Too much licking and grooming of the area between the foot and the leg may lead to skin irritation and trauma. A granuloma could develop if not stopped. “Lick granuloma” is the term for this. The condition is characterized by fleshy pinkish and hairless masses. The licking behavior is a syndrome termed the “acral lick”. According to experts, there is a psychological aspect to the issue. Boredom and/or stress have been identified as possible factors that exacerbate the syndrome. It seems that chewing and licking at that specific area triggers the brain into releasing “happy hormones” called endorphins, therefore, dogs will continue to behave this way. It is unfortunate that this undesired behavior is not as easy to treat and may not be completely cured. To keep the habit in check, a combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and in more severe cases, medication.
Should you see your dog exhibiting this behavior, it is advisable to speak with your veterinarian Cornelius, NC regarding the available treatment options.
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