9 Best & Natural Home Remedies to stop your dog from licking

Switch their food

If your dog is constantly licking their paws and you suspect that its diet may be a contributing factor, it may be worth trying a different type of food. Here are a few steps you can take to switch your dog’s food:

• Consult with your veterinarian: Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine if a dietary change is necessary and can recommend a suitable food based on your dog’s age, breed, size, and any medical conditions they may have.
• Gradually transition to the new food: Suddenly switching your dog’s food can cause digestive upset and other problems. To avoid this, it’s important to gradually transition to the new food over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with their current food, gradually increasing the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food throughout the transition period.
• Consider a hypoallergenic food: If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities that may be causing their paw licking, switching to a hypoallergenic food can be helpful. Hypoallergenic foods are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and are made with limited ingredients or novel protein sources, such as duck or venison.

Pay close attention to your dog’s response to the new food. If you notice any changes in their energy level, appetite, or stool consistency, or if their paw licking persists or worsens, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. They can help determine if the new food is suitable for your dog or if there may be another underlying cause for the paw licking.

Add Vitamin E to your pet’s diet

 Vitamin E is a nutrient that is important for the health and maintenance of skin tissues. It is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and it may also help to reduce inflammation. While vitamin E may be beneficial for the overall health of a dog’s skin, it is unlikely to be effective in stopping a dog from licking its paws.

Too much vitamin E can cause side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and increased thirst. If you are considering giving your dog vitamin E supplements, it is important to consult with a veterinarian first. Vitamin E can be toxic to dogs if given in high doses, and the appropriate dose will depend on your dog’s size, age, and overall health. A veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate dosage and ensure that vitamin E supplements are safe and appropriate for your dog.

Add Fish Oil to your pet’s diet

Fish oil is a supplement that can be beneficial for dogs in many ways, including improving the health of their skin and coat. It is often used to help with dry, itchy skin, which can be a common cause of paw licking in dogs.

There are a few different ways in which fish oil may be able to help stop a dog from licking its paws:

• Moisturizing the skin: Fish oil can help to moisturize the skin, which may help to reduce dryness and irritation that can cause a dog to lick its paws.
• Reducing inflammation: Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This may help to reduce inflammation and swelling in the paws, which can also contribute to paw licking.
• Improving coat health: Fish oil can also help to improve the health of a dog’s coat, which may in turn help to reduce irritation and inflammation on the skin.

If your dog is consistently licking its paws and you’re considering using fish oil as a treatment, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian first. They will be able to recommend the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on your dog’s specific needs.

Honey

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural antibacterial agent, and it is believed to have many health benefits when consumed or applied to the skin. Some people believe that applying honey to a dog’s paw can help to prevent infections and promote healing.

There is some evidence to suggest that honey can be effective in treating wounds and preventing infection in dogs. One study found that honey applied to wound dressings reduced the size of wounds and promoted faster healing in dogs. Another study found that honey applied to the skin of dogs with dermatitis (an inflammatory skin condition) reduced inflammation and improved the overall health of the skin.

Citrus Apple Sprays

 

Using citrus or bitter apple sprays as a deterrent for dogs is a common technique that is often recommended by trainers and veterinarians. The theory behind this method is that the unpleasant taste of the spray will discourage the dog from licking the area where it has been applied.

There are a few things to consider when using citrus or bitter apple sprays as a deterrent for dogs:

• Safety: Make sure to use a product that is safe for your dog. Some sprays contain ingredients that can be harmful if ingested, so it’s important to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for use.
• Effectiveness: While these sprays can be effective in deterring some dogs from licking certain areas, they may not work for all dogs. Some dogs may find the taste of the spray unpleasant, while others may not be deterred by it.
• Duration: The effectiveness of the spray may wear off over time, so it may be necessary to reapply it periodically.
• Alternative methods: If the spray is not effective or if you are concerned about using it, there are other methods you can try to deter your dog’s licking, such as providing a more attractive or appealing alternative for the dog to lick, using a physical barrier to prevent access to the area, or providing positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.

It’s important to remember that addressing the underlying cause of the licking behavior is often more effective in the long term than just using a deterrent. If your dog’s licking is persistent or severe, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance on how to address the behavior.

Dog Booties

Dog booties can help prevent a dog from licking its paws or other body parts by covering the affected area and creating a physical barrier between the dog’s tongue and skin. This can be particularly helpful if the dog is licking excessively due to an injury, allergies, or other medical condition that causes irritation or discomfort.

It’s important to note, however, that simply covering the affected area with booties will not necessarily solve the underlying problem. If your dog is experiencing discomfort or pain due to an underlying medical issue, it is important to address the root cause of the problem with the help of a veterinarian. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide additional treatment such as medication or behavioral modification to stop the licking behavior.

 Baking soda

Baking soda can be used to make a bitter-tasting paste that can be applied to the fur around your dog’s wound. The taste of baking soda is unpleasant to dogs and will often discourage them from licking the wound. To make the paste, simply mix baking soda with a little bit of water until you have a thick, paste-like consistency. Then, apply the paste to the fur around the wound. But always keep in mind that baking soda can be harmful if ingested and could cause gastrointestinal upset if licked off the paw. It is also possible that the baking soda could irritate the skin on the paw.

Distract your dog with toys and activities

Distracting your dog with toys and activities can be an effective way to stop them from licking. By giving your dog something else to focus on, such as a toy or treat, you can help them to redirect their attention away from licking and onto another activity. You can also try giving your dog a chew toy or puzzle toy to help keep them occupied and prevent them from licking. Additionally, you can take your dog for a walk or play fetch to help tire them out and distract them from licking. Cone or e-collar

A cone or e-collar can help stop a dog from licking by physically preventing the dog from reaching the area that they are trying to lick. For example, if a dog is licking a wound, the cone can help to keep the dog from repeatedly licking the wound and interrupting the healing process. Additionally, the e-collar may provide a more effective barrier that the dog is unable to remove or interact with.

Use a bitter-tasting spray: You can purchase a bitter-tasting spray specifically designed to discourage your dog from licking its paws. Spray a small amount on your dog’s paws and the area around them.