The Puzzling Habit of Our Little Friends: Why Do Pomeranians Lick Their Paws?
As Pomeranian owners, we adore every one of their little quirks, don’t we? Those big, curious eyes, the wagging tails, and sometimes, those peculiar habits that leave us scratching our heads. One such habit, which often concerns many owners, is paw licking.
If your Pomeranian suddenly sits down and starts licking their paw for what seems like an eternity, you’re not alone. This behavior is quite common. While it can sometimes be a completely harmless habit, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a paw hurting?”, “Are they bored?”, or “Are they stressed?”, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind why Pomeranians lick their paws, when it’s considered normal, and when you should be worried. Ready to uncover the secrets of this tiny habit from our little friends’ perspective? Let’s begin!
The 7 Key Reasons Behind Pomeranian Paw Licking
It’s impossible to pinpoint a single reason for a Pomeranian’s paw-licking habit. Just like humans, dogs can exhibit such behaviors for a variety of different reasons. Let’s take a closer look at these causes.
1. Natural Grooming Instinct: Keeping Those Little Paws Squeaky Clean!
Dogs, by nature, are clean animals. Much like cats, they use licking as a method of self-grooming. After a walk outside, the dirt, dust, mud, or any other debris stuck to their paws might bother your Pomeranian. When they lick their paws to clean them, it’s a completely normal and natural behavior. If your dog only does this after a walk or when their paws are visibly dirty, there’s no need to worry. It’s just a mini grooming session.
2. Stress, Anxiety, and Boredom: Licking Away Loneliness and Stress
Pomeranians are highly affectionate and sensitive dogs who are deeply attached to their owners. They dislike being left alone and are very susceptible to changes in their environment. If your Pomeranian is left alone for long periods, if you’ve brought a new pet or a guest home, or if your routine has changed, they might experience stress and anxiety. To cope with these feelings, just as people squeeze a stress ball, Pomeranians might lick their paws to self-soothe. This is known as a “displacement behavior,” where dogs redirect their emotional tension into another activity.
Boredom can also be a major trigger. A Pomeranian who isn’t getting enough exercise, playtime, or mental stimulation may channel their energy and focus into licking their paws. It’s a sort of doggy way of saying, “I have nothing better to do.” If you notice this, try to spend more time with your dog, introduce new games, and engage with them frequently.
3. Allergies: Their Body’s Response to an Itch
One of the most common reasons for paw licking in Pomeranians is allergies. These allergies generally fall into two main categories: environmental allergies and food allergies.
- Environmental Allergies (Atopy): These are allergies to environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, grass, mold, or household chemicals. These allergens can cause intense itching on your dog’s skin, especially on their paws. Your dog may constantly lick their paws to relieve this itch. Other symptoms like redness, swelling, and hair loss on the paws may also be present.
- Food Allergies: Some Pomeranians may have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in their food, such as chicken, beef, wheat, or corn. Food allergies also lead to skin itching, which is often concentrated on the paws, ears, and belly. The licking is their attempt to relieve the itch. If paw licking is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, or frequent ear infections, a food allergy is a strong possibility.
With allergy-related paw licking, you might notice redness, irritation, and even a foul odor on their paws. The first step in this case is to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
4. Physical Injury or Irritation: A Sign of Unseen Pain
Your Pomeranian’s paws might have a small cut, a thorn, a tiny pebble, or a small wound that is causing discomfort. Sometimes these injuries are so small that they are hard to spot at first glance. Your dog might lick to soothe the pain or to clean the wound.
Checking their paws after a walk is crucial. In hot weather, surfaces like asphalt or sand can cause burns on their paw pads. In cold weather, ice and salt can irritate them. Such irritations can also lead to severe itching and licking.
5. Fungal and Bacterial Infections: The Result of a Damp and Warm Environment
The habit of paw licking can, over time, cause the paws to remain constantly moist. This damp and warm environment is an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms like yeast (fungus) and bacteria.
