Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. But, perhaps lately, your dog’s licking their paws a lot. Is it normal, or should you go to the vet? 

There are many reasons why dogs lick their paws. While some licking behaviors are completely normal, others can suggest that there might be something going on that needs attention. Let’s answer the big question: Why do dogs lick their paws? Below, we explore the most common causes of paw licking in dogs and our top tips for addressing excessive licking.

Self-Grooming 

Our pups naturally use their tongues to clean themselves. They lick their tails, legs, and, you guessed it, paws. You probably notice your pup licking their paws after a good walk, playing outside, or just as part of their normal self-grooming routine.  

It doesn’t matter how old your pup is, their breed or size, or personality; most dogs have a natural instinct for self-grooming. Being clean is an important behavior for dogs, as it helps them stay healthy and keeps skin problems and infections at bay. 

In a normal case of self-grooming, paw licking shouldn’t cause skin concerns or hair loss. But if you start to see constant or excessive licking, then it could be a more serious issue. 

Skin Irritation

One of the most common reasons for dogs licking paws excessively is itchy or dry skin. Dogs can have allergies that can make their paws itchy. They can have food or environmental allergies. Things like weeds and dust can cause a reaction that makes paws itchy. Other symptoms to watch out for include: 

• Sneezing 
• Watery, red, or itchy eyes 
• Hair loss 
• Coughing 
• Itchy skin around the ears and face 

If you think your pup could have allergies, your vet can confirm any allergy and recommend the best course of treatment. They may suggest that you keep the home clean of allergens like dust or pollen. Good habits for managing environmental allergies include regular paw cleaning and brushing to remove allergens from your pup’s coat. 

Food Allergies

Just like us, our pups can have food allergies. When a dog eats a food they are allergic to, their immune system goes into overdrive, causing inflammation and itching. The itchiness that comes from a food allergy is most commonly in the paws. That’s why excessive paw licking can be a sign of a food allergy. Other signs also include skin irritation, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and ear infections.  

The most common dog food allergies are usually proteins. These can be from beef, dairy, chicken, eggs, or soy. If you think your pup may have a food allergy, your vet can run a test or elimination diet to identify exactly what’s upsetting your pup.

Aches and Pains 

If you’re wondering, why is my dog licking his paws? Is something wrong? For our pups, licking wounds is a natural response for a few reasons. 

Your dog’s saliva contains enzymes that can help to kill bacteria and clean the wound. If you spot your pup licking the same paw, they could have a bite, sting, burn, or puncture. Check your dog’s paw pad to see if you can spot any obvious injury. You’re looking for any potential injury or scratch. 

If you do see the injury, it’s important to wash the area and watch your pup’s reaction. Try to calm your dog first, and then clean the area with a saline solution or warm water. Use the water to rinse off any debris or use clean tweezers to remove anything gently, like stones or dirt. Clean the wound with warm water and a mild soap using a soft gauze. Finally, apply a small amount of antiseptic. If you’re not sure what to do or your pup needs medical attention, it’s always best to ask your vet for advice. They will be able to guide you on what to look out for and when to bring them in for extra help if necessary.

Another reason pups lick their paws is to self-soothe. Dogs with arthritis can lick their paws to help make them feel better, relax, and fall asleep at night. If your dog has arthritis and is using licking to cope with achy joints, your veterinarian can tell you how to manage your pup’s joint pain and make them more comfortable. 

Leash Pulling

There may be a connection between leash pulling and your dog’s paw licking. Daily walks are absolutely essential for you and your pup, and training your dog to walk on a leash is an important part of that. As you may know, leash pulling can be a frustrating experience for you and your pup. This stress can manifest in other behaviors, including excessive licking. 

Proper leash training, especially from a young age, can help with pulling and minimize stress. Opt for a comfortable and well-fitting harness that fits your pup’s size. The harness should be snug around the chest. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog. 

Boredom or Separation Anxiety

If your pups are anything like ours, they would love to stay with you every minute of the day. After all, they are your best friend. While you can’t leave dogs for a long time, over time, you can train your pup to be left alone for a little while. The bond between us and our pups is strong, so it’s important to gradually introduce alone time. 

