Reasons Why Your Dog Curls Their Paws
Pooches often curl their paws when you pet them or when they are sleeping or lounging around the house. Curled paws can be an expression of affection, a request for attention, a sign of being comfortable, an indication of happiness or anxiety or a way to warm up.
While paw curling is a cute clue that tells you how your pup is feeling, paw knuckling is a medical condition that needs to be addressed by your veterinarian. Paw knuckling is when your dog drags his knuckles while walking. More information about that later.
They’re Expressing Affection
One reason that dogs curl their paws is to express affection. When petting your dog, you might notice her paws are curled because she’s happy that you’re giving her love. If you dare to stop petting her, she may use that curled paw to nudge you and demand that you continue.
They’re Requesting Attention
Canines do not like when their guardian is occupied doing something that doesn’t involve them (unless they are sleeping, eating or gnawing on a condensed bone). If you are reading, talking to someone, fixated on the television or doing anything that excludes Rover, he may tap you with his curled paw to request attention.
It’s a Comfortable Position
Curled paws are a cosy position for them. Dogs like to roll up into a fetal position to hide their vulnerable bellies while they sleep and also enjoy drawing their limbs and paws inward when resting. You know your pup is feeling very comfortable when his paws are curled.
It’s A Happy Position
Pups curl their paws when they feel content and are relaxing with their humans. Most of the time, curled paws are an indication of a happy and relaxed pooch who feels safe.
They Could Be Feeling Anxious
Conversely, if Fido feels stressed, he might be pulling his limbs and paws into himself to comfort himself. We do that as well. Self-soothing can involve curling up into a fetal position.
If you think your pooch is stressed, you could play with him, massage him, pet him, take him for a walk, throw a ball in the yard or distract him with a treat.
Some pooches tend to be more nervous than others, or your dog may have been traumatized by something/someone. If your dog seems nervous all the time, you might want to think about giving him CBD oil or an essential oil. Other calming aids include ThunderShirts, pheromone diffusers, a snuffle mat (because stimulating nose work distracts them), or you could see if playing soothing music calms him.
To Warm Themselves Up
In the winter, your canine may curl her paws under to warm herself. If your pup seems cold or doesn’t have a thick coat of fur, you might consider giving her a heated bed or a plush blanket. Other options are turning up the heat or letting her snuggle in bed with you.
Paw Knuckling
While paw curling can be a cute way to express comfort, happiness, affection and wanting attention, paw knuckling is a serious medical problem that necessitates a trip to the vet. In most cases, paw knuckling can be treated.
Paw Knuckling is when your dog drags the top of her paw on the ground while walking. Some of the causes are degenerative myelopathy, carpal flexural deformity, sore paws, fibrocartilaginous embolism, arthritis, neurological abnormalities and intervertebral disc disease.
Your vet can run several tests to make a diagnosis. She may prescribe rehabilitation, medication such as muscle relaxants, narcotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids or something else; a device that helps prevent knuckling or surgery if the other treatments don’t work.
If your vet recommends a device, she should put the brace on your dog, so it’s in the correct position. The best braces are lightweight, padded and strong, so they are comfortable and support your pooch’s paw and leg. Putting boots on your pup when he isn’t wearing the brace will protect him from cutting his paw if he’s dragging his knuckles.
In your home, pet steps or ramps to reach your bed or sofa would help your pooch. You can use a harness or sling to help him on the stairs or gate off the stairs entirely.
Conclusion
Paw curling is often a way for canines to get comfortable, stay warm, show affection or request attention. Sometimes, they curl their paws when anxious.
Paw knuckling is when a dog drags her knuckles as she walks. It’s painful and caused by a physical problem but it can often be treated.
