful paw licking: Any of these symptoms require further attention and possibly a vet visit! Our mission is to provide premium quality CBD products that help support the health and happiness of the animals we call family. This means that if your dog comes into contact with an acidic irritant, the baking soda will neutralize it. It is both anti-bacterial and an antioxidant. However, licking paws excessively is cause for concern and can indicate a number of health issues which should be addressed. Before you can truly help your dog, you need to figure out whatâs causing all the licking. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so itâs excellent for swollen paws. You can also use chamomile tea as a way of treating irritation. Here are three all-natural recipes to try: If the paw licking hasnât lessened after a week or so, or if your dog is showing other concerning symptoms, consult with your veterinarian. We have tried multiple other ointments but nothing helped. Reassess your dogâs diet. Your email address will not be published. This could be causing some excessive licking.Â, Infection: Both bacterial and fungal infections can lead to paw licking. If you think your dog's paw-licking is abnormal, the first step is to determine if there is a health problem with the paws. If you arenât sure which flea medication to use with your dog, talk to your veterinarian for further assistance. Don’t worry, we’ve got solutions for excessive paw licking! Youâll need to make sure the booties fit your dog well and are very secure â otherwise, your dog might be able to pull them off. Your email address will not be published. How to Stop Your Dog ⦠But others, like arthritis or chronic yeast infections, require more intensive care and can be far more uncomfortable for your canine friend. Also, some household cleaning products can cause your pets paw irritation, so take not if you’ve recently used anything new on your floors or laundry. This is an easy remedy thatâs excellent for dogs with itchy or dry skin. This is best done with the help of your vet.Â. Older dogs may lick their paws in an attempt to relieve pains caused by arthritis. A yeast infection happens when the skin overproduces certain types of normally-harmless yeast cells and becomes extremely itchy. Valentineâs Sale! If your dog is licking and scratching persistently, check to see if she has fleas. Excessive furniture licking can also have physical causes. If theyâre feeling any kind of discomfort, they could be licking as a way to cope with the pain.Â, Hormone imbalance: When dogs have hormone imbalances, it can result in issues with their fur and skin. The concern comes when your dog is excessively licking his paws to the point that they are constantly wet. Since pure apple cider vinegar might be too intense for your dog, mix up a 50/50 ratio of apple cider vinegar and water. Dogs with a lot of skin folds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are predisposed to this type of infection. The continual moisture will also make ⦠Snickers’ toe beans are smooth and healthy after using Paw Soother. Some of the most common food allergies in dogs are wheat, soy, eggs, beef, chicken, or fish, but there are many other things they can develop allergies to. Snickers has had an obsession with paw licking ever since he was a youngster. Your dog may grunt uncomfortably if the area is painful or very bothersome, or you may see ⦠... Why Is My Dog Licking His Paws? Be sure to check your dogâs paws for any scrapes or cuts beforehand â you wonât want to apply apple cider vinegar to any open skin.Â. Excessive licking among older dogs can also be associated with compulsive behavioral disorders that are triggered by anxiety or conflict. When we considered why dogs lick us humans, we looked back to puppyhood; mothers spend a great deal of time licking⦠You should also consult your vet immediately if your dog is struggling to walk on their paws, or if the licking is otherwise interfering with their daily routine.Â, Your dogâs excessive paw licking can definitely be cause for concern. You can also put the solution in a spray bottle to carry around with you. Excessive paw licking in dogs â it may not be allergies If excessive paw licking is a problem for your patient and none of your go-to allergy solutions are solving the problem, you ⦠Here are a few steps that will help you identify the underlying issue and determine if you should call you your vet. Some conditions, like allergies or hyperkeratosis, can be easily managed with good habits, soothing balms, and limited ingredient dog foods. Dogs can develop food allergies to certain products, specifically certain meats or dairy products. Itâs often an indication that your dogâs paws are feeling dry, itchy, or irritated. Ticks are much larger and are usually visible to