Introduction
It’s common for dogs to lick their paws occasionally for grooming and cleaning purposes. However, excessive and persistent licking can be a sign of an underlying issue. Allergies are a frequent culprit, causing itchy skin that dogs feel compelled to lick for relief. Food allergies, environmental allergies, parasites, yeast, bacterial or fungal infections can also lead to irritation and licking. While determining the root cause is ideal, quick home remedies can provide relief in the meantime. Baking soda is an effective option to soothe irritated paws when applied topically. In this article, we’ll discuss how baking soda can help stop excessive paw licking and provide other benefits.
What Causes Dogs to Lick Their Paws
Excessive paw licking in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors.
Allergies are a common cause of paw licking. Dogs can develop allergies to ingredients in their food, like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains (source). Environmental allergies to things like grass, pollen, or mold can also lead to itchy paws and licking. The salt and moisture on their paws from licking can further irritate the skin.
Another cause is boredom or stress. Dogs may lick their paws obsessively when they are bored, anxious, or understimulated. The behavior can become compulsive over time (source). Providing more exercise, mental stimulation, or stress relief can help reduce paw licking from boredom.
Bacterial and yeast infections on the paws can also cause irritation and itchiness leading to excessive licking. The moisture from constant licking creates an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive (source). These infections will require medication to clear up.
Finally, dry, irritated skin on the paws is a very common reason for licking. Dryness can come from walking on hot pavement, exposure to chemicals or deicers, or allergies. The licking irritates the skin more, causing a vicious cycle of itchiness and licking (source). Keeping the paws moisturized is key to reducing this cause of excessive licking.
Problems with Excessive Paw Licking
Excessive paw licking in dogs can lead to several problems that pet owners should be aware of. According to petparentsbrand.com, excessive licking can cause infection and wounds on the paws. The constant licking irritates the skin and removes protective oils, allowing yeast and bacteria to enter through cracks in the skin. This can lead to infected sores and inflammation. Keeping the paws clean and dry can help prevent infections.
Excessive licking can also indicate an underlying health issue according to ukpets.com. Allergies to food, grass, or chemicals are common culprits. Skin conditions like dermatitis can also cause itchy, irritated paws. Identifying and treating the underlying condition is key to stopping the licking habit.
Finally, boredom and stress can also cause dogs to lick excessively according to lactium.com. Providing mental stimulation through walks, play time, and puzzles can help curb stress licking. Restricting access to areas of the paw can also break the obsessive habit.
Baking Soda as a Remedy
Baking soda can be an effective remedy for dogs licking and chewing their paws excessively. It has some key properties that make it useful for alleviating itchy and irritated paws:
Has antiseptic properties to fight infections. The alkaline nature of baking soda enables it to fight against bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that can infect dogs’ paws (https://www.okvets.com/remedies-for-itchy-pet-paws/). Its antiseptic action helps cleanse wounds and prevent infection.
Can soothe irritated skin. Baking soda has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect which can relieve itchy, inflamed skin (https://vitacanis.co.uk/5-soothing-foot-bath-recipes-for-your-dogs-itchy-paws/). Its alkaline pH neutralizes acidic compounds that aggravate skin conditions.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Baking soda is readily available in any grocery store or pharmacy and very affordable. Making a simple foot bath with baking soda just takes a few tablespoons in water – it’s easy for pet owners to use as a home remedy.
How to Apply Baking Soda
There are a few different ways to apply baking soda to help soothe your dog’s itchy paws:
- Add it to bath water – Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda per gallon of water and bathe your dog as normal. The baking soda helps cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.
- Make a paste – Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Gently rub this paste onto your dog’s paws. Let it dry before rinsing off.
- Sprinkle in bedding – Lightly sprinkle baking soda in your dog’s bed or play area. This helps deodorize and soothe irritated skin.
When applying baking soda directly to the skin, first brush away excess hair. Focus on areas that are red, inflamed or irritated. Allow the baking soda to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Be careful not to get any in your dog’s eyes.
