Chihuahuas exhibit some peculiar behaviors that can both entertain and perplex their owners. One such behavior is paw-licking. Some Chihuahuas only do it during the mornings or evenings, whereas others do it throughout the day.
Whether you own a deer-head or apple-head Chihuahua, you may notice him licking his paws. By understanding why Chihuahuas lick their paws, you can determine whether this behavior is normal for your furry four-legged companion and if you should take action.
Self-Grooming
Like cats, Chihuahuas may lick their paws as a form of self-grooming. It’s a way for Chihuahuas to clean themselves. Their canine ancestors have cleaned themselves in the wild by licking for thousands of years. This behavioral trait has since been passed down to the modern-day Chihuahua, many of which clean themselves by licking their paws.
Self-grooming paw-licking often occurs after Chihuahuas have been outside. Chihuahuas will inevitably get dirty when walking and playing outside. As they lick their paws — along with other parts of their bodies — they’ll remove dirt and debris that could otherwise cause irritation.
Some Chihuahuas habitually groom themselves during the evenings. As they wind down after a long day, they may prepare for bed by grooming themselves. Part of this end-of-day grooming routine may include paw-licking.
Allergies
Allergies may cause Chihuahuas to lick their paws. While there are different types of allergies, they all involve an overreactive immune system. Chihuahuas’ immune systems are designed to protect them from infection. Consisting of interconnected organs, antibodies, histamines and white blood cells, immune systems fight off foreign invaders.
Chihuahuas that suffer from allergies have an overreactive immune system. Their immune systems wrongfully identify one or more harmless substances as foreign invaders. The harmless substances that trigger allergy attacks are known as allergens.
When exposed to an allergen, their immune systems will attack it, resulting in allergy symptoms like itching. The allergy-induced itching may be isolated to the Chihuahua’s paws, or it may occur throughout the Chihuahua’s body. Regardless, Chihuahuas may lick their paws for relief during an allergy attack.
Common types of allergens that can cause Chihuahuas to lick their paws include:
- Dust mites
- Dander (dead skin flakes)
- Pollen
- Mold spores
- Laundry detergent
- Cleaning chemicals
- Proteins in insect saliva
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fish
- Dairy
- Wheat
Anxiety and Stress
Excessive paw-licking may indicate anxiety and stress. Chihuahuas can be easily stressed. Changes in their environment or living routine may increase their stress levels. Furthermore, some Chihuahuas suffer from separation anxiety. When their owners leave them, they experience severe anxiety and stress that causes them to act out.
Chihuahuas that suffer from anxiety and stress may lick their paws as a coping mechanism. Research has shown that licking promotes the release of dopamine and endorphins in dogs. As their bodies release these “feel good” hormones, Chihuahuas will feel calmer. Chihuahuas will begin associate paw-licking with the feeling of relief from anxiety and stress.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects can cause Chihuahuas to lick their paws. As they walk and play outside, foreign objects may get lodged in the crevasses of their paws. The presence of these stuck objects can result in pain or general discomfort. Chihuahuas may then lick their paws in an effort to dislodge the foreign objects.
Foreign objects often go undetected by owners. Most owners don’t check the underside of their Chihuahua’s paws after spending time outside. Since they don’t see these foreign objects, owners may not be aware of them. It’s not until they notice their Chihuahua exhibiting unusual behavior, such as excessive paw-licking, that owners begin to suspect an underlying problem.
Foreign objects that can get stuck in a Chihuahua’s paws include:
- Pebbles
- Sticks
- Splinters
- Seeds
- Mulch
- Dirt
- Thorns
- Glass
Insect Bites
Another common cause of paw-licking in Chihuahuas is insect bites. Chihuahuas aren’t immune to insect bites. While long-coat Chihuahuas are better protected against them than smooth-coat Chihuahuas — their long fur coat keeps many insects at bay — all Chihuahuas can sustain insect bites.
Fleas, ticks, ants and mosquitoes may bite Chihuahuas. While some Chihuahuas have a stronger reaction than others, many of them will experience itching or irritation as a symptom. These symptoms are typically the result of allergic dermatitis.
Chihuahuas, as well as many other dogs and even people, experience an allergic reaction to certain insect bites. The proteins and chemicals in the insects’ saliva act as allergens. Chihuahuas’ immune systems will identify the proteins and chemicals as foreign invaders, followed by attacking them with histamines. But even if a Chihuahua has a weak reaction to insect bites, he may still lick his paws for relief.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Chihuahuas have one of the longest lifespans of all dog breeds. As Chihuahuas age, however, they may exhibit signs of cognitive dysfunction, such as excessive paw-licking.
Also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or “doggy dementia,” cognitive dysfunction is the decline in a Chihauahua’s cognitive function. It can affect their mood and behavior. Cognitive dysfunction is characterized by changes in the brain. Chihuahuas may experience less blood flow to the brain, or they may accumulate abnormal proteins in the brain. Changes such as these can manifest in the form of cognitive dysfunction.
Cognitive dysfunction is an age-related condition. Nearly all Chihuahuas will experience some degree of cognitive decline as they grow older, which can cause them to behave differently. Senior Chihuahuas suffering from this condition may begin to lick their paws excessively for no apparent reason.
Boredom
Some Chihuahuas may like their paws out of sheer boredom. Chihuahuas are known for their high energy levels. They love to run and play — even more so than many larger breeds. If they become bored, they’ll seek other ways to release their pent-up energy, such as licking their paws.
Chihuahuas require both mental and physical stimulation. Without the necessary stimulation, they may engage in compulsive behaviors. All of their pent-up energy will compel them to do repetitive, purposeless things. Chihuahuas may feel compelled to bark, or they may feel compelled to lick their paws.