the naked eye, but can also cause irritation. I absolutely LOVE these products and will definitely be buying more! On warm summer days, hot pavement can burn a dog’s paw pads, causing pain and potentially a bacterial infection if not treated promptly. However, after applying Paw Soother and Skin Soother twice a day for a week, the results were amazing! Other signs of anxiety include compulsive behaviors like pacing, excessive panting or drooling, avoiding interaction, and unusual vocalizations. Separation anxiety in particular can result in self-destructive behaviors like obsessive-compulsive paw-licking, so consult with a behaviorist if you think your dog is dealing with anxiety. Cleaning your dogs paws with doggie wipes or a warm washcloth after walks outside can help to decrease environmental allergens. Once youâve identified what your dog is allergic to, youâll be able to avoid those ingredients in the future.Â. Excessive licking can cause damage to their paw ⦠When putting any kind of topical medication on your dogâs paws, be sure to use some form of wrapping to prevent your dog from licking the medication off. Health Problems and Paw-Licking . An aging dog that is displaying excessive barking will have different medical needs and an action plan than a young dog. On warm summer days, hot pavement can burn a dogâs paw ⦠When the skin on their paws dries out, it can become very itchy and uncomfortable.Â, Allergies: If your dog encounters a strong allergen, the skin on their paws can get very itchy. Frequent licking can lead to skin irritation and the action ⦠Its common to see a dog licking their paws after a walk, but have you ever asked why. Excessive licking can also indicate another problem. Is a burr stuck between its toes? If it is, then go for ⦠One way for the dog to alleviate the itchy feeling is by licking, skin chewing, and scratching. 25% off Wellness products with Code: PAWLOVE    Shop Now. Skin irritation and dandruff could also be a sign of mites, which are another common pest. Make sure the water and the apple cider vinegar are fully mixed, and then gently dip your dogâs paws in. Yeast infections often indicate a compromised immune system, so it’s important to investigate their root cause. However, paw licking can also be the result of skin irritation.Â, Yes, and there are also many DIY treatments that you can make at home.Â, Yes â just make sure to dilute it with water to avoid causing further irritation.Â, If the paw licking is a behavioral issue, you can use apple cider vinegar as a deterrent. Here are some of the top causes of excessive paw licking.Â, Dry skin: Just like humans, dogs can experience dry skin as a result of their environment. Itâs a good idea to temporarily put some sort of wrapping over your dogâs paw ⦠Licking is a self-soothing act for dogs, so a dog who feels anxious or nervous may obsessively lick their feet to try and relieve these stressful feelings. My dog is constantly licking his paws and body. Itâs normal to see your dog licking paws occasionally. Causes of Excessive Licking in Dogs The excessive licking behavior in dogs has been, for many years, attributed to anxiety and stress release. Dogs use this as a way of grooming and removing excess debris. To give your dog a chamomile bath, mix chamomile with vinegar and put it into some warm water. Within 4 days of using the Paw Soother, the raw and irritated skin on his paws completely cleared up! You can also talk to your vet about homemade options that wonât trigger your dogâs allergies. Finally, a dog that is experiencing pain due to arthritis or other foot or leg conditions may lick ⦠These Elizabethan collars or e-collars look like lampshades and restricts the dogâs mouth from reaching its paws⦠If you think your dogâs paw chewing could be a result of fleas, ticks, or mites, make sure youâre using a pest medication to get rid of them. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: A Natural Path Toward Health, Benadryl for Dogs: Is It Safe and What You Need to Know, Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How To Soothe Your Pup. In addition to itchy paws, you might notice red or bumpy patches of skin if your dog has fleas. In winter months, humidity is low both in our homes and outdoors, which can cause dry skin in dogs and humans alike. Two common reasons are allergies causing an inflammation of the skin on their feet or neurotic obsessive behavior. The hypersalivation (excessive drooling) is also quite common when dogs are experiencing nausea, or when they have foreign material trapped in their mouth. Since your dog’s paws are constantly in contact with surfaces where these allergens can land, itchy paws are a common indicator of environmental sensitivities. Food allergies can also cause itchy allergic reactions in the skin and paws. A