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Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Why do Dogs Lick their Paws

Dr Kate Mornement - Pet Behaviourist profile picture

Dr Kate Mornement - Pet Behaviourist

PhD in Companion Animal Behaviour, BSc(Hons) in Zoology

Dr Kate Mornement is an Applied Animal Behaviourist, Consultant and Educator to pet parents, industry, government and media. She has a PhD which focused on companion animal behaviour from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Zoology (Animal Behaviour) from La Trobe University.

Paw licking is a common problem in dogs but excessive paw licking can indicate a problem which should be addressed.

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Dogs lick their paws for a number of reasons.

  • Their paws could be wet or dirty or they may be sore or itchy.
  • Immune and dietary issues such as allergies to pollens, grasses or certain types of food can cause paws to itch, as can parasites.
  • Sometimes, a foreign object like a grass seed or splinter may be lodged in or between the paw pads. Hairy dogs with fur between their toes can get mud stuck in their paws which can cause pain and irritation.

Yeast and bacteria can grow in-between the toes when the area stays warm and moist. This can cause the paws to become itchy, sore and smelly. Dogs might also lick their paw if they’ve sustained an injury to the area. Sometimes this can lead to a lick granuloma where the dog constantly licks the area causing an open sore on the skin.

Stress and anxiety can also cause dogs to lick their paws excessively. In this context the behaviour is self-calming as it can provide temporary relief or distraction from stress and anxiety, much like fingernail biting does for people.

How to tell if your dog’s paw-licking is a problem?

Occasional paw licking is a normal behaviour and commonly occurs when a dog’s paws are wet or shortly after eating a meal. It’s when the licking becomes excessive that it could indicate a problem.

Healthy paws look normal and don’t appear red and aren’t itchy or smelly.

Things to look for that indicate your dog’s paw-licking needs further investigation by your vet include: redness and inflammation; loss of fur; an unpleasant odour; discolouration of the fur on the paws; the presence of parasites; lameness and; the interference of their normal, healthy behaviour and activities. Pain or withdrawal when you touch your dog’s paw also indicates there’s something wrong.

How to treat paw-licking

Paw-licking is best treated by addressing the underlying cause. This is best done under the guidance of your veterinarian as paw-licking can worsen if not treated effectively.

Keeping your dog’s paws clean & dry and regularly inspecting them for signs of irritation or inflammation can help to ensure you identify and address any issues quickly, to avoid further discomfort for your dog.

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