Dog who licks his paws a lot can have problems like stress and anxiety, according to a vet (WITH VIDEO)
It is very common to see the pets that pass their tongues all over the body, but have you ever stopped to think why your best friend has a habit of frantically licking his paws? Sometimes, the habit is so common that tutors see it as something natural, however, anything that becomes excessive and too intense can be cause for concern.
There are several reasons why your dog licks his paws so much, but the important thing is always keep an eye on your friendas, with excessive licking, bacteria can infect the site more easily and progress into very severe cases.
So, for your dog’s health and best comfort, know what are the main reasons why your pet is acquiring this habit!
allergies
As many owners suspect, this is a major cause of licking.
According to Natalia Azevedo, coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at Faculdade Anhanguera, the allergy causes great discomfort to the animal and finds in licking or biting a way to relieve the itch.
“Those who live in humid places should be alert to mold, as well as those who usually release the dog in grassy areas and parks, should observe the state of the place. In the home, the garden should be kept without a high concentration of pesticides or products. chemists “, explains the professional.
However, it is necessary to double attention in relation to the dog’s diet. Allergic foods such as snacks with a high concentration of dye and foods for human consumption are in no way recommended by the professional.
“The tutor must offer quality food, observe the ingredients to understand the amount of dye contained, avoid colored snacks and always offer fresh meals,” says Azevedo.
It also makes it clear that dogs love to eat fruit – but, of course, always seedless – or fresh, low-calorie vegetables. So, opt for these snacks!
pains
In addition to the allergy, it is possible that the dog also suffers. Many dogs walk in hot places and end up injuring their paws, or they walk on uneven paths, the boulders of which can also injure them. In these cases, the veterinarian warns that it is up to the tutor always look at the walking dog and analyze the feasibility of walking in these conditions.
emotional factors
By nature, the dog is a species that needs to be stimulated to use up its energy. Dogs who spend a lot of time alone in the house, without distractions or physical activity, end up bored, stressed and anxious.
According to the practitioner, regardless of the initial urge that triggered paw licking or biting, it can end up turning into obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), especially when it becomes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). very repetitive and incessant behavioralso causing physical trauma to the animal and damage to its well-being.
And when do licks evolve into bites?
When there are bites in the paw region, according to the vet, it can mean infections caused by climatic variations (very dry weather), intolerance to certain types of food, hormonal imbalances and thyroid problems, for example.
But they can also be due to external factors such as thorns, parasites such as fleas and ticks, leftover shampoo after a bath or, if the dog has a habit of walking or running in gardens and lawns, remains of chemicals to which the animal has intolerance.
That is, keep an eye on your friend’s habits and check if your pet has these behaviors.
But after all, how to prevent the animal from licking its paws?
First of all, the specialist warns that at the slightest sign of behavioral abnormalities, injuries, fissures, infections and allergies, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
If classified as allergies or pain, it is necessary keep the animal in a clean spacesanitized and with a low concentration of chemicals, and also avoids exposing the animal in places with a hot surface or that present a physical danger for it.
In relation to food allergy, the veterinarian underlines: “bet on balanced meals, with quality feed and never offer products for human consumption and / or with too much dye”.
If it comes to stress or anxiety, the tutor should do daily physical activities, such as throwing balls and toys to catch, walking and proposing challenges to the animal, such as hiding food inside a box with holes in it.
“This will take time and mental work to be resolved by the dog. Therefore, it expends energy, gets distracted and these activities are more interesting than biting or licking the paw,” says Azevedo.
And how to take care of the paw?
According to the veterinarian, the tutor must perform the hygiene of the place, clean and dry the region well. “If the dog persists without an apparent and identifiable cause, you need to take him to the vet who will investigate what might be happening,” she says.
Did you like the suggestions? Be sure to watch the video below:
Source: Natalia Azevedo, veterinary who coordinates the Veterinary Medicine course at Faculdade Anhanguera.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