dog with painful paws may lick them to try and soothe the pain. Identifying which food allergies your dog has is key to protecting them from further irritation. â Blake; Cleveland, OH. Your pet may be troubled by itchy skin or cognitive dysfunction. Of course, youâll also need to make sure that youâre addressing the root of your dogâs anxiety as well. If the paw pad is cut or bleeding, then your dog is probably licking to clean the wound. Put half a cup of baking soda into a bucket of warm water. Let the tea cool off and then apply some as a gentle rinse to your dogâs paws. This means it can be helpful for soothing a bacterial infection on the paws. Environmental factors like smoke, pollen, and dust can also cause itchy skin in dogs.Â, Pests: If your dog is carrying pests like fleas, mites, or ticks, their paws could be feeling very irritated. It’s totally normal for your dog to lick their paws occasionally as normal self-grooming, especially after a muddy walk or whenever their paws might be dirty. To determine what foods your dog is allergic to, youâll typically need to use an elimination diet. Then, you can slowly introduce other ingredients back into your dogâs diet over time. If the irritation and paw licking is due to a food allergy, it should calm down in a few weeks. If youâre bathing too often, it could actually make the irritation worse.Â. â Rachel; Bethlehem, PA. A soaking bath is another great option. It works so well because itâs naturally anti-inflammatory and pH balancing. Having extra chew toys around can also be very helpful.Â. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems and it may indicate that your dog is nauseated or has an upset stomach. I am very particular when it comes to products that I use on my dog because Frenchies are prone to being pretty sensitive and can have a lot of allergies. For this solution to be effective, the oatmeal needs to be completely natural, without any added sweeteners or flavors. Is the sound of a dog licking paws becoming the norm in your house? You can also turn a chamomile tea bag into a compress if your dog doesnât like having their paws soaked.Â. New ingredients should be added one at a time, and youâll need to wait a few days after introducing each ingredient to see if the irritation returns. Besides itchiness and inflammation, one of the key symptoms of a yeast infection is rancid, rotten-smelling skinâit smells really bad. Sometimes, your dogâs vet may ask you to invest on buying an e-collar for your furry pet if it is too drawn to licking its paw. hot pavement can burn a dog’s paw pads. Mildly itchy paws often get better without ⦠Snickers’ fungal infection is gone and his pads look better and feel softer than ever before. Paw pad hyperkeratosis is a common skin condition in dogs that results in thickened skin on dog paws; it will usually become evident in the first few years of their life. Read on to find out why your dog keeps licking their paws, and how to stop this common behavior. Dogs lick their paws after a walk for many reasons. Being that you report that you do not see any foreign material in his mouth, it is likely nausea that is causing your dog to drool excessively. It can also soothe skin-related issues associated with occasional or seasonal allergies. However, you may be able to use your dog shampoo to treat dry or irritated skin. Here are10 home remedies to stop excessive paw licking. Once applied, try brushing or distracting your dog for about five to ten minutes so that most of the balm soaks into the skin. Paw licking is a common behavior for dogs. Stay up-to-date for tail waggin' promotions, pup-worthy events, must-know Fido facts & more! Ideally, they should contain moisturizing properties, and they should also be natural so as not to further irritate your dogâs skin. Fleas and mites are so small that theyâre easy to miss, so itâs not uncommon for them to go untreated.Â, Cuts and bruises: Your dog might be licking at their paws because of a small scrape or other injury they sustained while walking outside. Mix two cups of oatmeal into a bucket of warm water or a bath and let your dogâs paws soak for about 10 minutes. Natural Dog Company’s Paw Soother is a great solution for itchy paws caused by allergies, environmental irritations, paw pad hyperkeratosis, and more. Paw licking can be caused by something as simple as a foreign object stuck between the toes or a cut paw pad. If you’re dealing with constant paw-licking due to dry paws, paw pad hyperkeratosis, allergies, minor wounds, extreme weather, or other common paw issues, try our Pawdicure Pack for the best deal on all-around paw health. For example, triple antibiotic ointment can be very effective for soothing irritated paws. Chamomile also has very calming properties â thatâs why it is often used in herbal teas. Winter ground hazards such as salt and de-icing chemicals can further irritate a dogâs sensitive paws, leading to excessive licking as they attempt to clean their painful paws. I wanted something that was as natural as possible and wasnât going to cause further issues with his problems areas. There are plenty of anti-flea medications that are available over the counter, and you can apply them directly to your dogâs fur to kill the bugs.