Decoding dog behavior: Why is my dog licking their paws so much?

By Lauren Rey

All dogs lick their paws; it’s a natural canine behavior. But how often they do it can leave some pup parents perplexed. Nearly every dog owner has experienced being awakened by a middle-of-the-night paw-licking session that went on a bit too long, leading them to wonder — why is my dog licking their paws so much? Let’s discuss some common causes of paw-licking, when it might be a problem, and how to address it.

Why dogs lick their paws

There are many reasons why dogs lick their paws, from simple grooming instincts to complex medical or behavioral conditions. Here are some of the most common.

Grooming

Dogs lick their paws (and fur) as a natural grooming behavior to clean and remove debris. This is especially common after walks or if they’ve been somewhere wet, muddy, or sandy. Occasional paw-licking is typically no cause for concern, but if it becomes excessive, it can lead to other problems.

Allergies

Allergies in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, from rashes and itchy skin to vomiting and diarrhea, but one of the most common signs that your dog has an allergy is constant paw licking. Whether the allergy is related to an environmental source, like grass or pollen, or a food allergy, itchy paws are a common symptom. Getting to the bottom of a suspected allergy can require working closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause and correct course of action.

Skin conditions

There are many different types of dermatological conditions that can cause itchy paws. One of the most common is dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition. Dermatitis of the feet, or pododermatitis, can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, infections, and underlying medical conditions.

Dermatitis also often occurs secondary to allergies. Dogs that continuously lick or chew their itchy paws can create an environment of warm, moist, irritated skin that is more susceptible to an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, or fungus. Signs of canine dermatitis can include red, irritated paws, sores, hair loss, and fur staining from constant licking.

Parasites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites (mange) can lead to a host of skin problems, including itchy paws that dogs may lick or chew at excessively. If left untreated, parasite infestations can lead to more problems for your pet, from skin infections to the transfer of tick-borne diseases.

If your dog has parasites, you may notice constant scratching, licking, or chewing, bites or bumps, hair loss, and/or visible fleas or ticks. Mites are not visible to the naked eye but often cause itchy skin, crusty sores, and patches of hair loss.

Pain

Dogs experiencing any type of pain or injury may lick the area in an attempt to clean and soothe it. If your dog is licking their paws due to pain, they could have an internal condition, like arthritis or a sprain, or they could have a cut, insect bite, broken toenail, or other external injury. Sometimes, they may even have something embedded in their paw, like a thorn from a plant or a piece of broken glass.

Behavioral conditions

There are many different types of behavioral conditions that can lead to excessive paw licking in dogs, from mild boredom and anxiety to more serious cases of separation anxiety and canine-compulsive disorder. It can take some lifestyle changes and working closely with a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to diagnose and treat behavioral issues in dogs.

How to treat and prevent paw licking in dogs

In most cases, getting to the bottom of why your dog is licking their paws excessively and treating any inflammation or injuries associated with it requires a vet visit. Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s paws and inquire about their diet, lifestyle, and recent behaviors. The treatment can vary depending on the cause but may include topical treatments to cleanse the paws, soothe the itch, and treat any infections or parasites.

If allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend some diet or lifestyle changes, like trying an elimination diet for food allergies or wiping your dog’s paws after walks for certain environmental allergies. They may also recommend allergy testing and treatment with medications.

If the paw-licking seems to be behavioral, your vet may recommend some changes to your dog’s routine to prevent boredom, like incorporating more activity into their day and utilizing puzzle toys. If they suspect your dog to have a more serious behavioral problem, like separation anxiety or a compulsive disorder, they may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.

While these are some of the most common scenarios, there can be many potential causes, so it’s important to always seek veterinary guidance. If pursuing home treatment, be sure only to use vet-approved paw cleansers, anti-itch sprays, paw balms, or other products. Never use products intended for humans or internet remedies, like vinegar soaks, without talking to your veterinarian first. In some cases, these can cause more harm and won’t address the underlying issue.

Risks of excessive paw licking in dogs

If left unmanaged, excessive paw licking can lead to a worsening of the allergy, infection, injury, or other condition that’s causing the itchy or inflamed paws. It can also lead to secondary wounds, hotspots, or dog paw infections caused by persistent licking or chewing. If the paw-licking is linked to a behavioral disorder, the dog’s mental health, as well as the health of their paws, may continue to decline without intervention. It’s vital to seek veterinary care for dogs that are excessively licking their paws and get to the root of the problem.

Tips to keep Fido’s feet healthy

While you should see a vet if your dog is excessively licking or chewing their paws, practicing good paw hygiene at home can help prevent some problems and keep your dog’s feet healthy. Try some of these dog paw care tips to keep your pup’s paws in tip-top shape.

• Keep nails and fur around paws neat and trimmed to reduce irritation
• Use pet-safe wipes or paw washes after walks to keep paws clean and free of debris
• Routinely inspect your dog’s paws for cuts, sores, foreign objects stuck in paw pads, ticks between toes, or any other signs of potential problems
• Use caution when walking your dog in warm weather, besides the risk of heatstroke, the hot pavement can cause paw burns
• Ensure your dog is current on their parasite preventatives to reduce the risk of fleas and ticks
• Practice a good grooming routine that includes regular bathing, brushing, and nail care
• Consider using vet-approved soothing paw balms and anti-itch shampoos, especially if your dog is known to have sensitive paws or allergies
• Keep a pet first aid kit on hand to treat any minor injuries, cuts, or scrapes, or to remove thorns, ticks, or other foreign objects from your dog’s paws
• Incorporate some interactive dog toys like treat puzzles, Kongs, and other “stuffable” toys to help prevent boredom-induced paw licking or chewing

FAQs on paw licking in dogs

How can I prevent my dog from licking their paws?

Paw licking is a natural dog behavior that can be difficult to stop completely. However, if your dog is licking excessively, there are some short-term solutions that might help while you work with your vet to address the underlying issue. If the paw licking is due to an allergy or injury, your vet might recommend a cone collar temporarily, while the paws heal. If it’s behavioral, some training and lifestyle changes will likely need to be implemented. To protect the paws in the meantime, tools like socks or booties, and/or lick-deterring sprays may come in handy, but always talk to your vet first.

Are there any supplements that can help with paw licking?

This largely depends on the root cause of the behavior. There are supplements that can help support dogs with arthritis and skin issues, but these will do little to help a skin infection, inflamed paws from allergies, or a dog that is licking due to anxiety. Always speak with your vet before giving your dog supplements, they can advise on what’s safe and effective for their condition.

Is there anything I can do at home to soothe my dog’s paws?

If your dog’s paws are itchy, inflamed, and/or have sores or hotspots, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There could be an infection present. If you can’t get in to see your vet right away, it’s still a good idea to contact their office. They may advise on some at-home first aid with a mild, antiseptic cleanser like a dog-safe chlorhexidine-based product to cleanse and soothe the paws, or an anti-itch spray for dogs.

Protect your pup’s paws wherever they roam

There are many potential reasons for excessive paw licking in dogs, so it’s important to work closely with your vet to address the root cause and practice good paw hygiene to keep Fido’s feet clean and healthy.

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