Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws Before Bed
Dogs licking their paws before bedtime is a common behaviour that many pet owners have noticed. There are several reasons why dogs might engage in this behaviour, including removing irritants such as dirt, grass, or other debris that may have gotten stuck in their paw pads.
Licking their paws can also be a way for dogs to self-soothe and calm down before bed, much like humans might take a warm bath or read a book. Additionally, licking is also a natural and instinctual behaviour that dogs engage in to relieve stress and satisfy their urge to taste and explore their environment.
Grooming
Grooming is relatively harmless. Canines dedicate a generous amount of time to licking themselves and removing debris or whatever may have fallen into their fur. Unless your pup is obsessively grooming, it’s a natural activity.
Too much licking may cause irritation or sores. If your dog is licking so much that you see red skin or an open wound, try to distract her with a dog toy or puzzle. If she insists on licking one area, it could be a hotspot. Your vet can clean it out and prescribe antibiotics and topical medication so it doesn’t get infected.
Boredom
Boredom always causes trouble. We’re talking about bedtime so Fifi should be winding down. Maybe you’re going to sleep, but she’s napped all day and isn’t very tired. You could try playing a little fetch or with a tug toy after dinner to wear her out. You could brush her in the evening so she receives attention and has bonding time with you. An evening activity may help her feel like she’s had her stimulation, attention and love for the day, and it’s time to sleep.
Fleas or Ticks
If you notice that your dog is licking his paws more than usual, he may have fleas or a tick. Fleas are active at night. Pet parents whose pups spend time outside in the woods, park or in the yard should have a flea comb to run through Rover’s coat to check for fleas.
Fleas leave black “flea dirt” that looks like pepper on dogs. You might find it on your pup’s bed, your carpet or his spot on the sofa. Take a wet paper towel and wipe it against those things or your dog. The flea dirt will turn red because it’s really dried blood. Your vet will give your fur baby a flea treatment, or you can bathe him with a flea-killing shampoo.
You can probably find a tick with a flea comb. In general, if you go somewhere woodsy with Fido, it’s good to do a body check to make sure there aren’t any ticks on him (or on you!). If you find one, use tweezers to slowly pull the entire tick out of him and clean the spot where the tick was with rubbing alcohol.
Dogs should always have a preventative flea and tick collar or treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.
Hormonal Imbalance
Dogs who aren’t spayed may lick their paws during heat cycles. Pheromones in male dogs irritate female dogs when they are in heat, and they will lick their paws in response to that. Spaying your dog will fix the hormonal imbalance.
To Soothe Arthritis Pain
If your fur buddy is older, she may be suffering from arthritis. Licking her paws is like a warm massage that soothes the pain. Many pet guardians give their pups supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. Many people say that CBD oil helps their dogs to regain mobility and feel better. Vets also prescribe NSAID medications.
Other treatments include massage, weight loss, accutherapy, hydrotherapy, a prescription diet, bone broth and using a lifting sling when you walk him so he has less weight to support.
Puppy Memories
Subconsciously, she may remember her mom licking her all the time. Dog moms use their loving licks to stimulate growth, give affection and keep her puppies clean.
His Allergies Are Making Him Itchy
Like us, our pups suffer from allergies. Food allergies, pollen allergies and so on. You can try changing foods if your pooch seems itchy year-round. You might want to buy a dog allergy test kit and save yourself a drive to the veterinarian’s office. During the day, Spot may be busy playing, running to the door when the bell rings, chasing squirrels and so on. When he’s lying in bed, he is more aware that he’s itchy because there’s nothing distracting him.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, or dry skin, is an inflammation of the skin that often develops between the toes. You can give your pooch an Omega 3 supplement to prevent dry skin. Check your pup’s paws if you see him licking a lot to make sure there’s no inflammation, redness or dry-looking skin. Go to the vet if his paws are irritated so you can get prescription medication.
Yeast Infection
Yeast is a spore-producing fungus that’s always in your dog’s skin, but when he produces an excessive amount, the yeast causes an infection. Symptoms of yeast infections are thickened skin, a musty odour, itchiness, swollen or red nail beds, greasy skin, discharge from skin or nail beds, flaky/crusty skin on the paws and warmth. Breeds that are most susceptible to yeast infections are Maltese, Cocker Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, German Shepherd, English Setters, Boxers, Poodles, Australian Silky Terriers, Dachshunds, Basset Hound and Shih Tzu. Medical issues like allergies and hormonal imbalances can cause yeast infections.
A trip to the vet is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and treat it. Your vet may take a painless skin scraping and look at it under the microscope. He’ll recommend an antifungal shampoo, topical antifungal creams, sprays and wipes. If the infection is very severe, he’ll give you oral antifungal medicine.
Anxiousness
Like Lady Macbeth, your dog is anxious and can’t stop cleaning her hands. There are many techniques and products that soothe anxiety in dogs.
- Take him for a walk because exercise is healthy, calming and produces endorphins.
- A compression suit like a Thundershirt relaxes many canines. It’s like swaddling an infant. The pressure can release calming hormones like oxytocin or endorphins.
- Eliminate the stimulus that’s upsetting him. For example, drown out fireworks with the telly or radio volume up loud.
- A stimulating chew toy helps poochies to chew their way to comfort because chewing releases tension.
- Create a safe retreat. Dogs feel protected in a cave-like structure. She’ll enjoy having a quiet escape from everything that’s happening around her.
- Make sure you’re not making your pup anxious with a stressful vibe. You know how perceptive they are. If you’re a ball of nervousness, your dog will be convinced that something is wrong. Even if something IS wrong, try not to let your pup know that you’re upset if it’s making her anxious.
- Supplements like CBD oil, essential oils and others will help your canine feel calm. They usually don’t have the side effects that prescription medications do.
- Give him a message or petting session. Physical touch is a powerful relaxant and provides comfort and reassurance.
Is paw-licking before bed a problem?
While paw-licking before bedtime is a common behaviour for many dogs, excessive paw-licking can be a sign of underlying health issues. If your dog is constantly licking their paws, or if the behaviour becomes excessive and begins to interfere with their daily activities, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
In some cases, excessive paw-licking may be a sign of allergies or skin infections. These conditions can cause discomfort and itching, leading your dog to lick their paws in an attempt to relieve the symptoms. In these cases, it’s important to diagnose and treat the underlying issue to prevent further complications and ensure your dog’s well-being.
Other health issues, such as arthritis or joint pain, can also cause dogs to lick their paws as a way to alleviate discomfort. If your dog is showing signs of pain or discomfort, such as limping or avoiding certain activities, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice and have them examined.
Conclusion
Dogs lick their paws before bedtime for many reasons ranging from pain to itchiness to anxiety. Once you know what’s bothering him, you can treat the cause. Excessive licking can result in sores or infections. Medical issues often require a trip to the vet. Boredom and anxiety can often be treated at home with exercise, playing, brushing, a chew toy, CBD oil, essential oils or another supplement.
