Why do dogs lick their paws?
Something Stuck in the Paw
Sometimes your dog has actually got something lodged between their pads and at other times has managed to get a thorn, a grass seed or a splinter of some sort stuck in a pad so if your dog suddenly starts limping or trying to lick their paw a swift inspection is called for. Over the years I have extracted large thorns from the actual pad and horrid prickly beech mast from between the pads. Foxtail grass seeds are shaped like little arrows and can be very nasty if they get between the toes and work their way up and into the foot. If you suspect that a grass seed has got under your dog’s skin, be it foot, leg or ear, a quick trip to the vet will be needed.
An Allergic Reaction
A dog sweats through their paws as well as their nose, so paws are sensitive yet are exposed to everything a dog walks on. On a walk this can include grass, mud, weed killers (in built up areas councils spray pavements), fertilisers, salt on frozen pavements and at home whatever you use to keep your floors and dog beds clean. An allergic reaction to any of the above or something in their food can cause itchy paws. If the paw is very irritated our homeopathic Skin Combo should help soothe and calm the itch. This is especially effective in combination with our herbal Skin Aid which detoxifies the body by improving bowel function and supporting lymph drainage as it contains cooling herbs to help soothe inflammation and irritation.
We also suggest cleaning your dog's paws after walking with Colloidal Silver to naturally cleanse and disinfect their feet.
Yeast and Foot Fungus
Yeast infections and foot fungus can occur in dogs as well as humans, and are generally thought to be the result of a diet that is high in yeast. The body turns carbohydrates into sugar, so your dog should avoid a high-carbohydrate diet to help get rid of the yeast infection. Avoid a biscuit based diet, even if it claims to be grain free because potatoes and sweet potatoes are also full of carbs to feed a fungal infection. A dog's moist paws create an ideal environment for yeast to thrive so if your dog has a foot fungal infection make sure you dry the paws off carefully after a walk. You could also consider using Colloidal Silver on the paws 2 or 3 times daily to help with the problem or use our Yeast Bundle.
Stiff Joints
Paw licking and nibbling is sometimes an indication that your dog has stiff joints so again you may need to see a vet initially. If you prefer a more natural approach to dealing with stiff joints, then browse our range of natural joint supplements. Our best seller is Spring which is a liquid supplement added to dog food on a daily basis. It contains Devils Claw, MSM and Yucca Filamentosa. It seems to works very quickly and we have had lots of positive feedback for it.
Boredom/Stress
Some dogs lick their paws when stressed or bored and this can become a habit like any other. If this is your dog then maybe another walk in the day or a new interactive dog toy might help.
Fleas
Yes they can bite between the toes so you need to do a careful check and if you find any sign of fleas then both your dog and your home need attention. Read Farewell to Fleas for lots of helpful tips and advice or browse our range of natural flea treatment products.
