Paw Licking

[Toto-lee Cairn]

First, I didn't want to bother you Guys with something that may have already been covered, but a 'search' on Cairn Talk didn't pull up anything similar to what I wanted to ask.  I'm aware some Cairns have sensitive skin, and skin issues, and my first Toto did this to some extent, but my current Cairn's behavior warrants 'investigation.'

Every time -- every -- Toto goes out into the yard, whether to potty, play ball, check-out the wildlife, he comes in and immediately begins licking his front two paws.  It usually takes him several minutes to satisfy himself with *whatever* it is he's doing.

We use minimal products in the yard, and have found no evidence of insect nests, like fire ants.  We use hardwood mulch and/or pine straw in the beds, but Toto is not inclined to go into the beds unless he is after something, like a squirrel or deer, but then he is so skittish until he doesn't go far.  It seems to be the grass that he is reacting to, sometimes to the point where he will stay on the concrete driveway or sidewalk or back patio, and lift a leg on a shrub to relieve himself, avoiding the yard altogether.  On a few occasions, he will not only lick the paws, but he will rub his face, or body, on the carpet, much like a dog will do following a bath, but that isn't the norm that is the paw-licking.

I'm thinking, maybe grass allergy or sensitivity?

Edited October 1, 2021 by Toto-lee Cairn

[bradl]

Allergy is very plausible given your description.

[Kathryn]

Our Angus, now three years old in September, seemed to develop some allergies this summer. He licked his front legs until the hair was worn down short.  Our vet suggested first that we try oatmeal shampoos.  That didn't work, so now we are using Apoquel, a pill he takes with his breakfast.  It seems to be working.  According to vet recommendations, we will continue until the snow starts (probably around December), and then put it away until spring when plants start to grow again. If he starts to lick again next year, we will repeat the treatment as needed.  It has been a strange, hot, dry summer here, and I am hoping the (hopefully unusual?) weather was a part of the problem, and that it doesn't come back quite so badly next year.

[Toto-lee Cairn]

On another post, I mentioned our vet having us give Toto 1/2 doses of children's Benadryl, and I've seen a big difference.  The paw licking is at a minimum, and we get a kick out of watching him avoid the grassy areas.  He'll run down the back steps, potty on a huge potted plant on the patio (much to my chagrin) and then step just into the wood-mulched bed to take care of No. 2.

It has to be something very tempting to get him into the grass -- a deer, large bird like a crow, the cussed squirrels, a bunny, or thinking Brother is onto something.  Far be it for Toto to let Rupert get the one-up.

[bradl]

Happy to hear it's helping. Impressed that Toto is taking care! (For the most part, because c'mon, someone has to keep Rupert in place.)