Infection
Excessive paw-licking may indicate an infection. Chihuahuas can suffer from paw infections that cause them to lick their paws. Germs can multiply on the surface of a Chihuahua’s paws or within the tissue of his paws. If left unchecked, an infection will occur.
Most paw infections fall under one of two categories:
- Bacterial: caused by bacteria
- Fungal: caused by a fungus
Bacterial paw infections often involve the bacterial strains Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. Bacterial strains such as these can enter a Chihuahua’s paws through small knicks and cuts, at which point they’ll begin to multiply.
Fungal paw infections often involve candidiasis or yeast that is already living on the surface of a Chihuahua’s skin. Normally, the beneficial bacteria on the Chihuahua’s skin will control the yeast. If there’s an imbalance with the colonies of microorganisms, though, the yeast may multiply and spread rapidly. Viruses and parasites can cause infections as well, but most paw infections are caused by bacteria or a fungus. As a form of temporary relief, Chihuahuas may lick the infected paw.
Nutritional Deficiency
In some cases, Chihuahuas may lick their paws due to a nutritional deficiency. A diet lacking essential nutrients can result in dry and itchy skin. Fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) promote healthy skin and fur. Chihuahuas that don’t consume enough fatty acids in their diet may develop dry skin.
In addition to promoting dry skin, a lack of fatty acids can make Chihuahuas more susceptible to infections. Fatty acids have been shown to slow down the rate at which certain infection-causing fungi spread.
Injury
Chihuahuas may lick their paws if they are suffering from an injury. Chihuahuas rely heavily on their paws to perform various activities. They walk on their paws and use their paws for scratching and for grabbing objects like toys and food. If a Chihuahua sustains a paw injury when performing an activity, he may instinctively lick his paws to encourage healing.
Cuts are a common type of paw injury. If a Chihuahua steps on a piece of sharp glass or even a sharp rock, he may cut his paws. Chihuahuas with soft paw pads are particularly at risk for lacerations. The soft tissue on the bottom of their paws is vulnerable to sharp objects.
Chihuahuas can also sustain burns on their paws. Walking on the asphalt on a hot summer day, for instance, may burn a Chihuahua’s paws. The dark color of asphalt allows it to absorb more heat than other lighter-colored surfaces, and because it’s so dense, asphalt will retain this heat for a long time. According to the University of Georgia (UGA), blacktop asphalt can reach temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit even if the surrounding air is just 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nail-related injuries may cause Chihuahuas to lick their paws. Some owners accidentally cut into the quick when trimming their Chihuahua’s nails. Because the quick is supplied with blood, it will result in bleeding. Chihuahuas may lick the affected paw to clean the blood and relieve the pain. Nails can even break and splinter on their own. Chihuahuas may snag their nails on the carpet or furniture, resulting in injury.
Beware of Hot Spots!
Allowing a Chihuahua to lick his paws excessively for an extended period can lead to hot spots. Also known as pyotraumatic dermatitis, hot spots are painful skin lesions. They typically appear as circular- or oval-shaped patches of red and inflamed skin.
Hot spots can appear anywhere on a Chihuahua’s body, with limbs and paws being some of the most common places for them. They are a form of self-trauma. When Chihuahuas scratch or lick themselves excessively, they may develop hot wounds. As they continue to inflict this trauma on their bodies, the hot spots may worsen. Chihuahuas that lick their paws around the clock may develop hot spots on their paws.
Hot spots can lead to secondary infections if not addressed. They are open wounds through which bacteria, fungi or other germs can enter a Chihuahua’s body. Infections, of course, can cause Chihuahuas to lick their paws. A Chihuahua may develop an initial infection that causes him to lick his paws. The excessive paw-licking may then result in a hot spot that causes yet another infection.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following with your Chihuahua’s paws:
- Limping or “favoring” a paw
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Whimpering when the affected paw is touched
- Pus or discharge
- Scabbing
- Wounds that won’t wound heal
How to Stop Your Chihuahua From Licking His Paws
If your Chihuahua is licking his paws for a reason other than self-grooming, you might be wondering how to stop this behavior. Self-grooming is normal and doesn’t pose any risk of harm. Excessively licking associated with other reasons listed here, however, can lead to hot spots and secondary infections, in which case you should try to stop this behavior.
To stop your Chihuahua from licking his laws, you must resolve the underlying problem or problems. Punishing or scolding your Chihuahua won’t work. It may, in fact, make your Chihuahua’s paw-licking worse by further increasing his stress and anxiety levels. Only by fixing the cause will your Chihuahua stop licking his paws for good.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to discourage paw-licking, such as:
- Dress your Chihuahua in a pair of boots or other forms of Chihuahua paw-wear.
- Place an Elizabethan collar around your Chihuahua’s neck.
- Keep the nails and fur on your Chihuahua’s paws properly trimmed.
- Provide your Chihuahua with toys as a distraction.
- Take your Chihuahua for long walks frequently throughout the day.
- Soak his paws in warm water and gentle soap (avoid using Epsom salt, as it may encourage paw-licking).
In Conclusion
Paw-licking is a common behavior in Chihuahuas. Some Chihuahuas do it to clean themselves, whereas others do it because they are suffering from allergies, anxiety or stress, foreign objects, insect bites, cognitive dysfunction or other conditions.
If you notice your Chihuahua licking his paws, you should try to determine the reason for this behavior. Most instances of paw-licking are harmless, but some of them involve one or more underlying problems. And turning a blind eye to excessive paw-licking may result in hot spots. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian about your Chihuahua’s paw-licking and whether it’s a concern.
Does your Chihuahua lick his paws? Let us know in the comments section below!