How Baking Soda Helps
Baking soda can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation when dogs excessively lick their paws [1]. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize acidic compounds that can accumulate on a dog’s paws and cause irritation. Baking soda is also naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which helps clean and disinfect a dog’s paws [2].
Additionally, baking soda is drying, which can discourage dogs from licking their paws. When applied topically in a soak or paste, the baking soda dries out the paws and reduces any rashes or inflammation [3]. This minimizes the urge for a dog to lick, as their paws become less irritated. The drying effect creates an unfavorable texture that deters licking.
By reducing skin irritation, disinfecting paws, and drying out excess moisture, baking soda can target some of the root causes for obsessive paw licking in dogs. Used properly, it’s a simple but effective home remedy.
Other Benefits of Baking Soda
In addition to soothing irritated paws, baking soda can provide other benefits for dogs when used properly. Some additional ways baking soda may help dogs include:
Fights odors and freshens coat: Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer and can help freshen your dog’s coat in between baths. Lightly sprinkle baking soda onto your dog’s coat, rub it in gently, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out. This can help absorb odors and leave your dog’s fur clean and fresh. As PetMD states, “In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs to absorb oils and odors from their coat and skin” (source).
Whitens fur: The gentle abrasive quality of baking soda makes it effective at removing stains from your dog’s fur. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to stained areas, let sit briefly, and rinse. The baking soda paste can help lift discoloration without irritating your dog’s skin.
Soothes minor skin rashes: An itchy rash can be alleviated with a baking soda bath. “The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize acidic skin irritations, thereby soothing minor skin rashes caused by insect bites, allergies, and hot spots,” writes WagWalking.com (source). Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the affected area and let your dog’s skin air dry to reduce inflammation and itch.
Precautions with Baking Soda
While baking soda can be an effective remedy for dogs licking their paws, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
Don’t overuse baking soda, as it can dry out a dog’s skin over time (source). Use baking soda in moderation and monitor your dog’s skin for any irritation.
Avoid getting baking soda near your dog’s eyes and nose, as it can be irritating (source). Keep baking soda applications focused only on the paws.
Baking soda doesn’t treat the root cause of excessive paw licking. It’s important to determine what’s causing the behavior, like allergies or anxiety, and address that as well (source).
When to See the Vet
If excessive paw licking continues despite trying remedies like baking soda, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary appointment. Persistent licking can lead to wounds, infections, and recurring skin issues that require medical treatment.
According to FirstVet, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice symptoms like inflammation, bleeding, redness, and pain around the paws. These signs indicate a possible infection or injury that needs veterinary care.
Vets can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing your dog to obsessively lick their paws. They may prescribe medications or recommend solutions you haven’t tried yet at home. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment if licking persists despite your best efforts.
It’s especially important to seek veterinary care if licking results in open wounds or sores. These require treatment to prevent infection and promote healing. Your vet can assess the damage and provide antibiotics or medications as needed.
For dogs with recurring skin problems like allergies or yeast infections, the vet can help identify triggers and provide specialized shampoos or medications for relief and prevention. Ongoing skin issues may require regular veterinary visits to keep under control.
While home remedies can provide temporary relief for mild cases, it’s best to involve your vet if excessive paw licking continues unabated. They can get to the root cause and prescribe effective treatment for your dog’s comfort and health.
Summary
Baking soda can be an economical home remedy for helping soothe and clean your dog’s irritated paws when they are licking excessively. It helps treat the symptoms of itchiness and inflammation rather than addressing the root cause. Simply mixing baking soda with a little water to form a paste and applying it to your dog’s paws can provide relief. The baking soda has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help reduce bacteria, inflammation, and itchiness on the skin. However, it’s important to note that excessive paw licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue, so if the problem persists, you should take your dog to the vet for an examination. They can help determine if there is an allergy, infection or other condition causing your dog distress that requires medical treatment.