Excessive grooming refers to a behavior in which a pet licks its paws persistently and obsessively.
As pet parents, we often notice our furry friends engaging in different grooming behaviors. These activities are typically harmless and instinctual, from cleaning their fur to licking their paws. However, it might indicate an underlying problem that requires attention when your pet is overgrooming.
What is Excessive Grooming?
Excessive grooming refers to a behavior in which a pet licks its paws persistently and obsessively. While occasional paw licking is normal, particularly after walks or during grooming, excessive grooming goes beyond regular grooming habits. In addition, pets might lick their paws to the point of causing redness, irritation, hair loss, or even open sores.
Common Causes of Overgrooming
- Environmental allergens such as mold, pollen, or dust mites can trigger irritation and itching, leading pets to lick their paws excessively.
- Certain ingredients in your pet’s food may cause allergic reactions, resulting in your pet overgrooming to alleviate discomfort.
- Another reason for excessive licking is fleas, mites, and ticks can irritate a pet’s paws.
- Bacterial or yeast infections can grow on a pet’s paws.
- Pets might lick their paws excessively if they experienced an injury or have joint pain due to health conditions such as arthritis.
- Even stress, anxiety, or boredom can lead to excessive paw licking as a coping mechanism.
When to Visit a Veterinarian
If you notice your pet is overgrooming or observe signs of irritation, it’s critical to consult your vet. At Alexander Animal Hospital, we can complete a thorough pet wellness examination to determine the underlying cause and recommend treatment options. This might include:
- Identifying specific allergens through allergy testing and implementing management strategies
- Switching to hypoallergenic or personalized diets to manage food allergies
- Prescribing medicine to relieve itching or treat infections
- Administering flea and tick preventatives to remove external parasites
- Recommending strategies to address underlying anxiety or stress contributing to the behavior
Remember, your pet’s well-being is our primary priority, and addressing pet overgrooming early can prevent discomfort and further complications in the long run.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!