2007-02-07 01:48:43 · 10 answers · asked by Paula D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Lisa S is right -- generally, when dogs lick their paws, it's in response to an allergy. This may be due to the surface your dog spends most of his time on (in the summer, it's often an allergy to grass, especially if the grass is treated with chemicals), however it could be a food allergy, as well...or possibly even a flea allergy (if you live in a flea-prone area)
As the sores may become infected/lead to further problems, I'd take your boy to the vet.
More info:
http://search.yahoo.com/search?search=dog+allergies%2C+paw+licking&ei=UTF-8&fr=ks-ans&ico-yahoo-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DAgvgSP7Bb8dh70MeWw4qLOcazKIX%2FSIG%3D111gjvvgj%2F*-http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch&ico-wikipedia-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DArU4a7gTTtxc7ngOmpL0wXsazKIX%2FSIG%3D11ia1qo58%2F**http%253a%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSpecial%253aSearch&p=dog+allergies%2C+paw+licking
Good luck!
2007-02-07 02:05:54 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My golden retriever is the same. She uses to lick her paws till there was no skin left, break out in hot spots, lose hair. I switched her food to Nutro Natural Balance skin and coat formula. It has no wheat - #1 culprit for skin allergies and the food is a premium food - no by products or corn.
I also started bathing her (when needed) with Tegrin shampoo. The dandruff shampoo - NOT head and shoulders.
On the sores my vet told me to use A&D ointment found in the baby isle in the grocery store. Spray some bitter apple to prevent her from licking it off, and the sores healed and the shampoo and food prevented further outbreaks and allergy attacks.
The vet had her on prednisone (a steroid) first. I didn't want her talking medications her whole life so i switched her food, bathed her correctly and used the oitment.
It's been 5 years since I've had any problems
Good Luck
2007-02-07 02:03:52 · answer #2 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There could be a lot of reasons why. Most likely it is an allergy of some sort but if your dog is older he may have some arthritis setting in and he may be licking at his joints because of discomfort. I have also heard of dogs that will lick there paws and legs obsessively in response to separation anxiety or boredom. I would start with an appt. with your vet. He will be able to determine if it is allergies or arthritis and make suggestions on how to help your dog. If it turns out that it is not a physical problem you can then get in touch with a trainer or behaviorist.
2007-02-07 02:07:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In case of a golder retriever, you shouldn't only think of physical problem but mental too. They are very sensitive and licking themselves, specially the paws and legs can be a sign of depression. When they lick themselves they feel more comfortable and cosy. But if I were you, I would consult a vet.
2007-02-07 02:50:15 · answer #4 · answered by zsofi_a_sello 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He probably started licking in response to pain or an itch, and then the licking creates a sore, the sore hurts/itches, and a vicious cycle is created:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/lick.html
If you haven't already gotten him to the vet, please do so ASAP, because the cycle, once started, is tough to stop. Your dog may have an injury or arthritis in his legs, or a sticker or thorn, or this may be an obsessive behavior. Only your vet can tell.
2007-02-07 02:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sounds like a stress behavior, caused by boredom. You need a vet visit to get help for your dog. The vet needs to look at the sores, and then you need to do something to occupy your dog - classes in obedience or agility, or just a tricks class - get him some interactive food-dispensing toys like a Kong and a BusterCube, or a Busy Buddy. These will help.
2007-02-07 03:30:57 · answer #6 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like he's got into something that is bothering him or he has some kind of medical skin irritation. Get the poor boy to a vet. If you can't afford a dog Doc visit check the site below.
2007-02-07 01:59:07 · answer #7 · answered by collinbarnette 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh boy...there has been alot of this lately on here. Try going to http://www.earthclinic.com and do some reading on doggie skin conditions. This website is FULL of info, advice from others that are dealing w/similar issues and great home remedies that start working w/the very first bath. Good Luck!!
2007-02-08 02:55:29 · answer #8 · answered by lighthouses101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pug did this and I took him to the vet. He had allergies. The vet gave him a shot and it cleared it up.
2007-02-07 01:56:15 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i suggest taking dog to vet it sounds like dermititis where something is making him itch check his skin do you bathe him often? maybe is allergic to shampoo. and if you don't bathe him often..maybe bath him more try aveeno oatmeal bath or try the oatmeal dog shampoo to soothe skin
2007-02-07 01:54:41 · answer #10 · answered by Leslie H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