Our furry friends bring us immeasurable comfort and companionship, especially as we enjoy our golden years.

However, with pet ownership comes the duty of ensuring our pets' health and well-being.

A veterinarian addressed a typical yet misunderstood dog behaviour that could signal an underlying health issue.


Veterinarian Amir Anwary urged pet owners to seek immediate medical attention if they notice their dogs excessively biting or licking their paws.

'Is your dog constantly biting and licking their paws? I'm here to tell you that is not normal behaviour,' Anwary cautioned.

'There is most likely a medical reason for your dog licking or biting their paws, and it needs to be seen by a veterinarian.'


Anwary pointed out that allergies are the most common reason for this behaviour.

'Like humans, we sneeze, or our eyes get watery when we get allergies. With dogs, it presents in their skin, so they get extremely itchy and start biting and licking their paws a lot,' Anwary shared.

Whether the reaction is to certain foods or environmental factors, it's crucial to identify allergens and seek appropriate treatment.


However, allergies are not the only culprits.

Anwary also highlighted parasitic infestations, such as ticks, fleas, or mites, as potential causes of your dog's discomfort.

'This is a very easy to treat if your dog does that. Get them on medication straight away,' he said.

Pain and discomfort from conditions such as arthritis could also lead dogs to 'lick to self-soothe'.

'They lick directly over the joint that's causing them pain,' he shared. 'So if you guys have an older dog and are constantly licking, they need to be on pain medication for arthritis.'


Lastly, Anwary discussed behavioural reasons behind paw licking.

Stress, anxiety, or compulsive behaviours could lead dogs to lick their paws as a coping mechanism.

In such cases, behaviour-modifying medicines prescribed by a veterinarian may be necessary.

Dog owners must recognize that excessive paw licking is not normal and take action to alleviate their pet's discomfort.

As Anwary put it, 'It's essential for all dog owners to recognize this is not a normal behaviour and do something about it because your dog is in discomfort.'

Watch Anwary’s warning here:

We understand that your furry pals' health is paramount.

We encourage you to closely monitor your furry companions for signs of distress or unusual behaviour.

Don't hesitate to seek veterinary care if you observe persistent paw licking or biting.

Early intervention can make all the difference to ensure they live a happy and comfortable life at home.
Have you ever encountered this issue with your dog? If so, please share your stories with us in the comments section below.