Â. There are many home remedies that you can use to get your dog to stop paw chewing or licking. Although these home remedies can be very effective, there are also going to be times when youâll need professional advice. Constant licking can lead to hair loss. If you think your dogâs paw licking may be the result of anxiety or stress, youâll need to find ways to deter them from touching their paws. The excess keratin on these dogs’ paws makes their paw pads extremely thick and dry to the point that even walking can be painful. If youâre not sure exactly why your dog is feeling stressed, be sure to talk with your veterinarian to find a solution.Â. First, youâll need to switch to a diet thatâs very simple and wonât continue to irritate your dog. Winter ground hazards such as salt and de-icing chemicals can further irritate a dog’s sensitive paws, leading to excessive licking as they attempt to clean their painful paws. Every time he does this he hacks and coughs like he has a hairball in his throat. Excessive licking can lead to the formation of hot spots, or red raw spots where the skin and fur is now missing. Many dogs have flare-ups of itchy paws in the spring and fall. Gently soak your dogâs paws for a few minutes to help with irritation. Hyperkeratosis sounds scary but i... Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition that makes your dogâs paw pads thick and crusty. The first thing you should do is inspect your dogâs feet. Turmeric is very effective if your pet is licking his paws due to arthritic pain, a cut or minor ⦠You probably already know that oatmeal baths are good for soothing human rashes, but they can work just as well for your furry friend. To naturally treat dog hyperkeratosis you need an understanding of your dogâs condition and what’s causing it to occur in the first place! You can repeat this process two to three times a day to reduce swelling and irritation quickly. If you think your dogâs excessive paw licking could be the result of a food ⦠Dry paw pads are very uncomfortable and can cause excessive paw licking. He has recurring skin problems that present as scabby, slightly smelly ⦠Chewing on irritated paws can make the problem worse, so itâs important to help your dog manage the symptoms while you investigate the root issue. If your dog is licking their paws more than normal, maybe theyâre feeling itchy or uncomfortable. Other Skin Irritations: Other skin ⦠However, once you determine the cause of the problem, you can make adjustments to your dogâs lifestyle to help them feel more comfortable. As a result, he often gets nasty fungal infections on his paws and his pads had become severely dried out. All rights reserved. Vitamin E. Is dry skin the reason your furry friend is constantly licking his paws? Turmeric. Dog with dry paw pads may lick them to relieve the itching. If your dog keeps paw licking or self-grooming, it may ⦠Most dog shampoos are designed to be very gentle, so itâs unlikely that they would cause any irritation. A good pair of dog booties can be a very effective solution. As your dog ages, they may become more ⦠The booties should also be durable enough that your dog wonât be able to chew through them. Not only will the booties make it difficult for your dog to lick their paws, but they can also protect their paws from irritants when they are outside. Ideally, you should be applying flea medication to your dog about once a month, particularly if they spend a lot of time outside. Natural Dog Company Paw Soother is an ideal all-natural solution for itchy paws, and the reviews speak for themselves! It is a very helpful solution for allergic reactions. This excess licking can cause even more irritation and discomfort, creating a vicious cycle of irritated paws.Â. © 2020 Natural Dog Company. You may also see small black flecks on their fur, also known as flea dirt. Yeast dermatitis is a common inflammatory fungal infection that can occur in warm, moist areas, including between the paw pads. A high quality soothing balm is one of the best ways to reduce itchiness and start the healing process. The paws are a hotspot for allergic reactions in dogs. You should also limit baths to once a week at most. Tax and shipping estimated during checkout. Bailey was licking her paws all the time, making them red and inflamed, until her mom tried Paw Soother. Required fields are marked *.