Why Do Dogs Constantly Lick Their Owners' Hands?

Many dogs have developed an almost irresistible urge to lick their paws, often completely oblivious to the owner's attempts to discourage them. Some even emit contented sighs while doing so, as if they're savoring a gourmet treat.

As a dog owner, what should you do? First and foremost, it's crucial to recognize that excessive paw licking can lead to issues like limping, red and swollen paw pads, bleeding, and unpleasant odors. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to take your furry friend to a qualified veterinary clinic for proper care.

While occasional paw licking is normal, most pawrelated problems can be treated. However, it's important to remember that medication only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. If you don't alter your dog's behavior, continuously medicating while they continue to lick is not a sustainable solution.

Here are some common reasons why dogs might lick and chew their paws:

Skin Dryness

Contrary to what some skincare ads might suggest, dogs can also suffer from dry skin, especially during winter or in dry conditions. While applying skincare products to dogs can be a slow process, providing them with 12 servings of foods rich in fatty acids each week can be more effective. Fish oil, fishbased dog food, and fish itself are all good options, but given the current pandemic, I recommend opting for highquality dog food. It's important to note that while fish oil can be the quickest to take effect, excessive intake can lead to other issues, such as obesity.

Many wellknown brandname dog foods contain sufficient amounts of fatty acids.

Allergies

As with humans, dogs can have complex allergies. However, they are more prone to allergies from everyday chemicals and household items. Food allergies are particularly common in dogs, and these allergens can trigger various symptoms, with the feet being one of the most frequent points of contact.

Injuries

It's possible that your dog has sustained an injury that you haven't noticed. Over time, they may start to lick their paws as a result. Some injuries are so subtle that they can go unnoticed, even when right under our noses.

Hair

Many dogs continue to lick their paws without any apparent cause, which is often overlooked by their owners: the paw hair. Regular grooming of paw hair is essential; if left unattended, these hairs can fall into the paw pads, get caught between toes, or cause discomfort while walking.

Over time, these issues can lead to red bumps on the paw pads and between the toes, which dogs will instinctively try to lick or chew. However, these hairs are rarely removed by the dogs themselves.

Parasites

Fleas, mites, and even ticks can cause a dog to start licking their paws.

Psychological Reasons

This is the most complex and common reason for paw licking. Some dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, depression, boredom, or loneliness when their owners are away or when there are other dogs in the home. Dogs can't talk or post on social media, so how do they express their anxiety? Licking their paws is one way to do so.

This anxietyinduced paw licking can eventually become an obsession, known as "not licking is uncomfortable." This psychological barrier requires the combined effort of both the dog and their owner to overcome.

Spending more quality time with your dog can help. If you're incredibly busy every day, here's a tip: give your dog a good workout before you leave the house. This can significantly reduce their pawlicking behavior when they're left alone.