What should I do if my little dog always likes to lick its paws

When we joyfully welcome our little dog at home, its furry body and agile eyes instantly become the focus of life. However, if a puppy always loves to lick its paws, this seemingly simple behavior may hide a lot of information and tightly grip our hearts. Every time we see a puppy licking its paws intently, we can't help but wonder, what's wrong with it? This small gesture is like a mysterious puzzle waiting for us to solve, and the process of solving the puzzle is a manifestation of our deep love for the little dog.

Puppies love to lick their paws, which may be due to physiological discomfort. One of the most common reasons is paw injury. Puppies are naturally lively and curious about the world while playing and exploring, always running and jumping around. This makes their claws vulnerable to injury, such as being scratched by sharp objects like glass shards, tree branches, etc; Or they may be injured by door cracks, and as they excitedly shuttle between rooms, such an accident could happen accidentally. When the paw is injured, the puppy instinctively licks to relieve the pain. Their saliva contains some antibacterial substances, and licking can to some extent clean the wound, but excessive licking may lead to wound infection and delay healing. We watched as the puppy kept licking its paws, feeling heartbroken and wishing we could bear the pain for it.

Skin problems are also a common cause for small dogs to lick their paws. Skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, and fungal infections can cause unbearable itching on the paws of small dogs. The puppy cannot express this discomfort in words and can only try to relieve the itching by licking. For example, a puppy may develop eczema if its paws remain moist for a long time after playing on damp grass. Fungi breed in this environment, causing symptoms such as redness, hair loss, and scabbing on the paw skin. The puppy can only continuously lick to alleviate the discomfort. Some puppies may be allergic to certain substances in the environment, such as pollen, dust mites, cleaning agents, etc. Allergic reactions may also manifest on their paws, causing itching and leading to frequent licking of their paws.

Parasitic infections cannot be ignored either. Parasites such as fleas and ticks like to parasitize on the skin of small dogs, especially around their paws. Their bites can cause itching and prompt the dog to constantly lick its paws. In addition, interdigital inflammation is also a common disease in small dogs, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain in the interdigital area. In order to relieve discomfort, small dogs will frequently lick and lick. When we notice abnormalities in a puppy's paws, such as redness, swelling, hair loss, or odor, we must take it seriously as it may be caused by parasites or diseases.

In addition to physiological factors, psychological reasons may also cause puppies to love licking their paws. Puppies are animals that rely heavily on their owners. When they feel lonely, anxious, or stressed, they may comfort themselves by licking their paws. For example, if the owner is not at home for a long time and the puppy stays alone in an empty room, a sense of loneliness will arise. Alternatively, changes in the home environment, such as moving, adding new family members or pets, can make the puppy feel uneasy. In this situation, licking their paws has become a way for them to relieve psychological stress, just like how we unconsciously bite our nails when we are nervous.

Boredom is also a factor that makes puppies love to lick their paws. If puppies don't have enough toys and activities to expend their energy, they will look for things to do, and licking their paws becomes a pastime. A lively little dog needs moderate exercise and play time every day. If these needs are not met, they will pass the time by licking their paws.

When we find that a puppy always likes to lick its paws, we should first carefully check its paws. Gently grip the puppy's paw and check for any abnormal conditions such as wounds, redness, hair loss, scabs, etc. If a wound is found, it should be cleaned and treated promptly. Rinse the wound with physiological saline to remove dirt and foreign objects, then apply an appropriate amount of pet specific anti-inflammatory ointment. If the wound is deep or the condition is severe, it is important to take the puppy to the veterinarian in a timely manner. For skin problems, treatment should be tailored to the specific situation. If it is eczema or dermatitis, a veterinary prescribed ointment can be applied. If there is a fungal infection, it may be necessary to use antifungal drugs and pay attention to keeping the puppy's paws dry and clean. For parasitic infections, it is necessary to regularly perform external deworming on puppies, using pet specific deworming drugs and following the instructions to remove fleas, ticks, and other parasites.

Meanwhile, it is important to ensure that the puppy has sufficient physical activity. Take the puppy for a walk every day, allowing it to freely move outdoors and release its energy. During the walk, the puppy can breathe fresh air and explore the world around it, which is very beneficial for its physical and mental health. Adequate exercise can not only reduce the behavior of dogs licking their paws due to boredom, but also enhance their physical fitness and improve their immunity.

Puppies are the cutest companions in our lives, accompanying us with innocence and passion. When they exhibit the behavior of constantly licking their paws, we need to observe and understand with our hearts, find the reasons behind it, and provide timely help and care. Through our efforts, we have helped the puppy overcome discomfort and regain its lively and happy state. When we see the little dog surrounding us healthy and lively, licking our hands with its warm tongue and wagging its tail to express love, we know that all the care and effort put in for it is worth it. Let us use this deep love to accompany the puppy through every beautiful time, and make our companionship with the puppy longer and more beautiful.