The Vizsla dog breed was founded in Hungary as an indicator and a retriever. It is known worldwide as a loving and affectionate dog breed, especially with their loved ones. However, a lot of Vizsla owners wonder why their pets tend to lick their paws often. Like other dog behaviors, Vizsla may lick or chew their paws for several reasons.
Possible Reasons Why Vizslas Lick So Much
Although occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, there might be other reasons why they lick their paws so much. Some of the reasons are:
-
Grooming and Hygiene
It is in the canine nature to groom themselves like cats and other animals by licking their fur. Vizslas lick their paws to remove any dirt and anything they have stepped on during their walk. However, there will be times when you notice excessive licking by your Vizslas. It may be because of a medical problem.
To ensure that your Vizslas do not have any medical problems, it must take them to the vet. The continuous anal cleaning performed by your Vizsla may indicate a specific gland that professionals must remove. That’s why consulting a veterinarian is essential to know the potential reasons and solutions for your pet’s excessive licking.
-
Injuries
One of the possible reasons why Vizslas lick their paws is because they are in pain. Once you notice that your Vizsla keeps on licking its paw, check the paw, primarily if the Vizsla only focuses on one paw. The sudden onset of paw-licking may be due to a paw injury or foreign object.
Vizslas may have irritated their paw with something sharp or walked onto hot sidewalks, a bee stung, or a blister. A simple first-aid treatment can alleviate their pain, while some severe problems may need veterinarian treatment.
-
Food Allergies
It’s known that food allergies may cause itchy paws, and they are challenging to identify. Veterinarians might suggest removing some ingredients in your dog’s food or recommend a specific diet. Few of the most common ingredients that can cause food allergies are beef, chicken, corn, and wheat.
-
Boredom
Today’s environment became boring for dogs. Dogs are used to walking, hunting, and scavenging but now are left home alone for many hours, or worse, locked up in a cage. High-energy dogs like Vizslas can be frustrated and may result in excessive paw licking and chewing activities.
-
Fleas or Ticks
Vizslas’ paws may be itchy because of parasites like fleas or ticks. It causes excessive paw licking and chewing and may lead to worse conditions. It is essential to use insecticides and flea medication to get rid of these parasites. Veterinarians can suggest treatments that would relieve the itching.
-
Hormonal Imbalance
When Vizslas have a hormonal imbalance, it is because of too much cortisol or lack of thyroid hormone. As a result, red spots, balding, and brittle hair develop on the dogs’ skin. It causes irritation that leads to excessive licking of paws and can become a secondary infection.
What To Do If Your Vizslas Lick Their Paws Too Much
Moderate licking may be because of irritation by mosquito bites, but chewing and licking them may worsen the problem. The first thing to do is to check a close look at their paws and observe the tops and bottom of their feet. Check for any bruises, cuts, swelling, redness, or anything else that does not look normal.
Also, wiping your dog’s paws every time they come in from outside is important too. This may prevent any allergy if they walk on something. Always use a damp washcloth.
Dog owners must remember that dogs’ excessive licking causes saliva stains on the paw hair and becomes rust-colored. This is the easiest way to check if there is something wrong with the paw of your dog. If you think that the paw looks abnormal, make sure to contact your veterinarian to avoid worsening your dog’s condition.
If there is no underlying reason why your Vizslas lick their paws so much, your dog may have a potential behavioral problem. It’s best to take them to a veterinarian as early as possible.
Conclusion
To prevent your dogs from paw-licking, try to spend more time with them by taking them for a walk, playing with them more often, and offering them toys for them to be distracted. Also, avoid holding them because of paw licking. Consulting a veterinarian is always the best way to address the problem. The quicker it is addressed, the better.
