Dogs lick their paws for various reasons. Some dogs lick their paws daily to keep them clean, but if your dog is constantly or aggressively licking their paws, it could be a sign of an issue, such as an injury or infection.
If you see your dog frequently licking their paws, it’s time to take action. Learn more about paw licking in dogs and how to respond appropriately.
Why Dogs Lick Their Paws
Dogs may occasionally lick their paws as part of their self-cleaning routine. Even dogs that aren’t very dedicated to self-grooming will occasionally clean their paws. If you only notice your dog licking their paws occasionally, there’s probably no cause for concern.
It’s not normal if your dog appears to be licking their paws frequently or aggressively. This is usually a sign of a health or behavioral issue. If you find your dog’s paw licking abnormal, the first step is to determine if there’s a health problem with the paws.
Dogs often lick their paws excessively if they’re itchy, irritated, or painful – much like they tend to lick their wounds.
Injuries
A paw injury or foreign object may explain sudden paw licking. The dog may have stepped on something causing discomfort, such as a sharp object, hot pavement, or ice-melting salt. Or, they may have been stung or bitten by an insect or another animal.
There may even be an object or substance stuck to the paws, and they need help removing it. Foreign objects like splinters or grass can get lodged in the paws and cause irritation.
Growths
Another possibility is that your dog has an abnormal growth on one of their paws, such as a cyst or tumor. Or, your dog may have arthritis or a soft tissue injury or bone injury in the paw. The latter may not be something you can see with the naked eye.
If your dog is focusing on one paw more than the others, then a paw injury, foreign object, or growth is more likely. You may also notice your dog limping. However, these issues can easily affect more than one paw at a time.
Allergies
A very common cause of paw licking for relief is allergies in dogs. Allergies often cause itching or irritation of the paw pads, leading a dog to lick their paws for relief. Many dogs have allergies that make their paws itch. Food allergies and environmental allergies are especially known for causing paw itchiness.
Infections
It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop bacterial or fungal infections in their paws, meaning they need a trip to the vet. These infections can occur secondary to allergies or for unknown reasons. When a dog frequently licks their paws, they stay moist and are more susceptible to bacteria and fungi.
External parasitic infections like fleas, mange, or hookworms also tend to make the paws very itchy, leading to excessive licking.
Behavioral Concerns
If there are no health concerns causing paw problems, your dog’s paw licking may have behavioral reasons, though these are much less common. It could be as simple as boredom. Or, it could be a sign of stress, fear, or anxiety.
The licking may have started due to boredom and then developed into a habit that became relaxing or satisfying for your dog. In severe cases, dogs may have compulsive tendencies that lead them to obsessively lick their paws.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Licking Their Paws
If it seems like your dog is constantly licking their paws, start by observing more closely.
Inspect the tops and bottoms of the feet, the nails and their beds, and the spaces between the toes. Look for foreign objects, cuts, bruises, bleeding, swelling, redness, crusts, discharge, broken nails, bad odor, and anything else that looks abnormal. Administer first aid if necessary.
Consider using a groomer-approved dog paw cleaner for regular paw care. Note that excessive licking often causes saliva stains on the fur around the paws. This rusty discoloration is easier to see where the fur is light-colored. If you notice stains, it’s a sign your dog is frequently licking their paws.
If your dog licks their paws excessively, it’s important to contact your vet whether the paws seem abnormal to you or not. Your vet needs to rule out health problems before starting to try to address a behavior problem.
Treatment for Paw Licking
Your vet will examine your dog and discuss your dog’s history, and treatment recommendations will be made based on the diagnosis. Your vet may recommend medicated foot baths, sprays, or other topical products to treat irritation or infections.
Oral antibiotics may be needed to treat any present bacterial infections. If there’s a fungal infection, antifungal medications may be prescribed. And if a growth or foreign body is found, surgery may be needed to remove it and repair the damage.
If your dog has a problem that may require advanced testing or treatment, your vet may refer you to a specialist, such as a veterinary dermatologist or a veterinary surgeon.
If there’s no physical reason for your dog’s excessive paw licking, then there’s the possibility your dog has developed a behavioral problem.
Home Remedies for Paw Licking
Some home remedies may be appropriate for irritated or itchy paws, but always consult your vet first for advice. Treating paws at home can actually worsen some problems.
- Dry or cracked paws: Apply coconut oil or paw balm to soothe and soften the paws.
- Fungal infections: Mix a solution of three parts water to one part white or apple cider vinegar and soak the paws in a tub for about 10 minutes. Rinse and dry the paws well.
- Itchy paws: Grind plain oatmeal flakes into a powder and mix with warm water. Soak the paws in a tub for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dry them well.
Behavioral Solutions
Helpful Tips
- Behavior modification to stop paw licking and chewing takes time, patience, and consistency.
- Consider a bitter-tasting topical product that is safe for pets to discourage licking.
- If that doesn’t work, a physical containment device like an Elizabethan collar may be necessary. If additional behavior help is needed, consider working with a dog trainer, an animal behaviorist, or a veterinary behaviorist.
Preventing Paw Licking in Dogs
Keeping feet and skin healthy is the best way to prevent your dog from licking their paws in the first place. Keep nails trimmed short and bathe your dog as needed. Inspect paws regularly, especially after your dog has been outdoors.
Avoid walking your dog in very hot or cold weather conditions. You can also try some products that protect your dog’s paws from extreme conditions, such as dog boots or paw balms.
As always, consult your vet for routine check-ups. Between visits, make sure to contact your vet at the first sign of paw licking.
If you suspect your pet is ill, immediately call your veterinarian. For health-related inquiries, always consult your veterinarian as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.