Why Is My Dog Licking His Paws

For environmental allergies like atopic dermatitis increased ear scratching and foot licking are common reactions to things like grass mold spores dust mites and plant pollens.

Why is my dog licking his paws. Rover is grooming his coat. Since there is a hereditary nature to canine atopic dermatitis some breeds are more likely to develop it. If your dog suddenly starts licking their paws then it is usually indicative of pain or irritation especially if they are licking only one paw. It usually comes on in the first few years of your dog s life.

Flea allergy dermatitis often abbreviated fad underlying itchiness is what results in that constant foot licking. Atopy the equivalent of hay fever in people food allergies. Not focusing specifically one one paw. Dogs typically lick their paws as a part of self grooming.

As with other dog behaviors there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. If your dog is a fastidious groomer you may notice him licking his paws after meals while settling down for a nap or after coming in from outdoors after meals. These breeds including poodles golden retrievers most terriers shih tzus bulldogs and cocker spaniels. With that said it s important to note that any dog including mixed breeds can develop allergies.

Grooming behavior is easy to notice as your dog will lick each of their paws. If the licking is limited to one paw then this often suggests that the source of trouble is right there on the paw. Environmental parasite or food allergies. Dogs lick to relieve the itchiness caused by food allergy.

You may have been for a walk or they ve been out in the yard. Dry skin or allergies hyperkeratosis is a common skin condition in dogs that results in thickened skin on dog paws. Another reason you may see your dog licking their paws is because they are grooming themselves. Here are the four most common reasons that dogs lick their paws more than usual.