In the early days of bringing home a puppy, you may be getting used to some strange behaviours and wondering why your puppy is displaying these behaviours. But excessive licking of the paws is not normal, and it’s something that should be addressed.
Licking is a natural behaviour for dogs. It’s how they keep their fur so clean — by removing dirt, germs, and oils from their skin with their tongue. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a beneficial habit for your Cockapoo. Let’s take a look at why your pup might be licking their paws too much, what you can do about it, and what to look out for if things get worse.
Why Does My Cockapoo Lick Their Paws?
Some dogs lick their paws to soothe itchy skin or allergies, but some may lick their paws for other reasons.
If your Cockapoo licks their paws excessively, they may be trying to remove dirt and germs from their fur. Their paw may also be sore and they could be licking a wound to try and soothe it.
Licking can also be a sign of boredom, stress, or anxiety. Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do may lick their paws to pass the time.
Some dogs lick their paws because they’re stressed. If your Cockapoo has a lot of change in their life, this could make them lick their paws. For example, if you recently got a new puppy, or if your family is moving to a new home.
So, their could be several reasons why your Cockapoo is licking their paws.
What To Do If Your Cockapoo Licks Their Paws Too Much
It’s important to find out why your pup is licking their paws so much. Once you’ve identified the cause, you can work out a plan to help them stop.
If your Cockapoo is licking their paws because of allergies, you’ll have to address that directly. You will need to look into changing your Cockapoo’s diet and trying to find exactly what they may be allergic too, because it may not even be food, it could be something in your home or even grass.
You can find this out easily by having some allergy tests taken by your vet, but these can be expensive. Your vet can prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or special shampoos to help reduce itching. The best thing to do if you have concerns about your Cockapoo having allergies is to speak to your vet for advice.
If boredom is causing your dog to lick their paws, find ways to entertain them. Try adding toys or treats to their regular playtime routine. If you work from home, schedule walks or play times during quieter hours so your pup can get out of the house and interact with others and make sure they are getting plenty of exercise.
If your Cockapoo is stressed, you may need to make some changes in their life. If you recently added a puppy to the household, make sure your Cockapoo has plenty of one-on-one interactions with you. If you’re moving, try to take them on as many trips to your new home as you can. You should also try to make your pup’s environment a bit more comfortable. This can include adding noise-reducing materials or an anti-anxiety collar.
When Excessive Paw Licking Becomes A Problem
If your pup’s paw licking becomes excessive, it can lead to infections and other health problems.
If your Cockapoo licks one paw more than the others, there could be an underlying problem.
If your dog licks their paws excessively, they could develop a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to the bacteria. Your pup could also ingest the bacteria and parasites from their own saliva and pathogens from the environment. This could lead to gastrointestinal infections.
Excessive licking of the paws can also cause wounds and make their paws very sore. This will lead to them having difficulties walking on their paws and could also increase the risk of infection if they get dirt or germs into the wound.
Tips To Help Your Dog Stop Licking Their Paws So Much
If your Cockapoo has allergies, work to soothe their symptoms. Try to get to the bottom of what their allergies may be. You can check what ingredients are in their food or monitor them to see what foods make them display signs of allergic reactions such as licking their paws, so that you can remove these foods from their diet. You could put them on an hypoallergenic diet. You can also go to the vets and have some allergy tests done.
If your pup is bored, play with them more often. If you can’t spend more time with them, consider investing in toys that reward them for being calm.
If your dog is stressed, try to find ways to make their environment less hectic. This can include creating a special place for them to relax in your home.
If your pup is in pain, bring them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment. If it’s an infection, your vet will prescribe antibiotics. Keep your pup healthy by feeding them a high-quality diet and providing plenty of fresh water.
Final Words
If your dog’s paw licking is excessive, you should visit your vet. It’s important to rule out any serious health problems and get the proper treatment. Bringing up your concerns with your vet can help you get to the root of your pup’s strange habit and will make yourself and your Cockapoo feel better.
