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Saint Bernards are famously loyal and friendly, and are often seen as strong, intelligent, and protective family pets. But have you ever seen your Saint Bernard licking their 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 Saint Bernard might be licking their paws. In this article, we’ll explore the four most common reasons why Saint Bernards might be licking their paws.
Reasons Why Your Saint Bernard Licks and Bites Its Paws
1. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. If a Saint Bernard is licking their 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 Saint Bernard is licking their paws more than normal, it could be a sign that they’re dealing with some sort of allergy. Have them checked out by a veterinarian so that you can determine the cause of the problem.
Many Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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
Saint Bernards are highly sensitive to their environment, so it’s not unusual for them to develop anxiety or stress if something changes. If your Saint Bernard is licking their paws, it could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious or stressed. A move to a new home could cause this, the introduction of a new pet, or even changes in the weather. In any case, it’s essential to pay attention to your Saint Bernard’s behavior and try to alleviate any stress they may be experiencing.
If you believe your Saint Bernard 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
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard 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)
Frequently Asked Questions About Licking or Biting Its Paws
1. Why is my St. Bernard constantly licking its paws?
Excessive paw licking in St. Bernards can be caused by allergies, skin infections, parasites, or even anxiety. It’s the dog’s way of soothing discomfort or irritation.
2. Are allergies common in St. Bernards?
Yes. St. Bernards can be sensitive to environmental allergens like pollen, grass, or dust mites. Food allergies to ingredients like chicken, beef, or wheat are also fairly common.
3. How do I know if my St. Bernard’s paw licking is allergy-related?
If the licking is seasonal or occurs after walks outdoors, it’s likely due to environmental allergies. Accompanying symptoms like red skin, hair loss, or ear infections further support this.
4. Can dry skin cause my St. Bernard to bite its paws?
Absolutely. Dry or cracked paw pads — often caused by cold weather or overexposure to rough surfaces — can make your St. Bernard lick or chew for relief.
5. What parasites cause paw biting or licking?
Fleas, ticks, or mites can bite around the paws, leading to irritation. Mange mites in particular can cause intense itching and self-biting.
6. Could paw licking be a sign of infection?
Yes. Bacterial or yeast infections can develop between the paw pads, leading to redness, odor, and constant licking. A vet can diagnose and prescribe medicated treatments.
7. Can anxiety make a St. Bernard lick its paws?
Yes. St. Bernards are sensitive dogs and can develop obsessive licking as a coping behavior when they feel bored, anxious, or lonely.
8. How can I tell if it’s behavioral licking or a medical issue?
If your dog licks during stressful situations (like being alone) but not at other times, it’s likely behavioral. If licking leads to redness or swelling, a medical cause is more likely.
9. What can I do to stop my St. Bernard from licking its paws?
Identify the cause first. Use vet-recommended allergy shampoos, provide regular paw cleaning, and treat infections or parasites promptly. For behavioral licking, increase exercise and mental stimulation.
10. Should I use a cone or booties to prevent licking?
Temporarily, yes. An Elizabethan collar or soft booties can prevent further damage while the underlying cause is being treated.
11. How often should I check my St. Bernard’s paws?
Inspect paws weekly for cuts, redness, swelling, or stuck debris. Regular checks help prevent minor issues from turning into infections.
12. Can diet affect paw licking in St. Bernards?
Yes. Food allergies and nutritional imbalances can cause skin irritation. Switching to a hypoallergenic or omega-3-rich diet can improve paw and coat health.
13. Are home remedies safe for paw licking?
Mild remedies like oatmeal paw soaks or coconut oil may soothe irritation, but always consult your vet first to rule out infections or deeper issues.
14. When should I take my St. Bernard to the vet for paw licking?
If your dog licks persistently for more than two days, or you notice swelling, bleeding, or foul odor, it’s time for a vet visit.
15. Can paw licking become a long-term habit?
Yes. If not addressed early, repetitive licking can turn into a compulsive behavior even after the initial irritation has healed — making early intervention important.
Licking their paws is a common behavior in Saint Bernards, 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 Saint Bernard licking their paws more than normal, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and take them to the vet if necessary.
Keeping Those Little Paws Healthy
If your St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard’s paws clean, pain-free, and healthy every day.
Toledo, United States.