Looking at your dog lick their nose and paws obsessively can get a bit annoying, especially when you have no clue why they are going at it so aggressively.
Some dogs may even start to lose interest in the things around them and focus on licking their noses and paws.
It is important for you to know what leads to their behavior and find out if it’s continuous or accompanied by limping, swelling, bleeding, or a foul odor.
Getting the right dog training is an important first step every dog owner should take to be better able to help their dogs.
Not only does dog training help you understand your dog and helps your dog listen and understand you but training helps to develop your dog’s hidden intelligence and eliminate bad behaviors.
Why is Your Dog Licking Their Nose?
Any sudden behavioral change in your dog speaks great volumes about them. Dogs cannot talk to you and tell you how they feel, so you need to pay attention to their actions.
One of those actions is constant nose licking. To help you understand, I have listed a few reasons why your dogs lick their noses.
Anxiety
Some dogs lick their nose when they are anxious or confused. Try to watch your dog in different situations to find out what might be triggering their anxiety.
For instance, some dogs who suffer from storm phobia lick their nose when they are frightened or anxious. Other dogs become eager around new people and in new environments.
Nose Injury
Any injuries such as cuts, abrasion, punctures, or damage to your dog’s nose can cause them to lick their nose constantly.
Check your dog’s nose for infections, the intensity of the injury, and speak to your veterinarian if you become concerned.
Infections
Dogs tend to develop fungal or bacterial infections, which can lead to nasal discharge. Most dogs deal with it by constantly licking their nose. These kinds of infections might even cause them to sneeze constantly.
Abnormal Growth
Nasal tumors are a leading reason for licking in some dogs and should be inspected by a certified vet as they can quickly assess the real issue your dog is facing.
Allergy
Allergies are other reasons why your pets keep licking their nose. Because dogs lead with their nose, it’s common for them to pick up allergens.
Have your vet check your dog for allergies to find out what they are allergic to and keep them away from those things that trigger their allergic reaction.
Why is Your Dog Licking Their Paws?
When your dog starts to lick their paws obsessively, there is something wrong. It can be anything from itching, pain, irritation, or just a plain obsessive disorder.
Knowing what is causing your dog’s behavioral change can help ensure their health in the long run.
Paw Injury
The most common reason for paw licking is paw injury. This may be caused by any sharp object, hot pavement, insect bite, a fighting wound, or something foreign that might have gotten stuck on your dog’s paw that needs to be removed.
Abnormal Growth
An abnormal growth can be anything from a cyst to a tumor, or your dog might have soft tissues, bones, or arthritis. Some of these are visible; others might need your dog’s doctors’ assistance.
Allergies
Itching or irritation around the paw pads is due to allergic reactions. Your dog may get allergies due to his environment or from something that he ate.
Pay attention to your dog to pinpoint the triggers. Your dog can develop an allergic reaction from the food they eat, pollen, weeds, mold, dust mites, toiletries, plastic or rubber toys, and prescription drugs.
Infections
It’s common for dogs to develop fungal or bacterial infections. The reasons can be endless, but keeping up with clean paws is a great place to start.
Hormonal Imbalance
Dogs tend to produce an excessive amount of cortisol when their hormones are out of control. These come forward as red spots, balding, and brittle hair.
Additionally, excessive licking can lead to an infection. This is why you need to get them medical help before things get out of control.
Summary
Pets are family, and they deserve the best care that you can give them. It’s never a bad idea to visit your veterinarian if you believe that your dog has a health or behavioral issue.
Pay attention to your dogs, try to understand their patterns and habits, and remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
It’s never a bad idea to utilize affordable dog training from a qualified dog trainer to help you create a more obedient, well-behaved dog.
