What to do when dogs constantly lick their paws

There are two common reasons why dogs constantly lick their paws: psychological and pathological. The former may be due to anxiety, which requires careful observation and analysis. Recently, has there been any change in the dog's diet, living conditions, or routine that may cause insecurity? The latter may be due to allergies, parasites, or interdigital inflammation. It is recommended to go to the hospital for a checkup and receive symptomatic treatment to avoid delay in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

When licking paws causes swelling

When a dog constantly licks its paws, it can lead to swelling. The common causes are wounds on the dog's paws and the dog's habit of licking its wounds. As there are many bacteria in the mouth, it can cause infection and swelling. It's also possible that the dog has a habit of licking its paws, causing a decrease in the skin's resistance at the paw area, leading to skin infection and swelling.

What to do when the paws swell

First, check if there are wounds or foreign objects embedded in the dog's feet. If so, remove the foreign objects, disinfect the wounds with iodine, apply antibiotics, and bandage them. Apply the medication on time daily, and the wounds will gradually heal. If the dog has interdigital inflammation, keep the paws dry, apply antibiotics to reduce inflammation, and supplement vitamins.

How to wash dog paws

You can use pet shampoo to wash your dog's paws. First, soak the paws in warm water, then apply the shampoo and gently rub it in. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a hairdryer to prevent dampness from entering the spaces between the toes and causing interdigital inflammation. Do not use harsh cleaning agents like human shampoo or laundry detergent, as they can damage the dog's skin.