Top 8 Reasons Of Your French Bulldog Paw Licking Habits

When it comes to taking care of your French bulldog’s paws, these tiny body parts mean a lot for their bodies. They help them investigate the world and life their life to the fullest. However, what does it mean when your Frenchie start to lick his paws? French bulldog paw licking behavior is not only nerve-wracking for their owners, but also concerning. To help you recognize the rooth of this issue, we decided to reveal you 9 reasons for your dog’s paw licking.

Why do French bulldogs lick their paws?

There could be so many reasons why does your Frenchie licks paws. However, to discover the main trigger is not always easy. Read on and discover the potential problems your dog’s paws can be exposed.

1- Dry skin

As we all know,most dogs walk bare foot. However, it’s not always a good idea. When you take your little gremlin outside in too hot or too cold weather, he/she should always wear protective footwear.  For example, you can put cotton socks or some other type of dog socks that feature waterproof layer on the bottom as a protection.

Another option is to use protective boots for Frenchies, especially during the winter season. Dry paw pads on French bulldogs are the first symptom that will show up when your dog doesn’t get enough paw care. As you may guess, dry paws in French bulldogs often lead to cracking and paw licking which often lead to an infection.

2- Environmental or food allergy 

French bulldog paw licking is often induced due to environmental allergens. Seasonal pollen, dust, dirt, house cleaning chemicals and other harmful substances can be potential reasons for your Frenchie’s issues with paws. Allergies are very common in this breed. Therefore, you need to address any potential symptoms of an allergy in your batpig very early. Just imagine how would you feel to walk barefoot on a floor contaminated with chemicals or some other harmful ingredients. Allergic reactions and paw licking in your pooch can be only some of the issues that can occur. On the other hand, feeding your dog with inappropriate food can also trigger itchy paws.

3-  French bulldog paw licking due to an anxiety

Anxiety or separation anxiety in your French bulldog can be a potential trigger for paw licking in your Frenchie. When a dog feels nervous or afraid of being alone, paw licking is one of the ways to deal with stress. Just think about what you do in stressful situations. This behavior is one of their ways to let off some steam.  

If you notice that your Frenchie started to excessively lick his paws and that they started to lose hair, then you gotta react quickly. It often happens that minor problems grow into major ones due to the owner’s ignorance. In case your Frenchie suffers from mild separation anxiety, leaving him/her with an item that carries your scent could work. For example, you can leave him/her with your shirt, other clothes, or a towel.

4- Boredom in French bulldogs

Owners often confuse boredom with anxiety. However, before you start panicking about the potential health problem, think about whether your dog gets enough exercise during a day. Lack of activity is often one of the ways to start licking or chewing paws. 

Before you leave the house, make sure your pooch feels pleasantly tired.  Give him to play with toys, puzzles and some other items.

5- Parasites

These unwanted intruders – fleas, ticks, and mites- seek refuge on the French Bulldogs’ paws and can cause a lot of pain and distress. It can cause your beloved hairy pal to lick their paws as a way of trying to find relief. Therefore, early detection of the parasitic infestation is essential to prevent over-licking of paws and complications.

Unusual Scratching or Licking:

First, watch your French Bulldog for excessive itching, licking, or biting at his paws. Such strange behaviors are usually an unmistaken sign of a parasitic infection.

Swollen and Red:

While checking your dog’s paws, try to find any possible signs of irritation, e.g., swelling, redness and irritated skin. These are clear signs of parasites and the discomfort they can give.

Skin Troubles:

Do not miss any abnormal changes such as hair shedding or skin texture and color variations, and pay a special attention to the paw region. This may mean that they could be a sign of a more severe infestation, which might have been caused by mite mange.

6- Fungal Infections on French Bulldog Paws

When it comes to French Bulldog paw licking, making a difference between fungal and bacterial infections is crucial. It’s because each requires a different treatment approach. While fungal infections can often be treated with some medicated shampoos and topicals, bacterial infection almost always need an antibiotic therapy.

