One of the many reasons we love dogs is their funny behavior. Our pets all have unique personalities that shine through whether out on a walk or playing with toys at home. As an observant pet owner, you’ve no doubt categorized your pup’s quirks, and you can easily tell the difference between an act that’s funny and one that’s worrying.

Why does my dog keep licking his paws? Paw licking is a common behavior in dogs. There are many explanations, from self-grooming to skin irritation. Sometimes dogs lick their paws too much, which is a cause for concern. How does paw licking relate to their overall health, and can this habit become worse?

Read on to learn more about why dogs lick their paws, how to know if this behavior is becoming a chronic issue, and what to do if your dog needs help.

Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Paw licking is a natural grooming habit, and most dogs lick their paws daily to keep them clean. If your dog is over-grooming or licking their paws aggressively, it could be a sign of a problem. From injuries to infections, here are the signs to watch out for.

Injuries

A paw injury is one of the most immediate causes of your dog licking their paws. Your pup may have stepped on something like a sharp object or hot pavement, or they might have been stung or bitten by an insect or animal. There could be something stuck in between their toes, which irritates them. Splinters and dry grass can become embedded in their paws and between their toes, which is uncomfortable and frustrating for your furry friend.

Allergies

Dogs can have allergies just like people. Allergies can cause itching or irritation, and your dog will lick their paws to find relief. Their paws might even itch—food allergies and environmental allergies are known to cause paw itching and can lead to a chronic search for relief and comfort. Your veterinarian might discuss allergy shot options.

Different types of allergies can affect your dog:

  • Environmental Allergies: Dust Mites, Mold Spores, Pollen.
  • Food Allergies: Dairy, Eggs, Beef, Chicken, Wheat.
  • Contact Dermatitis: Some dogs may be allergic to certain materials and chemicals in their toys.

Infections

While bacterial and yeast infections are common for dogs, especially as secondary infections in moist environments (excessive licking), they can still develop in their paws, requiring a veterinarian trip. Infections can occur secondary to allergies, and when a dog frequently licks their paws the area becomes damp and grows susceptible to bacteria and yeast.

Fleas, hookworms, and other parasitic infections can make your dog’s paws itchy, and can only be cured by a visit to the vet.

Growths

Growths

Your dog may have an abnormal growth on one of their paws that you cannot see. Cysts and tumors can be frustrating for your dog, and older dogs can develop arthritis or have an injury on the soft tissue of their paw.

If you notice your pup is favoring one paw over the others, it likely has an injury or growth. Your dog might also be limping, which is a more obvious sign that something is wrong.

Behavioral Concerns

Boredom, anxiety, and other behavioral changes can cause chronic paw licking. Stress and fear can lead to new behaviors, and paw licking might have started as a self-soothing habit. If your dog has compulsive tendencies, they might obsessively lick their paws. Dog anxiety can lead to paw licking.

Acral lick dermatitis (lick granuloma) can result from chronic licking, leading to serious infections. If you notice any chronic licking behavior in your dog you should take them to your veterinarian right away.

A Lack of Training and Enrichment

To put it another way, your dog may simply be bored and is reaching out for attention. Physical exercise, mental stimulation, and anxiety reduction can lead to a happier, healthier pup, and these activities aren’t complete with plenty of positive reinforcement.

  • Mental Stimulation: This can include puzzle feeders, interactive toys, or obedience training.
  • Physical Exercise: Plenty of walks, playtime, and dog sports (such as catch).
  • Anxiety Reduction: Calming pheromone products (as given the okay by your veterinarian), safe and friendly spaces, and routine establishment of activities within the home.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Licking Their Paws

If you’re worried your dog is constantly licking their paws, it’s time for an examination. Check the tops and bottoms of their foot, inspect their toenails and nail beds, and look at the spaces in between each digit. You’re trying to find any cuts, bruises, foreign objects, redness, scabs, broken nails, or anything else that seems abnormal.

A groomer-approved dog paw cleaner is a good choice for regular paw care. Excessive licking can cause red-brown saliva stains around their paws, which can be tougher to notice if your dog has a darker coat. If you suspect that your dog is chronically licking their paws, take your dog to the vet. Your trusted local vet can tell you whether or not it’s abnormal, and can apply a health check-up to find the source of any problems before you set about addressing behavioral issues.

Additional Medical Causes

Ruling out all the causes of your dog licking their paws can be exhausting, and there are additional medical causes that your veterinarian might look for if the above treatments and prognosis do not work.

  • Mites: Mites, fleas, and other small biting insects can cause scabies and lead to itching.
  • Neuropathy: Excessive nerve pain or tingling in the extremities can lead to chronic licking.
  • Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism can affect skin health.

Treatment for Paw Licking

Your veterinarian will prescribe treatment recommendations after examining your dog and making a diagnosis. They might recommend medicated sprays and foot soaks, or certain topicals for treating infections. Antibiotics might be necessary. Yeast infections are fungal, and treatments may be required for them separately from bacterial infections. Finally, surgery could be necessary if your dog has a growth, foreign body, or injury.

If there are more advanced problems that require testing and treatment, your veterinarian might refer your dog to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or surgeon. If no other issue can be found and your dog does have a behavioral issue, your veterinarian might refer you to a behavioral specialist.

Home Remedies for Dog Licking Paws

There are home remedies that can give your pup some relief, but before applying any kind of treatment to your pet you should ask your veterinarian’s advice first.

  • Dry/Cracked Paws: Apply paw balm or coconut oil to soothe and soften the paws.
  • Yeast Infections: Mix a solution of 3:1 water and apple cider vinegar, then soak your pup’s paws in the tub for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry.
  • Itchy Paws: Make a solution of ground-up dry oats and warm water. Soak the paws for 10 minutes in the tub. Rinse and dry.

Behavioral Solutions

After ruling out health concerns, injuries, allergies, and growths, your veterinarian might suggest that it’s a behavioral issue.

First, distract your dog. Take them on more walks, play with them, and offer them toys to shift their focus. Don’t scold them for licking, but don’t reward them with treats when they do well. Instead, distract them with puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys that require them to work for their reward.

In the case these methods are unsuccessful, check back in with your veterinarian to look for other causes and treatments. Your veterinarian might have additional health concerns, or may suggest you utilize advanced behavior modification techniques. Your veterinarian can then recommend a dog trainer or behaviorist to help.

Tips

  • Behavior modification can take time. apply patience and consistency.
  • Don’t yell or mistreat your dog to try and get them to stop.
  • Consider bitter topicals that are pet-safe to discourage licking.
  • Physical restraints, like a cone, might be necessary.
  • Consider working with a dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
  • Your veterinarian may suggest cones or other physical restraints.
  • Seek veterinary help as soon as possible.

Talk To Your Veterinarian

At Paoli Vetcare, we pride ourselves on offering decades of experience that have helped thousands of dogs from all walks of life. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care for your pups. If your dog exhibits any of the above worrying symptoms or behaviors, don’t hesitate to reach out to Paoli Vetcare today. While excessive paw licking might not seem a cause for concern at first, it’s paramount that you schedule an appointment with us today. Ensure your dog receives the compassionate care they deserve. Detect any illnesses or diseases early with your friends at Paoli Vetcare!

Dr. Erin Downes VMD

Dr. Erin Downes graduated valedictorian from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She and her husband, Dr. Jay Rowan are the owners of Paoli Vetcare | Main Line Vet & Animal Hospital.