Here is a question you ask us very often, and we have therefore decided to deal with it in a complete article. The dog that licks its legs, sometimes even obsessively, is, in fact, a rather widespread problem. The 5 frequent reasons we have taken into consideration, are, however, to be considered plausible only if we go beyond the normal cleaning time. If you want to know the detail about deodorant for dogs .
As an example: if you have just taken a walk in a garden or in the countryside, it is absolutely normal that once you get home, the dog spends a few minutes cleaning its legs.
He doesn't do it with the accuracy of the cat, but he also likes to be clean. So don't worry. In some cases, excessive cleaning can hide a problem. Let's try to understand what the reasons behind this behavior may be.
Discomfort to a Leg
The first thing to check, and one of the most frequent reasons, is that there are no wounds or foreign bodies stuck between the bearings. This is a rather sensitive area, and it is probable that it does not like contact. Do it anyway if you do not take risks, it is for your own good. Alternatively, go to a veterinarian.
Explore the inside of the paw with a finger, especially between the bearings. If you don't find anything out of the ordinary, take a look at the bearings themselves. Sometimes in contact with the asphalt small and annoying wounds can be created.
Take a careful look at your nails too. One or more may have broken (running on the concrete is frequent), and the dog tries to remove the part not yet fallen by licking itself. If you need any advice on how to cut them, read this other article: Cut the dog's nails
Food Intolerances
Another possible reason is a food intolerance. I know it may seem absurd, and not entirely logical, but sometimes even just one ingredient can create a local nuisance with dermatitis or another discomfort.
The intervention of the veterinarian is essential, also because it is rather difficult to identify the culprit. It is advisable to go by trial and error, excluding suspicious ingredients from time to time. It will not be easy.
Allergies
The products you use to clean the house can be very irritating to the dog. If you have changed the brand of detergent recently and the dog has begun to lick your paws incessantly, you have the solution before your eyes. Generally beyond the legs also the abdomen is affected by this type of allergies, with redness , itching and sometimes loss of hair.
Request for Attention
Also, here, the logical passage is not really evident. Let's try to explain: the first time you licked a paw for more than 3 minutes you rushed to check if something was wrong. He thought something like "to ... look ... when I lick my paws, they come right away and give me attention. Maybe I found a way to unlock them from TV.
This dangerous association of ideas can provoke an endless vicious circle for which it will try to lick its legs, even reaching the obsession, to receive attention. It is therefore very important not to give excessive attention to this behavior, or at least not overdo it. Check your legs, but don't overdo it with cuddles and reassuring phrases because you might get in trouble.