why does my dog lick his paws
If you have been observing your dog and you find out this he is always licking his paws, well it is not a problem for dos to lick their paws, but it becomes something to be worried about when your dog frequently licks his paws, then at this time it becomes a problem and now you should take action immediately
Why Dogs Lick Their Paws
Basically, dogs licking their paws are a sign of self-grooming. If your dog is a dog that likes cleanliness, you may notice him licking his paws after meals, while settling down for a nap, or after coming in from outdoors, after meals. Even dogs that don't do a lot of self-grooming will occasionally clean their paws. If you notice that your dog does not always lick his paws, then, believe me, there's probably nothing to worry about.
Normally it is not good for a dog to frequently or aggressively licking his paws, this indicates that your dog may be going through some kind of health problem or a behavior
· Paw- licking and health problem
If you think your dog's paw-licking is abnormal, the first step is to determine if there is a health problem with the paws. Dogs often lick their paws excessively if they are itchy, irritated, or painful.
The first step to take if you notice that your dog frequently licks his paws is to determine if the dog if having some health challenges because. Dogs often lick their paws excessively if they are itchy, irritated, or painful.
A paw injury or foreign object may explain a sudden onset of paw-licking. The dog may have stepped on something that causes discomfort, like a sharp object or hot pavement. Maybe he could has been stung or bitten by an insect or another animal. There may even be an object or substance stuck to his paws and he needs help removing it. Foreign objects like splinters or grass awns can get embedded in the paws and cause irritation.
It is also possible that your dog has an abnormal growth on one of his paws, such as a cyst or a tumor. Or, your dog may have arthritis or an injury to the soft tissue or bones of the paw. The latter may not be something you can see with the ordinary eye.
Also it is pertinent to note that allergies can cause irritation or itching of the paw pads, and this will Couse a dog to lick their paws just for relief. Many dogs have allergies that make the paws itch. The foods allergies are especially known to cause paw itching.
You should have it in mind that it is not uncommon for dogs to develop bacterial or fungal infections of the paws and these infections may even occur for unknown reasons. However, sometimes they are secondary to allergies. When a dog frequently licks his paws, they stay damp and will be more susceptible to bacteria and fungi.
Fleas or mange which is eternal parasitic infections can also make the paws to itch thus leading to frequent and excessive licking.
How to fix it if your dog is licking his paws frequently
Taking a very close look at the paws is the step you should take when you notice that your dog is constantly licking their paws. A careful inspection of the nail beds and the toenails tops and bottoms of the feet and also the spaces in between the digits. Now you are going to look out for the discharge, bleeding, crusting broken nails, redness scabs broken nails and anything else that looks abnormal, the just go ahead and administer first aid if considered necessary.
Note that too much licking can cause saliva stains on the hair around the paws. This rust-colored staining is easiest to see where the hair is a light color.
Now at this point, it is important to contact your veterinarian whether or not the paws look abnormal to you. It is therefore the duty of your vet to rule out health problems before the behavior issue will be addressed by you.
In a situation where you are not able to find out any physical reason for your dog to lick their paws excessively, then there's a chance your dog has developed a behavior issue.
Paw-licking and behavioral problem
If all health concerns have been ruled out, it is most likely that your dog is licking their paws for behavioral reasons. It may be as simple as boredom. Or, it could be a sign of stress, fear or anxiety.
Boredom could be one of the reasons why your dog is licking his paws and it could now become a habit which he feels so relaxed with. Sometimes, obsessive tendencies could also lead them to licking their paws.
One of the simple ways to address the behavioral paw-licking of your dog is to distract them. Take them for more walks, play with them more often, and offer them toys to hold their focus. Don't scold them for licking, but don't reward them with treats either.
But if the licking continues, consider behavior modification techniques to help your dog. Consult a dog trainer or behaviorist for help.
first aid administrations for you dog in a case of emergency
In case of medical emergency for your dog, an emergency could come up at any time to any of us. Do you think you would be able to administer first aid to your dog if necessary? It takes extensive medical training to medically treat pets correctly and thoroughly. Nevertheless, you can still learn a few simple ways to potentially save your dog's life. As a dog owner, it's a good idea to understand some life-saving methods for your dog.
Put a call to Your Vet First
Veterinary clinic is the best place to treat a pet medical emergency. If possible, call your vet's office immediately, then, head over if they advise you to do so. Even better, you might get in the car and call your vet's office on the way there. In case an emergency happens when your vet is closed, then looking for an emergency clinic could be the next option. Get your familiar with the location of emergency vets closest to your home and also near places you travel with your dog. So If an emergency occurs and you cannot immediately transport your dog, calling a veterinary office is the first step. You may be able to get some steps that could help you save your dog’s life.
