Chihuahua Paw-Licking

While some paw-licking is a normal part of a Chihuahua's self-grooming routine, excessive licking could be a sign that a greater issue is at hand. There could be one of a number of reasons why your Chihuahua is licking their paws and it's important that you try to find the cause to prevent sores from developing. Here we'll take a look at some of the most common causes of Chihuahua paw-licking and show why it's more serious than you may think.

Fleas

First and foremost, you should check your Chihuahua to make sure they aren't licking because of fleas. Run your hands slowly through their coat and look for any small black specks. If you find any fleas, you should immediately bathe them with an anti-flea shampoo followed by applying flea medicine. Fleas are pesky little critters which cause serious discomfort and pain to a Chihuahua. If left untreated, they can lead to infections and other health problems, which is why it's important to deal with them promptly.

Is Your Chihuahua Bored?

Some Chihuahuas lick their paws out of sheer boredom. If you aren't stimulating your Chihuahua with enough activity and attention, they may turn to licking their paws. There's no denying that life gets bust at times, but you should make it a point to play with your Chihuahua each day. Even if it's just taking your Chihuahua for a walk around the yard, be sure to give them attention each day.

Allergies

Another common reason Chihuahuas and many other dog breeds lick their paws is because of an allergic reaction. If you're feeding them some cheap, low-quality dog food, you should try switching it out for something with more organic ingredients. Cheap dog food oftentimes contains processed and unnatural ingredients which can cause an allergic reaction.

For the most part, having your Chihuahua lick their paws shouldn't cause any serious issues. You may notice a wet spot on the couch, bed or wherever else they were licking it, but that's usually the worst of it. However, if you see them licking or gnawing their paws to the point where sores are developing, you should schedule a veterinarian appointment. They'll likely run some tests to make sure there's no serious health issues at hand. If the veterinarian determines nothing is wrong, they make suggest that you simply keep an eye on the affected area. In severe cases, they make recommend having your Chihuahua wear a cone around their head to prevent any further injury.

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