Why Do Westies Lick Their Paws? | ( Infographic Included )

Why do westies lick their paws? Dogs, including west highland terriers, that obsessively lick their paws is not uncommon, but it may be difficult to find out what the underlying cause is and how to solve this problem.

Please read on for the most common reasons why westies lick their feet.

This content takes around 4 minutes to read, but if you are in a hurry, we have included a table of contents to let you see, at a glance, what the content contains.

Table of Contents

Why Do Westies Lick Their Paws Infographic:

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Please read on to discover the common reasons for west highland terriers licking their paws and feet.

Anxiety:

Anxiety can be a leading cause of certain westie behaviors, such as licking their paws. There are many different types of anxiety that a dog may experience but the most common ones include:

Separation Anxiety
Illness
Depression

Dry Skin:

West Highland White Terriers are known to sometimes develop skin problems that can lead to itching, flaking, or inflammation. Dogs may lick their feet as a relief measure if they are experiencing these issues and this can cause an obsessive licking problem.

Yeast Infection:

Yeast infections are common in the westies and most often found around their feet and ears. They often come with a particular odor that is difficult to get rid of.

People say it’s like the smell of corn chips, and this is due to the overgrowth of yeast. It is relatively easy to treat a yeast infection, there are both prescription remedies as well as over-the-counter treatments available. Always check with your vet.

Pain:

Your Westie may start licking their paws if they’re experiencing pain. If you inspect their paws but can’t find anything wrong, bring them to the vet to figure out what the problem may be.

Fleas and Ticks:

Fleas and ticks can be a major nuisance in your dog, especially when they have an allergy. This can lead to a lot of itchiness that may cause licking, biting, or chewing.

To protect your dog from ticks and fleas, you should follow the recommendation of a vet. An untreated environment could be dangerous for your pet.

Boredom:

Westies with high energy levels who don’t get enough attention can lead to destructive behaviors. If you’re not able to provide enough time for your pup, you should buy the products that pet-life & love put together.

FAQS:

What happens when my westie licks its paw?

Westies’ sharp claws can cause deep wounds when they dig in. These wounds may develop into very serious infections if not dealt with properly. Checking for foreign objects in their feet is always a good idea to prevent this from happening.

Why does my Westie have brown spots on its paws?

Picking up more pigment on the paws and around the mouth is often due to increased licking. This can lead to red-brown staining, which in many cases is the result of chewing and licking is bad for their skin.

Why does my Westie have hair on its paws?

Westies are known to suffer from excessive hair growth. The hair can grow so long that it makes it difficult for the dog to walk without getting objects stuck in its fur. The sharp barbs on a westie’s paw can cause minor cuts, which may lead to infection.

Why do Westies have brown paws?

Fur can be stained by licking the tongue often around the mouth and feet. Porphyrins, which are red or orange organic pigments, are present in saliva.

Why do West Highland Terriers get red paws?

The excessive licking could be due to allergies. If you think that may be the case, it would be best to have the cause determined by a vet who will recommend the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

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Conclusion:

Westies lick their paws for a variety of reasons. If you are still worried, book a visit to your vet and put an end to this annoying habit that has been bothering you and your pet.

We do hope that the information above has helped answer the question as to why westies lick their paws so much that it is now concerning you.

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Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only. It may not be construed as medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information. Instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals or veterinarians on any matter relating to their pet’s health and well-being. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.