You, as a pet parent, are aware of this fact when it comes to the love that we give our pets since they are members of the family, but sometimes the stench is too much. It can be your dog, cat or even other pets and that unpleasant smell is something that makes your home look less clean. Don’t worry. You do not have to use costly sprays and chemical cleansers. Actually, some of the solutions are next to your kitchen. I will take you through easy, natural, and cheap methods of eliminating the smell of pets in your home. I will put it all across in a casual yet cordial manner--almost as to a friend. The Question of Why Pet Smell Remains in the House. It is worth understanding the problem before correcting it. Pet smell usually comes from: • Fur and dander (dead skin) • Urine or accidents • Saliva and drool • Bedding and carpets • Poor ventilation Alt...
You are likely already aware of how cute and loving Shih Tzu can be when you happen to have one. However, there are occasions when you can find something odd about it - your dog licks its paws again and again.
At first, it may look harmless. It is dogs that groom themselves, anyway. However, when the licking is excessive or compulsive then then there might be something that is troubling your furry friend.
And in case you have been asking yourself, why is my Shih Tzu licking its paws so much? then you have nothing to worry about. The same situation can be applied to numerous pet owners. In this tutorial, we shall discuss the most frequent reasons and the easy remedies to ensure your Shih Tzu stays cheerful and well.
Is It Normal for a Shih Tzu to Lick Its Paws?
Yes, it is all quite normal to lick its paws. Dogs like to lick their paws when they are outside walking or playing around.
Nevertheless, in case you observe the following signs, then it can be a hint of a problem:
• Licking all day long.
• Paleness or inflammation in the feet.
• Hair loss around the paw area
• A very strong smell of the paws.
• Your dog chewing of the paws and licking.
When such symptoms are manifested, then it is time to dig deeper to the cause.
Popular Excuses as to why Shih Tzus Lick their paws.
We will examine some of the most prominent causal factors of this behaviour.
1. Allergies
One of the largest causes of licking the paws of Shih Tzus are allergies.
These little dogs are very much sensitive to various environmental stimuli like:
• Dust
• Pollen
• Grass
• Certain foods
• Cleaning chemicals
Whenever you walk your dog down the path that has allergens, the paws will be itchy and irritated. In a bid to alleviate the pain, the dog begins to lick them over and over.
What you can do:
• Cleanse your pet dog after walks.
• Use hypoallergenic dog food
• Keep bedding clean
• Get allergy drug with a vet, as required.
2. Dry or Cracked Paw Pads
Dogs can also get dry paw pads just as human beings do.
This usually happens due to:
• Hot weather
• Walking on rough surfaces
• Lack of moisture
• Dryness in winter (in certain areas)
Dry paws might be uncomfortable and therefore to relieve this the dog licks the paws.
Simple solution:
Apply a paw balm/ moisturizer that is dog safe. Human creams are also not to be used as some of the ingredients are toxic to pets.
3. Something Stuck in the Paw
In other cases, it is so simple.
Your Shih Tzu might have:
• A small stone
• A thorn
• Dirt stuck between the toes
• Grass seeds
A small object is sufficient to bother and, therefore, will be licked.
What to do:
Look at the legs of your dog. Should anything come stuck, wash the area with warm water with your fingers.
4. Fleas or Parasites
You can make your dog highly itchy with parasites such as fleas and mites.
Though the fleas tend to cover the whole body, they may also bother the paws and make the patient lick too often.
Symptoms of flea issues are:
• Scratching the face and other body parts.
• Small black dots on the skin
• Restlessness
Solution:
Vet-iliated the treatments frequently to oversee the flea therapy.
5. Bacterial / fungal Infection.
When infection occurs the pads on the feet of a dog appear reddish, swollen, or stinking.
Dew in the fur around the paws creates such an environment that is conducive to growth of bacteria or fungus.
The hair growing around the feet of Shih Tzus is long and this predisposes them to this issue.
What helps:
• Wipe the area around the paw
• Hands off paw Keep it clean and dry.
• Hair cut off protruding paws.
• Take the vet in for the cure.
6. Anxiety or Boredom
In some cases, dogs lick their paws when they are stressed/anxious or bored.
It is the same behaviour that some human beings exhibit when they bite their nails when they are nervous.
The following may cause stress in your Shih Tzu:
• Having to spend long hours on their own.
• Lack of exercise
• Changes in routine
• Noises or a strange surrounding.
Ways to help:
• Have more time to play with your dog.
• Provide chew toys
• Take regular walks
• Have a routine and day-to-day plan.
A dog that has a stimulated mind will not be prone to developing compulsive behaviours much at all.
When Should You Visit the Vet?
The normal paw licking is occasional however, when:
• The licking lasts over a number of days.
• The swollen bleeding paws.
• Your dog seems to be in pain
• The smell of the paws is very strong.
• Your dog refuses to eat, is an inactive creature.
The problem can be controlled with early treatment so that it does not develop into a major problem.
Easy Ways to keep Paws off Licking.
It is best never to treat a disease than prevent it. These are the few simple habits which will provide a healthy paw of your Shih Tzu:
• Wash off feet following walks outside.
• Have the hair around the paws trimmed.
• Check the minor injury.
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Do not clutter the house.
• Get exercise and attention sufficient.
These are little things that can accomplish much in comforting and wellbeing of your dog.
A Small Personal Note
I recall a friend that got a Shih Tzu that kept licking its paws. Initially, she did not pay any attention to it accounting that the dog was simply washing itself.
However, in a couple of days licking was continuous.
When she at length looked attentively she discovered a minute grain of grass between the toes. After this was removed and the paw cleaned up the licking was terminated in less than a day.
Sometimes the issue may be minor, and it is quite helpful to be attentive at the very beginning.
Final Thoughts ❤
When your Shih Tzu keeps on licking its paws, it does not have to panic. The reason is in most cases something basic such as allergies, there is dryness or there is a minor object stuck on or in the paw.
All you have to do is pay attention to your dog and do what you can to take action in case something appears out of the ordinary.
Your Shih Tzu is left to you to take care of and comfort. By taking a few steps and taking good care, it is possible to ensure that your furry friend is healthy, happy, and itch-free.
In case you have found this guide useful, forward it to the social media to allow other pet parents to benefit likewise🐶
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