Have you had it with your dog licking her paws non-stop? Are you going crazy watching your cat pull at her toenails?
If you are uncomfortable with your pet’s paw obsession, imagine how your pet feels!
Compulsive licking and chewing of the paws is a common problem for our pets, but it shouldn’t be considered normal.
There can be many causes, such as:
- Allergies: ingestion of a food, contact with grasses or plants and inhalation of pollens are common causes of itchy skin.
- Parasites: mites can burrow in to the skin and cause irritation and flea bites can cause generalised itching.
- Boredom: just as people with anxiety might bite their nails, our pets can develop a physical response to psychological stress - some pets will develop an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Hormonal imbalances: thyroid disease and adrenal disease can lead to superficial skin infections and itchy skin.
- Pain: licking to relieve pain caused by arthritis or the presence of a foreign body such as a grass seed.
If your pet is experiencing itchiness, a consultation with us is essential to help improve their comfort levels. We can recommend various treatments to help them feel better.
Ready to book an appointment?
At Port Adelaide Veterinary Clinic, your pet’s health and well-being are our top priority.
Book your pet’s next appointment online or give our friendly team a call to find out how we can support their ongoing care.