If you notice that your dog is constantly licking their paws, boredom, or separation anxiety could be the problem. When dogs get bored, they can resort to destructive behavior. Think chewing furniture and shoes, or shredding pillows to pass the time. Licking can also be a way to release some pent-up energy when there’s a lack of mental stimulation or physical output. 

Dogs with separation anxiety can experience a lot of stress and anxiety when you leave them alone. Paw licking in dogs can be a way to self-soothe, especially if your pup is feeling very anxious. 

If you suspect your pup is compulsively licking because of stress or anxiety, it’s essential to pinpoint the cause. When you know why your pup is feeling anxious or bored, you can then make a plan to address the behavior. 

Speak to your vet, who can help rule out health concerns and consult with an animal behaviorist for advice. They might suggest things like leaving your pup home alone with their favorite chew toy or comfort blanket, or training to break the habit of paw licking. 

Parasites

Parasites can be another cause of paw licking. Critters like fleas, ticks, or mange can make your furry friend’s paws very itchy. When your pup’s skin is irritated, it can cause your dog to lick the affected area. 

If you think your dog has a parasite, your vet can recommend treatment to get rid of the parasite, helping to calm the itchiness and stop the licking. 

How to Tell if Your Dog's Paw-Licking is a Problem?

Are you thinking, “My dog is licking his paws a lot more than usual; should I be worried”? By knowing what signs to look for in dog paw-licking, you can spot healthy and potentially unhealthy behavior. 

Some occasional paw licking is completely normal for your pup. Self-grooming after a meal, from being outside, or if their paws are wet is normal. But if you notice the licking is excessive or your pup’s behavior is changing, then there could be a problem. 

Here are signs to look out for that paw-licking behavior needs extra attention: 

• Hair loss 
• Redness or inflammation on the paws
• Changes in behavior like anxiousness or restlessness
• Other symptoms like itching or scratching 
• Pain or withdrawal when you touch your dog’s paw 

Preventing and Treating Excessive Paw Licking

Let’s dive into our top tips for preventing excessive paw licking and how to treat the behavior. 

Take Preventative Measures

Prevention is a great way to keep your pup’s paws in tip-top shape. 

• Check your dog’s paws regularly and look for signs of injury or anything out of the ordinary. 
• After walks, clean your pup’s paws with a damp cloth or dog-grooming wipes to remove dirt and allergens. 
• Stick to your regular check-up schedule at the vet and stay current on flea and tick prevention.
• Make sure your pup gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay. 
• Speak to your vet about any dietary recommendations if you are dealing with allergies. 
• Keep nails cut down to prevent overgrowth.

Treat Any Underlying Conditions

If you notice more paw licking than usual, you want to pinpoint the cause and treat any condition that is prompting paw licking. Talk to your vet, who can diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment. 

• Allergies: If your pup has allergies, your vet can help you to identify allergens triggering a reaction. They might suggest dietary or environmental changes or medication. 
• Infections: Depending on the type of infection, your vet may recommend topical or oral medication. 
• Pain: If pain is at the root of the issue, your vet will recommend a pain management strategy. This can include medication or other therapies. 
• Behavior: If anxiety, boredom, or stress is causing paw-licking behavior, treatment will likely focus on training, modifying behavior, and enriching your pup’s environment.

Try Remedies at Home

There are things you can do at home to help reduce paw licking: 

• Invest in some dog-safe paw balms or creams to soothe your pup’s paws. 
• Wash your dog regularly with a gentle shampoo to help remove allergens that could be annoying your dog’s paws. 
• Consider adding interactive toys or puzzles to your pup’s routine to provide mental stimulation. 
• Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to get rid of pent-up energy. 

Get Professional Guidance

If you’re not sure what’s causing excessive paw licking and the behavior doesn’t stop, it’s important to speak with a professional. Your vet is often the first point of contact for health concerns. They can also recommend whether you should speak with a dog trainer. 

Early intervention is key to stopping further complications and getting your pup the treatment they need to feel better. Healthy paws mean our pups can take on the world to the max and enjoy walks, playtime, and cuddles, just as they should. 

A whole and balanced diet contains essential nutrients to support your pup’s overall body, including their very cute paws. At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.