Do you know why dogs lick feet with athlete’s foot? It might seem like strange behavior, but there is actually a good reason why your dog does this. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why dogs lick feet with athlete’s foot and how you can prevent it from happening.
What is Athlete’s foot, and why do dogs lick feet with it?
Athlete’s foot is a condition that results in the inflammation of the skin on the feet. It is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it’s typically found on feet. It can also be found on contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors, and shoes.
Why do dogs lick it?
Dogs lick feet with athlete’s foot because they are attracted to the smell of the fungus. The fungus emits a foul odor that is similar to that of rotting meat. This attracts dogs, who then lick the feet to remove the odor’s source.
Is it safe for my dogs to lick it?
As it’s a fungus, there is potential for the infection to spread to your dog if they lick feet with athlete’s foot. However, this is rare and usually only occurs if your dog has a weakened immune system.
In general, it’s not recommended that you allow your dog to lick feet with athlete’s foot.
Can dog licking cure Athletes foot?
Now, there is a lot of speculation out there as to whether or not dog licking can actually cure athlete’s foot. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, some people believe that the enzymes in a dog’s saliva can help to kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
However, this isn’t something that we would recommend, as it could potentially make the infection worse, and let’s be honest it’s pretty gross.
If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, the best thing is to see a doctor and get it treated.
Is it bad for dogs to lick your feet?
Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they would often lick the feet of their pack leader to show submission. In your home, your dog may see you as the pack leader and could be licking your feet for the same reason.
However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you don’t mind your dog licking your feet, then there’s no need to worry about it. Just ensure you keep your feet clean and dry to prevent any potential infections.
Also, be mindful of putting any kind of creams or ointments on your feet, as your dog could lick this off and ingest it, which could be harmful.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Licking Your Feet?
If you’re like most of us, then dogs licking your feet is an unpleasant experience. If you want to prevent your dog from licking your feet, you can do a few things.
Reinforcing good behavior
The first thing you can try is to reinforce good behavior. Whenever your dog tries to lick your feet, say “no” or “leave it” in a firm voice. If they stop, reward the dog with a treat. This will help them understand that licking your feet is not something you want them to do.
Just be mindful when you do decide to treat, so you don’t inadvertently reinforce the bad behavior.
Creating a barrier
Another thing you can do is to create a barrier between your dog and your feet. This could be something as simple as wearing socks or shoes.
You could also try spraying your feet with a deterrent, such as bitter apple spray, making them less appealing to your dog.
Distract your dog with something fun
Licking can also signify boredom, so try to keep your dog entertained with toys and games. If they’re not licking your feet, they’ll be too busy having fun to even think about it.
For us, Scooby (our Daxi) has never been a big of our feet but loves to lick his own! We’ve noticed it’s a lot to do with boredom, and a frozen kong or a good game of tug usually keeps him distracted.
Wrapping things up
Dogs lick feet with athlete’s foot because they are attracted to the smell of the fungus. The fungus emits a foul odor that is similar to that of rotting meat. This attracts dogs, who then lick the feet to remove the odor’s source.
In general, it’s not recommended that you allow your dog to lick feet with athlete’s foot as this is a potential health hazard for your dog. If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, the best thing is to see a doctor and get it treated.
