Dog Licking Paw Raw: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Dogs lick their paws for many reasons, but when the licking becomes excessive or raw, it's important to take note. Paw licking can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so it's essential to rule out any serious causes before treating the symptoms.

Common Causes of Paw Licking

• Allergies: Environmental allergies, such as those to pollen or dust, can cause dogs to lick their paws to relieve itching. Food allergies can also cause paw licking, as well as other symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
• Dermatitis: Dermatitis is a skin inflammation that can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, and parasites. Dogs with dermatitis may lick their paws to relieve the itching and pain.
• Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can cause paw licking, as well as swelling, redness, and discharge.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can all cause paw licking. These parasites bite the dog's skin, causing itching and irritation.
• Anxiety: Some dogs lick their paws out of anxiety or boredom. This behavior is often seen in dogs that are left alone for long periods of time.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog is licking its paws excessively or the licking is causing the paw to become raw, it's important to see a veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine your dog's paw and ask you about their symptoms. They may also recommend tests, such as a skin scrape or blood test, to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Treatment for Paw Licking

The treatment for paw licking will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your dog has allergies, the veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids. If your dog has an infection, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications.

In addition to treating the underlying cause, the veterinarian may also recommend topical treatments to help soothe and protect the dog's paw. These treatments may include:

• Anti-itch creams or sprays: These products can help to relieve itching and inflammation.
• Paw wax: This product can help to create a barrier between the dog's paw and the irritant.
• Bandages: Bandages can help to keep the dog's paw clean and protected.

Prevention of Paw Licking

The best way to prevent paw licking is to address the underlying cause. For example, if your dog has allergies, you should try to avoid exposing them to the allergen. If your dog has dry skin, you should use a moisturizer to help keep their skin hydrated.

In addition to addressing the underlying cause, you can also take steps to make your dog's environment less conducive to paw licking. For example, you should:

• Keep your dog's paws clean: Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after they come inside from outside.
• Trim your dog's nails: Long nails can irritate the dog's paws and make them more likely to lick them.
• Provide your dog with plenty of toys: Toys can help to keep your dog entertained and prevent them from licking their paws out of boredom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when treating their dog's paw licking. These mistakes can include:

• Ignoring the underlying cause: It's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions before treating the symptoms. If you don't address the underlying cause, the paw licking will likely continue.
• Using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals can irritate the dog's paw and make the problem worse.
• Bandaging the paw too tightly: Bandages should be snug, but not too tight. If the bandage is too tight, it can cut off circulation to the dog's paw.

How to Treat a Dog's Raw Paw

If your dog's paw is raw, it's important to clean the wound and apply a topical antibiotic to prevent infection. You can also use a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean.

Here are the steps on how to treat a dog's raw paw:

1. Clean the wound: Use a clean cloth or gauze pad to gently clean the wound with warm water. Avoid using soap or harsh chemicals.
2. Apply a topical antibiotic: Apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment or cream to the wound.
3. Bandage the wound: If the wound is large or deep, you may need to bandage it to keep it clean and protected.

Pros and Cons of Different Paw Licking Treatments

There are a variety of different paw licking treatments available, each with its own pros and cons.

Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of the most common paw licking treatments:

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about paw licking in dogs:

Q: Why is my dog licking its paws?
A: There are many reasons why dogs lick their paws, including allergies, dermatitis, infections, parasites, and anxiety.

Q: When should I see a veterinarian about my dog's paw licking?
A: You should see a veterinarian if your dog is licking its paws excessively or if the licking is causing the paw to become raw.

Q: How can I treat my dog's paw licking?
A: The treatment for paw licking will depend on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may recommend medications, topical treatments, or lifestyle changes.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from licking its paws?
A: The best way to prevent paw licking is to address the underlying cause. You can also take steps to make your dog's environment less conducive to paw licking.

Q: What are the common mistakes to avoid when treating paw licking in dogs?
A: Common mistakes include ignoring the underlying cause, using harsh chemicals, and bandaging the paw too tightly.

Q: How do I treat a dog's raw paw?
A: If your dog's paw is raw, you should clean the wound and apply a topical antibiotic. You can also use a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean.