Noticing your dog licking their paws every now and then is incredibly common and a very normal part of dog behavior. Dogs will often lick and bite their paws – both the nails and the pads underneath.
For the most part, dog paw licking is normal. But if this behavior becomes constant and obsessive, or if your dog’s paw licking is keeping you up at night, there might be an issue that needs to be addressed.
There are numerous reasons your dog may be licking their paws ranging from dry skin to anxiousness. Let’s dive into some of the most common causes.
Why is My Dog Licking His Paws?
There are several reasons why dogs lick their paws, from minor irritations to more complex issues. In this section, we’ll explore some common causes behind dog paw licking and how you can help your pup feel more comfortable and content.
Stress
When we feel anxious or nervous, we all have little stress releases; be it picking skin or biting our nails. Your dog is no different. If you think about when your furry friend was a puppy, their mother would lick them to soothe and care for them. That is similarly why you may find your dog licking their paws-–to soothe themselves when feeling a little unsure.
So, your dog’s paw licking could be their way of trying to relax and unwind, but for you, as their puppy parent, it could be a tell-tale sign that they’re feeling occasionally stressed.
Occasional Allergies
Dog licking and chewing paws? Your pup could be dealing with seasonal allergies that you have no knowledge of. If your canine companion is licking or chewing their paws after you return from a walk, it could be a sign that they’re allergic to something in the environment.
However, if you notice excessive licking is happening regardless of returning from a walk, your pet could still be dealing with an allergy; it could be a reaction to their food. Some of the most common allergies to diet are beef, chicken, and dairy products. And, just like us, some dogs have a sensitivity to specific types ofgrains. If you suspect it could be a food allergy, try to eliminate certain foods and see if there is any correlation with a specific food group.
If none of the above seem to be the cause, it could be that your dog is having a reaction to something in your home. Your cleaning products could be bothering the bottom of your pup’s paws, causing them to become irritated. Change your cleaning products and see if it helps your dog’s paws.
If you suspect your dog’s paw licking is due to underlying allergies, but can’t figure out the trigger, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for advice and allergy management recommendations.
Dry Skin
All the licking and chewing might be due to something as simple as dry skin. If you have noticed that your dog’s skin is a little on the dry side, with flakes of skin easily visible after scratching, this could be the cause of their irritation and discomfort. Their paws are just as sensitive as the skin underneath their fur, so if the skin is dry, the paws are also likely to be uncomfortable.
Dry skin can be a result of over-bathing or grooming. Constant bathing can remove the natural oils from your pup’s skin and fur, so try reducing the number of baths and find other ways of masking your smelly pup.
Injury or Pain
If your dog keeps licking their paws or chewing on their paws more than usual, it could be a sign of pain or discomfort. One common reason is that they may have injured their paw—perhaps from stepping on a sharp object like a stone or from rough terrain. If there’s a foreign object stuck in their paw, your dog may try to lick or chew to remove it. However, if they’re unable to do so, the constant licking and chewing can lead to your dog licking their paws raw.
Beyond external injuries, your dog might be dealing with internal issues such as joint pain or arthritis, particularly if they are older. Dogs suffering from joint issues may start licking or biting at their paws in an attempt to soothe the pain. Chronic joint pain can lead to a dog constantly licking their paws. If your pup won’t stop, it’s worth exploring whether arthritis or another underlying condition is to blame.
It’s crucial to monitor how often your dog is biting their paws or licking them. If you notice persistent licking, swelling, or signs of trauma, check their paws carefully for any debris, cuts, or signs of injury. If you don’t find anything, it’s best to consult your veterinarian, who can assess for injuries, joint issues, or other causes of pain. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage and ensuring your dog’s comfort.
In cases of pain-related licking, your veterinarian may suggest dog licking paw remedies such as pain medications or anti-inflammatories. If your dog won’t stop licking their paws, you might also consider using an e-collar or bandage to prevent further licking while they heal.
By addressing the root cause of their discomfort, you can help stop your dog from licking their paws excessively and prevent further complications.
Grooming
After your pup has been out for a walk or if they have been running around the garden, you may notice that they give their paws a little lick-–this could be due to spot grooming and self-cleaning. Our dogs can’t wash their hands like us, so they will give their paws a wash with their tongue. You may also notice them gnaw a bit while giving their paws some TLC.
When it comes to normal self-grooming, you don’t need to do anything to stop this behavior, although you can do things to help the cleaning process along. Whenever your pup returns from outside, wipe down their paws with either a towel or grooming wipes to remove any dirt or debris that may irritate their paws later.
