French Bulldogs are known for their large ears and compact little frames, but there’s another part of these dogs that you might want to pay attention to – the paws. Healthy paws require a certain amount of care and commitment from dog owners. The paws depend on the overall size of your Frenchie. They range anywhere from 11 – 13 inches tall and 16 – 28 pounds – so keep that in mind when you’re choosing a dog bed for them to sleep on. French Bulldog paws are very sensitive to the point that they can easily blister if you take them for walks in warm weather or let them run on hot pavement. Signs of paw sensitivity include lifting a leg, licking and chewing the paw, and stopping your walk early.
Here are a few possible reasons why your Frenchie might be licking their paws all day:
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Dry weather
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Environmental or food-related allergies
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Time spent on rough terrain (rocks, sand, gravel, wood chips)
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High humidity causes moisture to get trapped in the folds of the paw
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Medical issues such as autoimmune disease
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Obesity that causes excessive friction and sweat
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Boredom, anxiety, or other expressions of obsessive-compulsive behavior
If your French Bulldog paws are red, you may be able to blame excess time outside. A less likely but not uncommon cause is pododermatitis, which makes the paws inflamed.
Common symptoms of pododermatitis include:
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Redness
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Swelling
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Scabs or crust
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Pus
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Blisters
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Hair loss around the paws
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Thickening paw pads
Pododermatitis is a disease of dogs that can cause limping, as well as excessive licking and not wanting to play. It can be caused by ringworms and parasites, but it’s also often a result of allergies or other simple diseases. Red paws are usually an easy fix because it is most likely just the result of scampering around or spending lots of time outside on rough grass and pavement. If your dog is spending a lot of time in grassy or rocky areas, you need a good paw cream to protect their paws. Finally, if you have already started treating your dog’s paws with medications or creams make sure that they don’t lick them.
Here are a few ideas:
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Distract them with treats or toys
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Put them in socks or booties
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Use a cone around their neck
If you have a French Bulldog, you’ve probably already noticed that they like to lick their paws. It’s a common behavior in dogs, and even if your dog has started licking his or her paws too much, it’s usually not anything to worry about.
