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Shelties are famously loyal and friendly, and are often seen as strong, intelligent, and protective family pets. But have you ever seen your Sheltie licking its paws? While it may seem strange, it’s actually a relatively common behavior in dogs. While it can be a sign of anxiety or boredom, there are some other reasons why a Sheltie might be licking their paws. In this article, we’ll explore the four most common reasons why a Sheltie might be licking its paws.
Reasons Why Your Sheltie Licks and Bites Its Paws
1. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. If a Sheltie is licking its paws, it could be because of an allergic reaction to something in the environment. This can include pollen, dust, or even certain food items. If your Sheltie is licking its paws more than normal, it could be a sign that it’s dealing with some sort of allergy. Have them checked out by a vet so that you can get to the bottom of the problem.
Many Sheltie owners see success after giving their dog a natural allergy supplement, such as fish oil or quercetin, also known as “Nature’s Benadryl. One popular supplement is the iHeartDogs Allergy & Itch chews, available here or on Amazon Prime.
2. Skin Infections
It’s not unusual for a Sheltie to develop a skin infection, especially if they’re outdoors a lot and exposed to a variety of different elements. Skin infections can be caused by a variety of different things, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. If your Sheltie is licking their paws, it could be because they’re trying to soothe an itchy or irritated area of skin. If this is the case, then it’s important to take them to the vet so that they can receive the appropriate treatment.
For minor paw irritations, a chlorhexidine wipe may offer relief. Always be sure to consult your veterinarian.
3. Anxiety or Stress
Shelties are highly sensitive to their environment, so it’s not unusual for them to develop anxiety or stress if something changes. If your Sheltie is licking its paws, it could be a sign that it’s feeling anxious or stressed. This could be caused by a move to a new home, the introduction of a new pet, or even changes in the weather. In any case, it’s important to pay attention to your Sheltie’s behavior and to try to alleviate any stress they may be feeling.
If you believe your Sheltie is suffering from anxiety, it’s important to address the root cause of the stressor. However, tools such as broad-spectrum hemp oil or chews may be very helpful. There are also non-hemp natural calming chews available as well.
4. Boredom
Shelties are highly active and need plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. If they’re not getting enough exercise, they can become bored and start to display behaviors such as licking their paws. This is why it’s important to make sure your Sheltie is getting enough physical activity. Make sure to take them for plenty of walks, play with them, and give them some interactive toys such as a nose work mat (many available on Amazon as well)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Licking or Biting Its Paws
1. Why is my Sheltie constantly licking its paws?
Constant paw licking is often a sign of discomfort or irritation. The most common reasons include allergies (food or environmental), dry or itchy skin, yeast infections, or even boredom and anxiety.
2. Can allergies cause my Sheltie to bite its paws?
Yes. Allergies are one of the top reasons Shelties bite or chew their paws. Pollen, grass, dust mites, or certain ingredients in dog food can trigger itchiness and inflammation, leading to obsessive paw licking.
3. How do I know if my Sheltie has a yeast infection on its paws?
A yeast infection typically causes redness, swelling, a foul odor, and a greasy or brownish discharge. Your Sheltie may lick excessively, and the paws may feel warm to the touch.
4. Can boredom make my Sheltie lick its paws?
Yes. Shelties are intelligent and active dogs. If they’re not mentally or physically stimulated, they may lick or chew their paws as a self-soothing habit.
5. What should I do if my Sheltie’s paws are red or inflamed?
Check for cuts, thorns, or insect bites first. Clean the area with a mild antiseptic and monitor closely. If the redness persists or worsens, visit your veterinarian to rule out infections or allergies.
6. Can anxiety cause paw licking in Shelties?
Absolutely. Anxiety or stress — from separation, loud noises, or changes in routine — can cause repetitive behaviors like paw licking or chewing.
7. How can I stop my Sheltie from licking its paws at night?
Make sure your Sheltie’s paws are clean and dry before bed. Try using an anti-lick spray, calming treats, or anxiety-relief toys. A consistent bedtime routine also helps reduce stress-related licking.
8. Is paw licking ever normal for Shelties?
Occasional licking is normal, especially after walks or grooming. However, excessive or obsessive licking indicates an underlying issue that needs attention.
9. What home remedies can I try for itchy Sheltie paws?
You can rinse the paws with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution (50/50 with water), use Epsom salt soaks, or apply coconut oil to soothe dryness. Always ensure there are no open wounds first.
10. Should I use a cone or booties to stop paw chewing?
Temporarily, yes. Using an Elizabethan collar (cone) or dog booties can prevent further injury while the underlying cause is being treated. But don’t rely on these alone — find the root cause.
11. How can I tell if my Sheltie’s paw problem is behavioral or medical?
If licking happens mainly when your Sheltie is bored or anxious, it’s likely behavioral. But if there’s redness, odor, swelling, or persistent licking, it’s likely medical and should be checked by a vet.
12. Are Shelties more prone to allergies than other breeds?
Yes, Shelties have sensitive skin and are genetically predisposed to allergies, especially from pollen, grass, and certain proteins in dog food.
13. How often should I clean my Sheltie’s paws?
Clean your Sheltie’s paws after every outdoor walk — especially during allergy season or rainy weather. This removes irritants and prevents infections.
14. Can diet affect my Sheltie’s paw-licking behavior?
Yes. Poor-quality food with artificial ingredients can worsen allergies. Try switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet after consulting your vet.
15. When should I see a vet about my Sheltie licking its paws?
If your Sheltie’s licking is persistent, causes redness, sores, bleeding, or foul odor — or if it’s accompanied by limping — visit your vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Licking their paws is a common behavior in Shelties, and there can be a few different reasons for it. The most common are allergies, skin infections, anxiety or stress, and boredom. If you notice your Sheltie licking its paws more than normal, it’s important to pay attention to its behavior and take it to the vet if necessary.
Keeping Those Little Paws Healthy
If your Sheltie is constantly licking or biting its paws, it’s often an indication of an underlying problem such as allergies, anxiety, injuries, or parasites. These behaviors shouldn’t be ignored, as they can lead to skin irritation or infection if left untreated. Observing your dog’s habits and addressing the root cause early is crucial for its comfort and well-being. Consistent grooming, regular vet checkups, and a balanced diet play a vital role in keeping your Sheltie’s paws clean, pain-free, and healthy every day.
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