As with other dog behaviors, there can be several reasons that lead dogs to lick or chew their paws. These include injuries; skin problems; environmental, parasite, or food allergies; and boredom or anxiety.
Dogs lick their paws as part of self-grooming routines, however excessive licking could be a red flag. While paw licking is a common behaviour, some additional reasons your dog is licking their paw include anxiety, stress, obsessive behaviour, flea allergies or boredom.
Dogs naturally lick their paws, but unusually excessive licking may have an underlying cause. If your dog frequently licks the same paw, they could be in pain or have an injury or infection. When you can't find a clear reason for your dog's constant paw licking, it's best to call your vet.
Once inflammation or an infection sets in, a vicious cycle can form. Inflammation and infection can cause discomfort and itching, and this can cause your dog to lick their paws even more.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
A dog who licks you is showing you that they love you, so it's no surprise many people call them "dog kisses". It's a natural action for dogs — a way for them to express how they feel about you.
Changes in grooming behaviour
When a dog becomes hurt, their first instinct is to clean and care for their wound by licking the area. Even when the wound isn't visible and the pain is internal, dogs will still lick the area in an attempt to heal themselves.
Dogs that are depressed often engage in odd behaviors to try to help themselves feel better. One of their go-to comforting techniques is paw licking. If you notice that your dog is licking their paws excessively, even to the point of losing fur or creating wounds, then your dog could be depressed.
Environmental allergies frequently affect dogs, and one of the most common signs is itchy, inflamed skin, especially in the ears and on the paws. Dogs with allergies to molds and pollens routinely lick their paws after a stroll in the grass, particularly in the spring and summer.
Boredom, anxiety, and stress can cause your pup to lick their paws obsessively. They may have a favorite paw, but will often lick at both front paws, and sometimes their back feet, for entertainment or to help them relax.
However, excessive licking, nibbling, and chewing at their paws or paw pads isn't normal. If you've noticed your dog licking their paws frequently, or if you can't get them to stop, something is probably wrong. Frequent licking and biting at an area can lead to one or more hot spots.
Dogs may also drool and lick excessively when nervous. Changes in eyes and ears. Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly.
Dogs lick their paws at night to settle down. The action is soothing and helps them relax. But when it becomes excessive, it can signify anxiety, boredom, and frustration. It may also indicate health issues such as allergies or that your dog's nails and paw pads need more attention.
If your dog pants, salivates, yawns, or licks his lips for no apparent physical reason (such as heat, exercise, tiredness, presence of food), it is likely that he is anxious or fearful. Some of these behaviours are often interpreted to mean other motivations.
Dog Tail Meanings
If his body is tense, it means he is concentrating on something. A high tail while walking or playing is a sign of enjoyment. Relaxed tail – A sign he is passive and relaxed. Full-body tail wag – If the whole body goes into a tail wag, it is a sure sign of excitement.
Wincing, Whining or Crying
All three of these actions indicate an injury or some kind of pain your dog is experiencing. If you start to pet your dog and they shy away from your hand or whine, you know there is something wrong. Your pet might need x-rays and a full examination to determine the cause.
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, it's likely a result of their animal instinct and pack mentality. Canines who do this are referred to as “Velcro dogs,” due to their desire to be attached to your side. They may follow you around, even to the bathroom, to protect a part of their pack.
Your dog might jump on you, lick your face, and they'll definitely wag their tail. Being excited and happy to see you is one way you can be assured they love and miss you. They seek physical contact. This can come in the form of a quick nuzzle, a cuddle, or the famous lean.
According to Animal Behaviorists, 'dogs don't understand human kisses the same way that humans do. ' When kissing a young puppy, you may not notice any signs of recognition at all because they have yet to associate kisses with affection.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Signs your dog imprinted on you.
They follow you around closely. They mirror your behaviors. They follow your commands more readily than they do other people's. They check in with you frequently when in new environments or situations.
So, yes, a puppy can definitely think of you as his “mother” — that is, his provider and protector — and develop as strong an emotional bond with you as if you were blood-related. Your puppy will also quickly learn to pick you out among strangers, both by sight and through his powerful sense of smell.