A lot of times, when they’re not doing anything, some dogs will uncontrollably start biting and licking their paws as if relieving an itch. If you see that your dog has abnormally reddish or swelling paws, that would be a cause of concern.
But their paw biting and licking may not be purely caused by medical reasons like a dry skin, random cuts, or allergies. It may be possible that these are also caused by behavioral issues and anxiety.
If untreated, uncontrollable paw biting can lead to more wounds and can even cause infections. If you notice that your dog’s paw is looking a bit swollen and not normal, immediately contact your local vet and schedule a check-up. Your vet will know what to do to treat your dog.
Don’t rely solely on your vet when dealing with these kinds of problems with your dog. Leave the very serious illnesses to your vet, but you should always try to prevent all of these things from happening in the first place. Here are a few effective ways of preventing or even just reducing your dog’s paw licking and biting.
1. Regularly clean your dog’s paws
Make an effort of always checking and cleaning your dog’s paws not just when you notice that they are already dirty. Frequently to avoid the build-up of dirt, this can be the cause of their uncontrollable biting.
When you go outside or when your dog comes into contact with something dirty, immediately wash their paws when you get home. Wash your dog’s paws and then clean them thoroughly with a piece of cloth.
2. Keep your dog from getting into contact with allergens
There can be a lot of allergy triggers for your dog. If your dog’s allergies get triggered, they may start uncontrollable biting to relieve that annoying itch.
Even dust inside the house can be enough to trigger your dog’s allergies. Make an effort to regularly clean your house. Although it’s impossible to remove all the dust and dirt inside the house, keeping it to a minimum can reduce the risk of your dog getting an allergic reaction.
3. Feed your dog a healthy diet
What your dog eats is very important in the development of their immune system. This system is responsible for dealing with allergens and allergic reactions. The better the immune system, the higher the chances of your dog being able to fight these allergens and avoid biting their own paws.
Always ask your vet for the right type of diet for your dog. Have the knowledge of what your dog should and shouldn’t eat.
Also, always check the labels on the cans of the dog food that you are feeding to your dog. Your dog might not be allowed to eat certain ingredients, and negligence of the labels may lead to triggering your dog’s allergies.
