The importance of nail trimming

Dogs live on their feet.  Or more accurately, their toes.  Healthy paws are key to survival.  And yet, so often and easily, toenail maintenance is overlooked.  Dogs are stoic creatures, and generally pretty agreeable pets, so they are not apt to complain much (at least in a way most humans can understand) about a neglected manicure.  But despite this seemingly unimportant little thing, damage is being done by overgrown nails.  Pressure from extra long nails radiates up the leg into the entire body, having an almost systemic effect.  This can be subtle or apparent, and chronically neglected nails can cause permanent damage.
Dogs walk on their toes, perhaps somewhat comparable to a ballerina; unlike normal humans who mostly walk on the soles of their feet, and use their heels.   If you've ever worn tight shoes and felt your own overgrown toenails being pushed back, you are familiar with a fraction of the discomfort a dog feels.  Of course, being human you're far more likely to complain about it, and certainly more capable of doing something about it.  Obviously our pets rely on us to keep them healthy and properly groomed.
Here is a good video discussing toenail maintenance.  While it is mainly aimed at performance dogs, it is every bit as applicable to house pets.  After all, they walk, run and play just the same as any working dog, as well as get old... no dog should have to live with the pain of overgrown nails.

What Causes Paw Licking?

Like most other professionals, for years I have attributed excessive licking (and subsequent staining) to allergies.  It is, after all, one of the most common causes.  And with so much out there contributing to our pets' weakened immune systems (low quality processed diets, over-vaccination, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition...) is it any wonder this is such a common problem?
Well, I just came across this very interesting article, pointing out another potential cause of paw licking.  Definitely worth a read!  http://www.ivcjournal.com/articles/excessive-paw-licking-in-dogs-it-may-not-be-allergies/  If you have been unsuccessful with allergy treatment programs that "should have worked", it might be time to look into chiropractic or acupuncture.
While allergies will probably remain my first guess, especially when there is extensive staining elsewhere on the body (face, belly) or other symptoms of detox (ear infections, skin problems), I'll be looking more closely at dogs who pay "special attention" to a certain foot or two.  The neurological connection makes so much sense.  Of course, there is also the possibility of a dog having both allergies and spinal issues...