Parasites
If your dog spends time outside, running and playing amongst grass, bushes, and trees, they run the risk of picking up ticks or fleas. If a tick has made its way onto your pup and decided to make its home in your dog’s paw, then increased paw licking could be a sign of this. Your dog will try to scratch and/or lick the area that is infested to try and remove the foreign object and soothe the irritated area. If they’re unable to do so, they may begin to bite the area. A flea infestation on your dog’s paws can cause excessive itching and discomfort that leads to licking.
Regularly check your dog for fleas and ticks after spending any time outdoors. To prevent these parasites from bothering your pet’s paws, keep your dog on year-round flea and tick prevention.
Boredom
Paw licking in dogs may come down to something as simple as boredom! As stated above, in regard to stress and anxiousness, your pooch could be licking their paws to feel better. When your pup gets bored, they can become quite irritable and restless–which may result in higher levels of anxiousness.
Your job as their puppy parent is to try and keep your dog active and happy. Make sure you’re helping them reach their daily intended amount of exercise to avoid any restless behavior. And, the more active your pup is, the lower their stress levels will be on a daily basis. Just like us, more hormones released during exercise can help keep anxiousness and restlessness to a minimum.
PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Keeping your dog active doesn’t have to be physical. When the weather is not favorable, why not spend some time working on brain games? This time together will strengthen your bond and increase trust between you and your pup.
Paw Infections
One possible reason your dog keeps licking paws may be a paw infection. Both yeast and other fungal infections are common in dogs, particularly in warm, moist areas like between their paw pads. When a yeast infection develops, you may notice your dog chewing on paws or constantly licking paws to relieve the discomfort. The area may appear red, swollen, or have a distinct odor. Bacterial infections can also cause similar symptoms, often resulting from a small cut or wound that becomes infected. Left untreated, these infections can worsen, leading to excessive paw licking and even more discomfort for your pup.
If your dog is licking paws a lot and you suspect an infection, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. Your veterinarian may recommend topical or oral treatments to combat the infection, along with dog licking paw remedies like medicated wipes or sprays to soothe irritation and prevent further licking.
Paw Burns
If your dog has recently walked on hot pavement or rough surfaces, paw burns could be the reason behind their excessive licking. Burns on a dog’s sensitive paw pads can occur when they’ve been exposed to hot asphalt or sand, especially during warmer months. These burns can cause your dog to start biting paws or licking excessively in an attempt to soothe the painful, raw sensation. The affected area may appear red, blistered, or even peeled, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to infections or long-term damage.
To prevent paw burns, try to avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day, and always check the temperature of surfaces before heading out. If your dog does suffer from a burn, clean the area gently and apply a vet-approved burn cream. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend bandaging the paws and using an e-collar to stop your dog from licking paws while they heal.
Nail Problems
Nail problems are another common cause for dog chewing paws or licking excessively. Overgrown nails, cracked nails, or even ingrown nails can cause significant discomfort, resulting in your dog attempting to relieve the pain through licking or chewing. When your dog keeps biting paws, it could be a sign that they’re struggling with a painful nail condition. Ingrown nails can press into the paw pad, while cracked or broken nails may expose sensitive tissue, causing irritation and prompting your dog to lick paws a lot.
Regular nail trimming can help prevent these issues, but if you notice any signs of nail damage or discomfort, consult your veterinarian for proper treatment. In some cases, a simple nail trim or a protective bandage may be all that’s needed, but in more severe cases, medications or specialized care might be required to resolve the issue. This will help stop your dog from licking paws excessively and ensure their nails stay healthy.
When to Worry About Dog Paw Licking
If your dog is licking its paws excessively or has started to chew on its paws, it’s essential to pay attention. While occasional licking is normal, excessive licking, especially when combined with symptoms like limping, red or bleeding paws, or your dog constantly licking its paws raw, may indicate a more serious issue. Persistent licking could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as allergies, infections, or even an injury.
If you notice your dog licking their paws a lot and this behavior is accompanied by swelling, redness, or any visible sores, it’s time to seek veterinary attention. A veterinarian can provide a diagnosis, whether it’s an allergy, infection, or another condition, and recommend remedies to stop your dog from paw licking. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to further complications, such as infections from the constant licking or damage to the skin and paw pads.
In severe cases, your dog licking their paws excessively may be a sign of pain or discomfort, requiring immediate intervention. A thorough examination by a veterinarian will help determine the cause and provide the best course of treatment. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
Remedies for Dog Paw Licking
Excessive paw licking or chewing can often be a sign of an underlying issue, and understanding how to address it is key to providing relief for your dog. Below are some common treatments, both veterinary-recommended and home remedies, that can help manage and reduce paw licking.
