Picture this: You're snuggled up in bed, about to head off to the land of nod, when suddenly, there it is - that incessant, moist slurping sound of your treasured fur-baby giving their paws a late-night grooming session. It's like your pooch has set up their own late-night ASMR podcast right there in the bedroom. And it makes you wonder, why on earth is your dog licking their paws so obsessively? Is it just a doggy quirk, or should you be a bit more concerned? Chill, we're here with all the answers you (and your pet pal) need.
Yeah, paw licking might be just a normal doggy thing, but if it's happening too often - especially at bedtime - it's definitely worth investigating. So let's dive in, and dissect the possible reasons, from the harmless to those that might require a little professional pet-doc advice.
Normal or Not? Why Dogs Are Obsessed with Licking Their Paws
1) They're Just Freshening Up
Just like us after a long day, our doggos need a little freshening up. Imagine walking barefoot everywhere – the park, the sidewalk, and oh no, through that coffee you accidentally neglected to mop up. After a day of these adventures, their paws need a good clean. Essentially, bedtime is like their little spa retreat.
Still, if the licking keeps going on overtime, it's time to play detective and find out if something might be irking them.
2) It's Their Chill Pill
Ever found yourself mindlessly biting your nails or playing with your hair when you're a smidge stressed? Well, dogs have their own version of that – paw licking. It's their way of saying, "Ahhh, that hits the spot." When the house gets all calm and quiet, they love a good paw lick to unwind.
But heads up, if your pup seems frequently on edge, keep an eye out—they might be asking for a little additional TLC.
When Paw Licking Is a Red Flag
Now, not all paw licking is harmless. When it’s excessive or accompanied by other signs, it might point to underlying issues. Here are some common culprits:
1) Allergies (Right, Your Fur-Baby Can Have Allergies Too!)
Yep, just like you and me, your fur-pal can get hit with allergies. What sets them off, you ask?
- Food (Talkin' chicken, beef, dairy, or grains.)
- Environmental funk (Pollen, mold, grass - some dogs just can't deal.)
- Household stuff (Even that oh-so-wonderful-smelling floor cleaner might get under their skin!)
Allergies can make their little paws itch to high heaven, causing constant licking. Seeing red skin, watery eyes, or hearing the occasional "achoo"? You've got an allergy situation, buddy.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to calm allergies down. Our Quercetin Allergy Chews are a good place to start!
2) Boredom = Bad News for Paws
Your pup's got brains; they need stuff to do. If they're understimulated, paw licking becomes like our endlessly scrolling through social media. If they're lapping at their paws after a lazy day, boredom is that silent enemy.
3) Owie Alert!
They can't exactly say "I've got a boo-boo," so licking is their SOS signal. There could be a tiny cut, a splinter, maybe a sneaky little thorn in their paw. If one paw is getting all the licks, grab a torch and go detective mode.
4) Pesky Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites - they're small but big trouble. Especially if they're snuggling in between the paw pads. Is your furry friend scratching, biting, acting fidgety along with the licking? You've got some unwelcome guests.
5) Skin Stuff or Funky Fungi
Sometimes those paws just can't catch a break. Excessive licking can be a sign of - or lead to - ew, skin infections. Got fungal overgrowth like yeast, you have itchy or smelly paws. Swelling, redness, a weird smell (nope, not a good kind of funk) - you're looking at an infection.
6) Stress or Separation Woes
Even tough pups get emotional. If your doggo's feeling stressed, lonely, or anxious (those puppy-dog eyes!), paw licking can be their stress-ball. Started seeing more licking after a big change, like a move or a new pet sibling? You've got your reason right there.
What Can You Do About It?
Now that you have a good idea of why your dog might be licking their paws at night, the next step is knowing how to help them. Here’s how you can tackle the issue:
1) Play Detective with Their Paws
First thing's first, we gotta check those adorable paws. Be on the lookout for cuts, splinters, random stuff stuck in there, or any swelling. Spot something that looks minor? Grab a little warm water and pet-safe antiseptic to clean it up. If it's something more serious, time to make a vet appointment.
2) Get Ahead of Allergies
Think allergies might be the culprit? Time to figure out what's making your pup itch. One of the easiest ways is to switch up their food to something hypoallergenic or with limited ingredients. If your buddy's allergic to Mother Nature, a quick paw wipe after each walk should do the trick.
For stubborn allergies, the doc can prescribe antihistamines or even suggest an allergy test.
3) Keep That Pup Busy
Remember, a pooped pooch is a happy pooch! Keeping their brain and body moving does wonders. Toys, puzzles, or a few extra strolls in the evening can curb that boredom-licking. Plus, it's extra bonding time with your four-legged best friend!
4) Fend Off Fleas and Ticks
Worried about parasites? Check that your dog's flea and tick prevention is up-to-date. Your vet might even have some soapy solutions up their sleeve in the form of medicated shampoos or treatments.
5) Soothe Their Souls
Stressful times call for extra snuggles. Make sure your pup has a comfy spot to chill, and shower them with a little extra love. And hey, with the green light from your vet, maybe even try out calming products like Adaptil diffusers or CBD doggy treats. Keeping things consistent in their routine also goes a long way.
6) Give Paw Balms or Boots a Go
Is your pupper's paws a little dry or irritated? A good pet-safe paw balm can be a lifesaver. And for outdoor adventures, doggy booties are a stylish (and super functional) fashion statement to keep those paws protected.
7) Call In the Pros
If, despite your best efforts, the licking keeps on going, maybe it's time to call your vet. They can run tests to diagnose skin conditions, infections or other health issues that might be causing the problem, and provide a treatment plan tailor-made for your buddy.
Ring Up the Vet - Here's When!
Most of the time, your fur baby's paw licking is nothing to worry about and can be fixed with a few tweaks or a little bit of TLC. But if you spot any of these symptoms, hit the phone and get your vet on the line pronto:
- Super red, puffy, or bleeding paws
- Limping around or looking like they're in pain
- Weird smells coming from their paws
- Night owl licking that's messing with their beauty sleep
- Acting all grouchy or hurting when you give their paws a touch
Your vet's got all the gizmos and know-how to crack this case and make sure your cuddly companion is back on track, living that itch-free high life.
Final Thoughts
Your furry friend licking their paws at bedtime might just be their own cute way of saying, "Phew! Today was a biggie. Now, it's me-time!" But when it starts getting a bit excessive, it's high time for us to put our detective hats on. Anything from allergies to plain old boredom to stress could be making your dog a paw-licking enthusiast. And guess what? There are just as many strategies to nip this tricky habit in the bud.
Remember, your doggo counts on you to keep them comfy and healthy. Paying a tad more attention to their paws can work wonders in ensuring they stay chipper and their tails keep wagging for many, many more years.
Goodnight, and here's hoping your nights are free from any wet, slobbery paw-licking concerts!
References
1) Bajwa J. Canine pododermatitis. Can Vet J. 2016 Sep;57(9):991-3. PMID: 27587895; PMCID: PMC4982575.
