Obbsessive Licking

[BeagleBassetBabi1231]

One of my dogs obbsessively licks his paws. When I catch him I give him a dirty look or loudly say "DAT DAT DAT!" and he usually stops. Should I still prevent him to stop or is it ok? If I should try to prevent it, what can I do?

[Kfamr]

I've heard that paw-licking is sometimes caused by Allergies. I could be wrong though. Simba does it, and I let him as long as he doesn't make his paws raw.

Ask your vet.

[Cincy'sMom]

From what I have read there are two things that will generally cause a dog tol ick it's paws.

One is an obseeive behavior. It there was a paw injury the dog may have licked it then to help it heal. That feeling provided comfort, so the dog will continue to lick when stressed to try and find that same comfort, and it could turn into an obsessive behavior. It may also be the dogs way of dealing with stress...seperation anxiety, etc.

The second reson, is like Kay said, allergies. Sometimes, licking the paws is an indication of a food allergy. Watch for other signs of allergies such as congestion, itchiness, ear infections, etc.

That doesn't neccesarily mean there is something rong with your dog it he licks his paws...it may just be habit, like peple chewing their fingernails.

dont worry its naturell

[Varga]

I’ve noticed the same behaviour with my Jack Russell. I don’t think she has any allergies.. at least she seems fine by all matters.. and the last routine check at the vets was only a couple of weeks ago.

She doesn’t do it out of stress either.. In fact she usually starts when she’s lying happily on the sofa feeling relaxed..

So I suppose it’s just a bad habit of some sort.. As Cincy'sMom said.. like people chew their fingernails.

-Varga