Always Keep a First Aid Kit close to you
It's a very good idea to keep a first-aid kit on hand that is specially made for your dog. The items will be similar to those you would keep in a human first aid kit. However, it's a better idea to keep them separate. Although pet stores sometimes sell ready-made first aid kits, you may prefer to make your own pet emergency kit. Talk to your vet if you have questions about which supplies are the right ones. The following items should be in your dog's first aid kit:
Anti-bacterial wound ointment
Thermometer and lubricant (water-based)
Latex or nitrile gloves sterile non-stick wound pads
Antiseptic wound cleanser and or/wipes (betadine or chlorhexidine-based, not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)
Nail trimmers and styptic powder
Sterile non-stick wound pads
Gauze squares
Bandage scissors
Tweezers
Diphenhydramine tablets (generic Benadryl)
Hydrogen peroxide, fresh and unopened (to induce vomiting, not for wounds)
Towels, washcloths and blankets
An instruction book for your pet
Alternatively, you can buy an assembled pet first aid kit that contains some or all of the necessary supplies.Keep your pet first aid kit in an easy-to-reach spot at home. Don't forget to bring it with you when traveling with your dog. Better yet, make multiple first aid kits to keep at home and in your car(s). Remember to inspect first aid kits every few months to ensure they are organized, well-stocked, and that items are not expired.
Take the time now to learn how to identify and handle some of the more common emergencies. And you have to get into doing it now before your dog has an emergency. The best plan is to be on the way to the vet clinic and/or on the phone with the vet clinic. In the meantime, there are some steps you can follow to begin first aid for your dog during an emergency.
Choking and respiratory crises
If you observe that your dog is struggling with his breath, it is a clear indication that he is experiencing some other form of respiratory emergency. If you can, carefully try to open your dog's mouth and look for an airway obstruction. If you see an object, you may try to remove it. Remember to be careful not to get bitten!
If the object cannot be removed, try lifting your dog off the ground with the head pointing down. If the object does not fall out, then trying some other different choking maneuvers for dogs would be the next option
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
If your dog is completely unconscious and NOT breathing, there is a good chance there is no heartbeat. Your first step should be to try and get your dog's attention and make sure there is no response. Next, try to listen for a heartbeat by placing your ear against the left side of the chest just behind the elbow. You may also try to feel a pulse by placing two fingers on the inside of a back leg, specifically in the middle of the inner thigh. If you cannot detect a heartbeat or pulse, it is possible that the dog's heart has stopped.
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is best performed by a trained professional. Sadly, the fact is that a very small number of pets that experience respiratory and cardiac arrest will recover and go on to live healthy lives. However, if you want to give your dog the best chance, you may wish to start CPR. There are two main components to CPR: rescue breathing and chest compression. Take the time to learn how to perform CPR in advance in case you ever need it.
Bleedin
If your do is going through a trauma it may result to external and/or internal injuries to your dog. If your dog is bleeding from the nose, mouth, or another orifice, there is not much you can do but get to the vet immediately. If your dog is actively bleeding from an external wound, gently place clean gauze or cloth over the wound and apply moderate, consistent pressure to the bleeding site. In cases of excessive bleeding, elevate the area if possible. Try not to disturb the clot by lifting the gauze or cloth. If it becomes soaked with blood, simply apply another layer of cloth or gauze. Maintain pressure on the wound until you reach the vet clinic so that it will be taken over by a professional
It is advisable to have a veterinarian assess your dog's wounds as soon as possible. Wounds have a better chance of healing if they are properly and quickly addressed. Waiting to have the wound treated by a vet will increase the likelihood of infection and other complications.
Wounds
If your dog has a wound that is not profusely bleeding, the best thing you can do is to take him to your vet for medical attention. If you cannot get to your vet immediately, try to clean the wound with a sterile saline rinse or betadine-based antiseptic wipes. Cover the wound with a non-stick pad, wrap it with some gauze, and secure it with bandage tape until you can get to the vet.
Dislocation or Broken Bones
If your dog has suffered a trauma, you may or may not be able to tell if he has broken any bones. If you suspect broken bones, be sure to minimize movement of that area. If there is an open wound, proceed with the above recommend recommendations for bleeding and wounds while trying to keep the area stable. Head to the vet right away so the fracture can be stabilized and your dog can get pain medication.
Insect Stings/Bites
One of the well-known characteristics of dogs is being susceptible to insect stings and bites because they are so curious in nature. Most dogs will be minimally affected by one or two bee stings or bug bites. However, multiple stings/bites, or a sensitive dog, can lead to a serious allergic reaction. If your dog is stung or bitten by an insect carefully, clean the bite area
If mild swelling occurs, you may wish to give your dog some diphenhydramine. Ask your vet to confirm the proper dose. Most dogs can safely have one milligram of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight. Be aware that this may cause drowsiness.
If the swelling is severe at the bite or sting site, if your dog has facial swelling or hives, or if your dog develops trouble breathing, transport him to the nearest vet office for treatment.
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Dog licking his paws
