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Golden Retrievers are famously loyal and friendly, and are often seen as strong, intelligent, and protective family pets. But have you ever seen your Golden Retriever licking their paws? While it may seem strange, it’s actually a relatively common behavior in dogs. While it can be a sign of anxiety or boredom, there are some other reasons why a Golden Retriever might be licking their paws. In this article, we’ll explore the four most common reasons why a Golden Retriever might be licking their paws.
Reasons Why Your Golden Retriever Licks and Bites Its Paws
1. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. If a Golden Retriever is licking their paws, it could be because of an allergic reaction to something in the environment. This can include pollen, dust, or even certain food items. If your Golden Retriever is licking their paws more than normal, it could be a sign that they’re dealing with some sort of allergy. Have them checked out by a veterinarian so that you can determine the cause of the problem.
Many Golden Retriever owners see success after giving their dog a natural allergy supplement, such as fish oil or quercetin, also known as “Nature’s Benadryl. One popular supplement is the iHeartDogs Allergy & Itch chews, available here or on Amazon Prime.
2. Skin Infections
It’s not unusual for a Golden Retriever to develop a skin infection, especially if they’re outdoors a lot and exposed to a variety of different elements. Skin infections can be caused by a variety of different things, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. If your Golden Retriever is licking their paws, it could be because it’s trying to soothe an itchy or irritated area of skin. If this is the case, then it’s important to take them to the vet so that they can receive the appropriate treatment.
For minor paw irritations, a chlorhexidine wipe may offer relief. Always be sure to consult your veterinarian.
3. Anxiety or Stress
Golden Retrievers are highly sensitive to their environment, so it’s not unusual for them to develop anxiety or stress if something changes. If your Golden Retriever is licking their paws, it could be a sign that it’s feeling anxious or stressed. This could be caused by a move to a new home, the introduction of a new pet, or even changes in the weather. In any case, it’s important to pay attention to your Golden Retriever’s behavior and to try to alleviate any stress they may be feeling.
If you believe your Golden Retriever is suffering from anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause of the stressor. However, tools such as broad-spectrum Hemp oil or chews may be very helpful. There are also natural calming chews available.
4. Boredom
Golden Retrievers are highly active and need plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. If they’re not getting enough exercise, they can become bored and start to display behaviors such as licking their paws. This is why it’s important to make sure your Golden Retriever is getting enough physical activity. Make sure to take them for plenty of walks, play with them, and give them some interactive toys such as a nose work mat (many available on Amazon as well)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Licking or Biting Its Paws
1. Why is my Golden Retriever constantly licking its paws?
Constant paw licking is often a sign of allergies, irritation, or infections. Environmental allergens like pollen or grass, or food sensitivities, can make your dog’s paws itchy and uncomfortable.
2. Is it normal for Golden Retrievers to lick their paws occasionally?
Yes, occasional licking is normal grooming behavior. However, excessive licking—especially if the skin becomes red or raw—signals an underlying problem such as allergies, pain, or parasites.
3. Can allergies cause my Golden Retriever to bite its paws?
Absolutely. Food allergies, seasonal allergies, and contact dermatitis are leading causes of paw biting. Identifying the allergen through an elimination diet or vet testing can help.
4. What kind of infections cause Golden Retrievers to lick their paws?
Bacterial or yeast infections are common culprits. You may notice symptoms like a foul odor, brown discharge, or swollen skin between the paw pads.
5. Could anxiety make my Golden Retriever lick its paws?
Yes. Stress or boredom can lead to compulsive paw licking as a form of self-soothing. Providing more exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship often helps.
6. How do I know if my Golden Retriever’s paw licking is due to pain?
If your dog licks or bites one paw more than the others, it could be a localized pain issue—like a splinter, thorn, or joint pain. A vet can check for injuries or arthritis.
7. What home remedies can I try to stop paw licking?
Try rinsing paws after walks, using hypoallergenic wipes, or applying coconut oil for moisture. Avoid harsh chemicals and consult your vet before using any topical treatments.
8. Should I be worried if my Golden Retriever bites its paws at night?
Yes, nighttime paw biting could indicate itchiness or discomfort that worsens at rest. Check for fleas, dry skin, or inflammation and consult your vet for treatment.
9. Can dry skin cause my Golden Retriever to lick or chew its paws?
Yes. Low humidity, frequent bathing, or poor diet can cause dry, flaky skin. Adding omega-3 fatty acids and using moisturizing paw balms may help.
10. How can I prevent my Golden Retriever from licking its paws excessively?
Keep paws clean and dry, trim fur around pads, check for debris, and use dog-safe paw balms. Address any allergies or anxiety to prevent recurrence.
11. Are paw infections in Golden Retrievers contagious?
Generally, no. Most paw infections are not contagious to other dogs or humans. However, always clean bedding and toys and follow vet hygiene advice.
12. What are the signs of a yeast infection on my dog’s paws?
Look for reddish-brown stains, itchy paws, thickened skin, and a corn chip-like smell—all classic signs of a yeast overgrowth.
13. Can diet affect my Golden Retriever’s paw licking habits?
Yes. Diets high in processed ingredients or grains can trigger allergies. Switching to a high-quality, grain-free, or limited-ingredient food may reduce licking.
14. When should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet for paw licking?
If licking lasts more than a few days, causes hair loss, bleeding, or limping, it’s time for a vet visit. Persistent licking can lead to infections and worsening irritation.
15. How long does it take to stop a Golden Retriever from paw licking once treated?
Depending on the cause, improvement can be seen in a few days to a few weeks. Consistent treatment, diet management, and paw care are key for long-term relief.
Licking their paws is a common behavior in Golden Retrievers, and there can be a few different reasons for it. The most common are allergies, skin infections, anxiety or stress, and boredom. If you notice your Golden Retriever licking their paws more than normal, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and take them to the vet if necessary.
Keeping Those Little Paws Healthy
If your Golden Retriever is constantly licking or biting its paws, it’s often an indication of an underlying problem such as allergies, anxiety, injuries, or parasites. These behaviors shouldn’t be ignored, as they can lead to skin irritation or infection if left untreated. Observing your dog’s habits and addressing the root cause early is crucial for its comfort and well-being. Consistent grooming, regular vet checkups, and a balanced diet play a vital role in keeping your Golden Retriever’s paws clean, pain-free, and healthy every day.
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