Your feet represent for him the diary of your day.
A quest for more than sensory interaction
Your reaction to this behavior is often your companion’s true motivation. A look, a word, a caress: these little gestures are worth all the gold in the world to him. This ritual can then turn into an affectionate habit.
In certain contexts, this licking can also mean:
- A call for appeasement
- A mark of hierarchical respect
- A mechanism for managing mild anxiety
When should this behavior raise alarm bells?
Occasional, this action remains perfectly normal. But if you observe excessive, obsessive licking, or licking accompanied by worrying signs (prostration, nervousness, isolation, etc.), you should consult a specialist. Possible causes include:
- A persistent state of anxiety
- A lack of stimulating activities
- The emergence of compulsive disorders
How should you react if this bothers you?
No harshness is necessary. Here are some tips for gently changing this habit :
- Don’t react : just move your feet away without saying a word.
- Offer him a substitute : treat-dispensing toy, lick mat.
- Encourage calm attitudes : reward moments of calm.
- Stimulate his intellect : olfactory trails, new explorations, educational games.
The important thing is to ban all punishment. This would only increase his discomfort.
And when he’s the one licking his paws?
Continued on the next page 👇
