Fleas, mites and other tiny irritants
Parasites are another important cause of itchy feet. Even a single flea bite can trigger severe itching in sensitive pets.
Mites, particularly in younger or immunocompromised animals, can also cause intense irritation around the feet and face.
This is why good parasite prevention remains so important, even for pets who spend most of their time indoors.
Sometimes it isn’ t itchiness at all
Interestingly, not all paw licking is caused by skin disease.
Pets with arthritis, injuries, or joint pain will sometimes lick the affected limb repeatedly. Dogs with sore backs, necks, hips or knees may focus on their paws because that’ s where the discomfort“ travels” to or it is the only region that they can reach in an attempt to soothe the pain.
Anxiety and stress can also contribute, especially in highly strung or bored animals.
Even if the original cause is not itchiness, secondary infections can also develop in these cases, making management difficult.
What should owners look out for?
Some signs that warrant a closer look include:
• Persistent licking or chewing
• Redness between the toes
• Limping
• Swollen paws
• Bad smell from the feet
• Hair loss
• Recurrent ear infections alongside itchy feet
Many allergic pets suffer from both itchy paws and recurring ear problems at the same time.
Small changes at home can help
Owners can often make pets more comfortable by:
• Wiping paws after walks
• Keeping feet dry and clean
• Avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals
• Maintaining regular flea prevention
• Preventing excessive licking before the skin becomes damaged
Importantly, if the licking persists for more than a few days – especially if redness or smell develops – it’ s worth getting checked sooner rather than later.
So how do we fix it?
The key is identifying the underlying cause rather than simply stopping the licking temporarily. Depending on the pet, treatment may involve:
• Parasite control
• Allergy management
• Medicated washes or wipes
• Antibiotics or antifungal medication
• Dietary changes
• Anti-itch medication
Some pets improve quickly, while others need longer-term management to keep flare-ups under control.
Happy feet, happier pets
Itchy paws may seem like a small problem at first, but they can become surprisingly uncomfortable and frustrating for pets. The earlier the cause is identified, the easier it usually is to manage.
And, perhaps best of all, everyone gets a better night’ s sleep once the midnight paw-licking finally stops. www. petpals. co. za