Dogs often lick their paws as a part of their grooming routine. But when they lick them constantly or excessively, it can be a sign of a deeper problem. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons that dogs excessively lick their paws. And we’ll give you some tips on how to curb that behavior and when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
Let’s begin with potential reasons a dog might lick its paws excessively.
7 Reasons Your Dog Is Licking Their Paws
It’s common for a dog to lick its paws in order to clean them. But excessive paw licking can be a sign of something more serious. Here are 7 common reasons that dogs excessively lick their paws.
1. Allergies
Allergies are a common reason that dogs get itchy skin, including the skin of their paws. Both seasonal and food allergies are common culprits of irritation. A trained veterinarian can help identify an allergy and prescribe treatment.
2. Dry, Itchy Skin
Sometimes a dog’s skin just gets worn dry by overuse or some foreign irritant. Cracked paw pads, in particular, can be a source of pain and irritation for your dog. You can treat dry or cracked pads by cleaning them with warm water and applying specially made dog paw balms.
3. Irritation From Outdoor Surfaces
Outdoor surfaces can damage paws very easily. These include hot surfaces, such as summer sidewalks, and ice-melting chemicals in the wintertime. If your dog has burned its paws, soak them with cool water for 5–10 minutes, gently clean with soap, and then contact your vet immediately for further treatment.
4. Parasites (Fleas or Mites)
Dogs sometimes lick their paws because they’re dealing with fleas or mites. In fact, ticks commonly burrow between the toes. If you find a tick, carefully remove the entire tick (leaving no parts behind!) with tweezers by grabbing its base as close as possible to your dog's skin.
5. Pain or Injury
Coupled with other signs, like limping, avoiding stairs, or decreased activity, excessive licking might be an indication that your dog is experiencing an insect sting, cut, broken or ingrown nails, bone fracture, or other injury. If you’re having trouble identifying or treating the pain source, visit your vet immediately.
6. Anxiety or Stress
A pet can get stressed out, just like any human. That stress or anxiety can manifest in compulsive behavior, such as licking or chewing their paws. Such behavioral and mental health problems may require support from a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
7. Arthritis
We tend to think of arthritis primarily affecting large joints, such as hips and knees, but it can also affect a dog’s toes. Arthritis occurs when the joint cartilage breaks down, which can lead to pain, inflammation, and difficulty using the affected paws. Your vet can prescribe the best course of treatment for this difficult disease.
How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Their Paws
Before you can stop your dog from licking their paws, you have to identify the root cause of the behavior. As you’ve seen above, the reasons for a dog licking paws excessively can range from allergies to anxiety to joint pain and a myriad of other issues. Once you understand the cause of the behavior, then you and your veterinarian can identify the best course of treatment.
That said, here are some tried and true ways to stop your dog from licking their paws:
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Use a cone (e-collar) to prevent them from having access to their paws.
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Regular grooming can help keep dirt and other irritants from collecting in the paws.
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After your dog has been outdoors, wash their paws with warm water or specialized wipes to remove potential allergens, dirt, or other irritants.
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Just like humans, dogs can benefit from soaking their aching feet in warm water with Epsom salts.
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Regular, mentally stimulating activity can raise a dog’s spirits, especially if they’re dealing with issues like stress or anxiety.
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Animal-safe sprays, made specifically for this purpose, can be applied to the feet to make them taste bad to the dog.
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If stress is the cause of the behavior, a calming dog supplement can help to soothe their nerves.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Occasional paw licking is a natural part of a dog’s grooming routine. But excessive licking can be a sign of a more serious problem. If you see your dog constantly licking its paws, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away and keep an eye out for any other changes in behavior.
Dog Licking Paws Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are allergies causing my dog to lick their paws?
Dogs licking their paws can be caused by allergies. But there are several other potential reasons that could be behind this behavior, as well. A veterinarian will be able to help you determine if allergies are the root cause of the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment and care. In the meantime, you can also try a dog supplement to ease those allergy symptoms, such as our allergy supplement for dogs.
2. When should I take my dog to the vet for paw licking?
If you see your dog constantly licking its paws, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Make sure to monitor for other changes in behavior, as well, so that your vet will have a complete picture.
3. Why does my dog lick their paws at night?
There are several potential reasons that your dog or puppy licks their paws at night. It could simply be the time of day they choose to groom themselves. Or, if the licking is constant, it could be a sign that there’s a problem. If that’s the case with your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
4. Can anxiety cause dogs to lick their paws?
Yes, anxiety is one reason that a dog might lick its paws. Similar to anxious humans biting their nails, a dog might chew or constantly lick their paws to self-soothe.
5. Is paw licking a sign of pain in dogs?
Paw licking can be a sign of pain in dogs. It’s a dog’s natural instinct to lick a painful area to try to soothe or lessen their discomfort.