- Yeast Infections: One of the most common paw infections is a Malassezia yeast infection. This infection can lead to dark red, itchy, and greasy skin on the paws. The most telltale sign is a musty, cheesy, or yeasty odor coming from the paws. If your Pomeranian’s paws smell bad and they are constantly licking them, you should see a vet to check for a yeast infection.
- Bacterial Infections: Small wounds and irritations caused by continuous licking allow bacteria to settle in easily. This can lead to bacterial infections (pyoderma), which manifest as redness, swelling, inflammation, and discharge on the paws.
If left untreated, both fungal and bacterial infections can significantly reduce your dog’s quality of life.
6. Joint Pain: Discomfort Related to Age or Injury
If your Pomeranian is getting older or has had an injury, they might experience joint pain or arthritis. Licking their paws to alleviate this pain is a less common but possible reason. If the licking habit is accompanied by limping, difficulty climbing stairs, or a reluctance to move, you should consider this possibility.
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Rarely, some dogs may develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors. This is a condition where a dog performs repetitive, seemingly purposeless actions to soothe themselves or express a certain emotional state. Paw licking can be one of these behaviors. This is typically considered after all other medical and environmental causes have been ruled out and may require behavioral therapy.
When Should You Be Worried? Solutions for Pomeranian Paw Licking
While occasional paw licking is normal, if the behavior becomes obsessive, constant, or is accompanied by any of the following signs, you should be concerned and take action:
- Licking for long periods and in an obsessive manner.
- Redness, swelling, or discoloration of the paws.
- A foul odor, discharge, or bleeding from the paws.
- The paws are constantly damp or hot to the touch.
- Hair loss or sores on the paws from licking.
- Your dog seems restless or in pain because of the licking.
If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian without delay. Your vet will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
So, after you’ve seen your vet, what can you do at home? Here are some practical tips to help reduce your Pomeranian’s paw-licking habit:
1. Reduce Stress and Boredom
- More Exercise and Playtime: Schedule regular walks and play sessions every day. Use puzzle toys to keep them mentally stimulated and distract them.
- Training: Basic obedience training not only strengthens your bond but also keeps your dog’s mind engaged.
- Establish a Routine: Dogs love routine. Keeping consistent feeding, walking, and playtime schedules can help them feel more secure.
2. Allergy Management
- Consult Your Vet: If allergies are suspected, have your vet perform an allergy test. If a food allergy is diagnosed, switch to the hypoallergenic food recommended by your vet. For environmental allergies, your vet might prescribe medication or recommend reducing exposure to allergens (e.g., using an air purifier, keeping walks short during peak pollen season).
3. Diligent Paw Care
- Regular Checks: Make a habit of checking and wiping their paws with warm water after every walk. This helps clean off any debris and allows you to spot any potential injuries early.
- Paw Moisturizers: Use paw balms or moisturizers specifically made for dogs to prevent their paw pads from becoming dry and cracked. These products help soothe irritation.
- Nail Trims: Long nails can put pressure on your dog’s paws and cause discomfort. Regular nail trimming helps prevent this.
4. Veterinary Support is Always the Priority
If the licking continues despite these suggestions or if you notice signs of an infection, you must consult your vet. Only a veterinarian can provide the correct diagnosis and offer suitable medical solutions, such as antibiotics, antifungal medication, or allergy treatments.
Remember, bringing a Pomeranian into your life is more than just getting a dog; it’s welcoming a family member and taking responsibility for all their needs. Understanding their behavior not only strengthens your bond but also ensures they live a healthy and happy life.
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Understanding your Pomeranian’s every behavior helps you build a stronger connection with them. Their happiness and health are our top priorities. If you’re looking to open your heart and home to one of these loving, fluffy friends and want to adopt a purebred, healthy Pomeranian puppy, visit the Pomeranian Boo House website. Join our family and bring a bundle of fluffy joy into your life! 🐾💖