Why Does Dog Lick His Paws So Much. But they may also do it due to poor paw condition and grooming injuries parasites or insect bites. Paw pad hyperkeratosis is a common skin condition in dogs that results in thickened skin on dog paws. Maybe its a sore or a skin irritation or even a wound or a cut hes made during a walk. In the dog world a moderate degree of licking is part of normal grooming behavior.
Once inflammation or an infection sets in a vicious cycle can form. Why do dogs lick their paws. Dogs who lick their paws and legs may be attempting to relieve the awful itch of skin allergies or bacterial or fungal infections or the joint pain from arthritis which can settle in the carpus wrist stifle knee elbows hips and lower back. Maybe its a sore or a skin irritation or even a wound or a cut hes made during a walk. Your dog may be licking his paws because of dry skin poor diet or anxiety. For example a male or female dog may lick the genital area after urinating as a means of cleaning the area.
But they may also do it due to poor paw condition and grooming injuries parasites or insect bites.
Underlying pain from an injury or arthritis can cause dogs to lick similar to when a person rubs a sore muscle or joint. Infections from bacteria fungus or parasites can also cause itchiness and therefore lead to excessive licking. If you notice your dog excessively licking their paws after going for a walk it may be an allergy to something in their environment grass pesticides or plants. The excess keratin on these dogs paws makes their paw pads extremely thick and dry to the point that even walking can be painful. Why Dogs Lick Their Paws Dogs typically lick their paws as a part of self-grooming. Dogs who lick their paws excessively often develop swelling and stains on the fur of their feet if they are light-colored.