German Shepherds are known to be loyal and friendly, and are often considered strong, intelligent, and protective family pets. But have you ever seen your German Shepherd lick their paws? While it may sound strange, this is actually a relatively common behavior among dogs. While it can be a sign of anxiety or boredom, there are several other reasons why German Shepherds might lick their paws. In this article, we will explore the four most common reasons why German Shepherds may lick their paws.
1. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies. If German Shepherds lick their paws, it could be due to an allergic reaction to something in the environment. This can include pollen, dust or even certain food items. If your German Shepherd is licking its paws more than usual, it could be a sign that they are dealing with some kind of allergy. Have your vet examine them so you can get to the bottom of the problem.
Many German Shepherd owners find success after giving their dogs natural allergy supplements, such as fish oil or quercetin, also known as “Nature’s Benadryl. A popular addition is meHeartDogs Allergy & Itch Chewables, Available Here or above Amazon Prime Minister.
2. Skin infections
It is not uncommon for German Shepherds to develop skin infections, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to various elements. Skin infections can be caused by many different things, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. If your German Shepherd licks their paws, it could be because they are trying to soothe itchy or irritated skin. If that’s the case, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can get the proper treatment.
For minor foot irritation, one chlorhexidine wipes can help relieve pain. Always be sure to consult your veterinarian.
3. Anxiety or stress
German Shepherds are very sensitive to their environment, so it’s not uncommon for them to become anxious or stressed if something changes. If your German Shepherd is licking your paws, it could be a sign that they are nervous or stressed. This could be due to moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or even a change in weather. In any case, it’s important to pay attention to your German Shepherd’s behavior and try to reduce any stress they may be feeling.
If you think your German Shepherd is suffering from anxiety, it is important to address the root cause of the stressor. However, tools like Broad spectrum or chewable CBD hemp oil can be very helpful. There are also CBD-free natural soothing chew available as well.
4. Boredom
German Shepherds are very active and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Without adequate exercise, they can become bored and begin to exhibit behaviors such as licking their paws. This is why it is important to ensure that your German Shepherd gets enough physical activity. Make sure to walk them a lot, play with them, and give them some interactive toys such as nose mat (many are also available on Amazon)
Feet licking is a common behavior in German Shepherds and there can be a few different reasons for this behavior. The most common are allergies, skin infections, anxiety or stress, and boredom. If you notice your German Shepherd licking your paws more than usual, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and take them to the vet if needed.
