When your dog seems to spend more time licking his paws, you should look more closely for this may indicate something is amiss. You should try to determine what’s causing your dog’s behavior so you can nip the problem in the bud. A visit to your veterinarian can help establish the underlying cause, however if your pet is given a clean bill of health, it may be a behavior problem that can be addressed using behavior modification techniques.

In some cases, the problem may start as a minor ailment that eventually develops into a compulsive habit. External parasites or skin infections can trigger persistent scratching and chewing of the affected area, long after the problem has been treated successfully, mostly as a product of habit. Allergens present in food or in the environment can also trigger scratching and licking of paws in hypersensitive pets. Ask your Kamloops, BC veterinarian regarding important pet issues. You can get more information here.