Fungal Infections, particularly yeast infections, are common culprits behind paw discomfort in French Bulldogs. Yeast naturally lives on the skin, but when the balance is disrupted, an overgrowth occurs, leading to an infection. Yeast overgrowth on the French bulldog’s paws and skin occurs when the immune system is weak. 

Dog paws: perfect place for a yeast overgrowth

The warm, moist areas between your dog’s paw pads provide an ideal environment for yeast to thrive. The most common symptoms of a yeast infection in your Frenchie’s paws include:

• Itchiness: 

Leading to excessive licking and chewing of the paws.

• Redness and Swelling: 

Especially noticeable between the toes and pads.

• Discoloration: 

The paws may develop a brownish tinge from the licking and the yeast itself.

• Odor:

A notable musty smell is often associated with yeast infections. Some owners can also notice that the frenchie’s paws smell like fritos or cheese. Yeast infection can actually be one of the most common reasons why your Frenchie is so smelly.

• Changes in Skin Texture: 

The skin may become thickened, rough, or have an oily texture. 

7. Bacterial infections on French bulldog paws

Bacterial Infections can also cause paw licking in French Bulldogs. These infections can arise from small cuts or abrasions on the paws that become infected, or as a secondary infection to an underlying issue like allergies or parasites. Symptoms of bacterial infections can include:

• Pus or Discharge: 

Indicating a possible infection at the site of any cuts or wounds.

• Foul Odor: 

Different from the musty smell associated with yeast, this can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth.

• Limping or Reluctance to Walk: 

Due to pain or discomfort in the infected paw.

• Redness and Warmth: 

The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding skin and appear red and inflamed.

Distinguishing between fungal and bacterial infections typically involves a veterinary examination. A vet may take samples from the affected area to culture in a lab, determining the exact cause of the infection. This step is vital because treatment for fungal infections usually involves antifungal medications, while bacterial infections require antibiotics.

8. Grooming Habit

Paw licking behavior in your Frenchie is often triggered by a lack of grooming. That’s why it’s essential to daily check between your dog’s paws for a stuck grass, sand or pebbles. We also recommend you to wash you Frenchie’s paws with a paw cleaning cup or clean them with wet baby wipes.

How To Prevent Your French Bulldog From Paw Licking?

Use Bitter Spray or Oil

As one of the ways that can help in preventing your Frenchie from paw licking is to apply a dog-safe bitter spray on his paws. Thanks to a bitter taste, your dog will stop licking and chewing them immediately.

Use a dog paw balm

Paw balm for French bulldogs is one of the best ways to soothe cracked ad dry paws. Opt for balms that are rich in olive oil and coconut oil because they are famous for their soothing effects.

Use French bulldog boots

Putting protective boots on your Frenchie’s paws will not only protect them from icy or hot surfaces but also from street salt or some ofthe harmful chemicals. Since dogs should not lick paws that came in contact with a street salt, you have to put protective boots on your dog’s paws during winter season. These dog accessories can give your pet mechanical protection when needed.

French bulldog shoes will also improve traction and give your pet additional joint support.

Mental and Physical Stimulation

Boredom and anxiety can lead to repetitive behaviors like paw licking. Ensure your Frenchie has plenty of exercise, interactive playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy.

Prompt Veterinary Care

 If you notice excessive paw licking, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. Early intervention can prevent the problem from worsening. 

Proper Nutrition

A well-balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids can help improve your dog’s skin and coat health, reducing the likelihood of skin conditions that lead to paw licking. You can also include some of the supplements in your dog’s diet that can affect skin and coat impovement.

French Bulldog Paw Licking: Wrapping up

Paw licking is not just another bad habit. Sometimes, even small problems can grow into big ones if not treated from the beginning. Therefore, if you see your furry friend licks his paws excessively or chew them to blood, it’s a clear sign there’s something wrong going on with your pet.