Veterinary Treatments for Paw Licking
If your dog keeps licking their paws or won’t stop chewing their paws, a visit to the veterinarian is essential to determine the underlying cause. The treatment plan your veterinarian recommends will largely depend on the diagnosis.
- Topical antifungal creams: If your veterinarian identifies a fungal infection as the reason for your dog licking its paws a lot, they may prescribe a topical antifungal cream. These creams help eliminate the fungus and reduce irritation.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections: In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics will be prescribed to help clear up the infection. This is crucial if your dog is licking their paws raw or you notice any open sores.
- Allergy medications: If your dog keeps licking their paws due to allergies, your veterinarian might prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications that help manage the allergic reaction, reducing inflammation and itching.
- Pain medications: For dogs showing signs of discomfort or injury, such as limping, your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers to ease discomfort and prevent excessive paw licking.
- Paw wrapping or bandages: In cases where your dog is chewing on their paws due to burns, cuts, or other injuries, your veterinarian may recommend wrapping the paws with bandages to protect them during healing. They may also suggest using an e-collar (Elizabethan collar) to prevent further licking or chewing while the paw heals.
- Dietary changes: If your dog is suspected of having a food allergy or intolerance that’s causing them to lick excessively, your veterinarian may suggest an elimination diet or switching to hypoallergenic dog food.
Home Remedies for Paw Licking and Chewing
While veterinary care is essential for diagnosing and treating the cause of excessive paw licking, there are some home remedies and steps that can help manage the issue.
- Paw soaks: Soaking your dog’s paws in lukewarm water with Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated paws. For dogs with allergies or sensitive skin, an oatmeal bath may also provide relief.
- Dog booties: Using dog booties can prevent environmental irritants, such as allergens, hot pavement, or rough surfaces, from aggravating your dog’s paws and causing them to lick or chew.
- Bitter sprays: Pet-safe bitter sprays can be applied to your dog’s paws to discourage licking. These sprays have an unpleasant taste, which helps curb the behavior. However, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the licking and not rely solely on this method.
- Keep paws clean: Regularly washing and inspecting your dog’s paws can prevent irritants from causing licking or chewing. Removing dirt, pollen, or debris can reduce the need for your dog licking paws excessively.
Before trying any home remedies, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure the methods are safe and appropriate for your dog’s condition.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy
Maintaining your dog’s paw health is essential for preventing issues like excessive paw licking or chewing. By following a few simple tips, you can help your dog avoid discomfort and keep their paws in great condition.
Keep Paw Hair Short and Free of Matting
Regularly trimming the hair around your dog’s paws helps prevent matting, which can trap debris and cause irritation. This simple grooming step can help reduce your dog’s need to constantly lick or chew their paws.
Trim Nails Regularly
Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed prevents overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort or even injury. Overgrown nails may cause your dog to alter their gait, putting extra pressure on the paws and leading to paw licking or biting.
Wipe and Dry Paws Regularly
After walks, especially in muddy or wet conditions, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth and ensure they are thoroughly dried. This helps remove irritants like dirt, pollen, or chemicals that may cause paw licking. For dogs that are licking paws a lot, regular cleaning can help eliminate potential allergens.
Parasite Prevention
Ensure your dog is on a reliable parasite prevention regimen. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause itching and discomfort, leading to excessive paw licking. Preventing these parasites is key to keeping your dog comfortable.
Avoid Hot Asphalt and Rough Surfaces
During warmer months, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or asphalt, which can burn their paw pads. Similarly, rough surfaces like gravel can irritate paws. Stick to softer surfaces like grass whenever possible to prevent injuries that may cause your dog to start licking its paws.
Support Gut Health
A healthy gut contributes to overall well-being, including skin and coat health. By supporting your dog’s digestive system, you can help prevent certain skin conditions or allergies that might cause them to excessively lick or chew their paws.
By staying proactive and regularly maintaining your dog’s paw health, you can help cut down on behaviors like constant paw licking or chewing, keeping your dog comfortable and happy.
Happy Paws for a Happy Pup
Regardless of what the reason may be for your pup’s constant paw chewing, it is good for you as their puppy parent to do what you can to help the situation. Although some conditions will need to be seen by your veterinarian, there are things you can do, and they won’t be difficult to implement in your life…but will change your pup’s and for the better!
