Re: Licking paws

In Reply to: Licking paws
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Chris
Posted on:  July 28, 2002 at 13:23:03

: Our 6 yr old spayed JRT is constantly licking her front paws. Sometimes they become pinkish in color because of her licking. Is this a problem or just a wierd habit?

Response:

Hi Chris,

There are usually two reasons for paw licking, 1)it might be a contact allergy or 2) boredom. If you suspect it might be a contact allergy, you will want to discuss this with your vet, especially if she starts to lick herself raw.

I have one terrier that if he gets started he will lick a raw spot on his paws. I have had lots of luck stopping him by spraying Bitter Apple on his paws. He hates it so much that now when I catch him licking his paws all I have to do is say "I'm gonna squirt the juice Brody!" and he stops LOL!!

I don't know if that will work for you but it's a good idea to make sure the licking doesn't turn into an obsessive/compulsive behavior, it sometimes does. This usually happens when a dog is bored and their boredom manifests itself into non-stop licking. Lots of middle-aged dogs will start doing this as usually they aren't as active, this type of behavior is pretty prevelent in the gun-dog breeds but can happen to any dog. Dogs will lick themselves so much they get sores that are called "lick granulomas" and these can get infected.

So if you suspect it might be due to boredom then you will have to increase her activity level.