Written in collaboration with vets
Have you noticed your dog licking their paws a lot? While some light licking is normal for happy hounds, excessive chewing or repetitive licking of their paws could signal a potential health problem with your pup.
Paw licking is common pet behaviour to help clean dirty paws, or between toes, as part of their grooming routine. Some dogs do this after walks, to remove dirt or debris, or even to help them wind down after a busy day playing. However, excessive licking or biting at their paws, legs, feet, nails or toes can point to possible allergies, injuries, or even signs of stress.
This article explores why dogs lick paws, what to watch out for if you’re worried, and when you should seek help from your vet. We’ll aim to uncover the reasons why dogs lick their paws, and consider other causes of this common canine habit to help keep your dog feeling happy and healthy.
Dogs clean their paws as part of their self-grooming routine. Natural grooming helps pets to stay clean and remove dirt or objects picked up on their daily adventures. However, if you notice consistent or repetitive paw licking, this could be an indicator that something else might be causing them discomfort. It’s useful to very gently examine the area that they’re overly-grooming, to check for sore spots and to see if there’s anything there which might be itching or hurting them.
Sometimes, dogs may lick their paws more due to boredom, or as a way to self-soothe when they feel nervous. It's important to monitor their general demeanour and behaviour whilst they are licking their paws to try to understand how they are feeling. Extreme paw licking can also indicate more serious problems, such as allergies, skin infections or joint pain, as they try to ease the irritation. That's why looking at your puppy's paws regularly, and observing their behaviour, is essential for any dog parent.
If your dog is licking their paws more than usual, there may be another reason behind the behaviour. Here are 10 reasons why your dog might be licking their paw excessively:
Allergies: Like humans, dogs may be allergic to things like pollen, dust, grass, washing powders, cleaning solutions, or certain foods. These allergies can leave their skin feeling itchy and irritated. Your dog may overly lick their paws to help relieve discomfort.
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause irritation to your dog's skin. Your pup may lick their paws more often to help soothe any itching.
Cracked paw pads: Dogs can sometimes suffer from dry, cracked pads on their paws, especially during the winter months. Excessive licking could be your dog trying to keep their skin hydrated and seek relief from any soreness.
Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, grass seeds or thorns stuck in paws can be painful for dogs, so they may lick their paws to remove the debris or soothe any soreness.
Skin Infections: Some forms of bacteria or fungus can inflame your dog's skin. Your pup may lick infected areas to ease swelling and inflammation.
Arthritis: Joint achiness due to arthritis or old age could prompt paw licking from your pup, to try to relieve their pain.
Anxiety: Stress, nervousness, or other forms of dog anxiety may cause your pet to lick their paws more frequently to help them self-soothe. In this case it's important to understand the stress which may be causing it in order to tackle the problem.
Hormone changes: Certain hormonal imbalances can cause skin problems in dogs. This could sometimes lead to excessive paw licking.
Irritation: Even small things like a tiny pebble stuck in your dog's paws can lead to more licking than usual.
Occasional licking during grooming sessions is generally normal. However, if your dog is constantly licking its paws, it’s important to look closely at their feet to see if there is an obvious reason for their discomfort. Check for cuts, redness, swelling, or debris trapped between the toes. You should consult your vet if you spot anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes, dogs lick their paws excessively when bored or stressed. If you suspect this is the case, and have ruled out potential injury, try to distract them with affection or more stimulation. You could both go on longer daily walks, play active fetching games and create challenging puzzles for them.
Allergies can also sometimes lead to dogs constantly licking paws. Try cutting out 'tit-bits' as these could be causing a reaction, or try a dog food designed for sensitive tummies. Whenever you change your dog's food, always transition gradually over 5-7 days to avoid digestive upset, and once your dog is eating new food, any benefits can take 6-8 weeks to show in their skin and coat.
Yes, dogs may lick their paws to soothe themselves when feeling anxious or stressed. It's similar to when people bite their nails. Significant lifestyle changes, unfamiliar situations or frightening events can make dogs feel uncertain. Excessive paw licking may signal that your dog is having trouble coping with challenges. Paying attention to potential sources of stress allows you to better provide affection and reassurance.
Repeated licking focused on the front legs or paws has several potential causes. Your dog may have a minor skin irritation, sensitivity, or debris trapped in their paw. However, constant licking can suggest a potential skin issue, such as an allergy or infection, that needs veterinary attention.
A little bit of paw licking is to be expected when dogs groom themselves. However, excessive licking leading to skin damage or swelling can point to a possible health problem. Simply deterring the licking won’t address any illness, injury, or pain causing your dog’s distress. Identifying the root cause is essential to help your dog feel better. If in doubt, consult your vet.
Occasional paw licking is often normal grooming behaviour for dogs. However, continuous or sudden increases in licking episodes may signal underlying physical or emotional health issues. This could include minor skin irritations to more pressing medical conditions such as allergies or anxiety, which is why it’s essential to get to know your dog and note any changes in behaviour, as well as keeping an eye out for any sore or irritated-looking areas of skin.
Scheduling regular veterinary checks, keeping your dog's paws clean and dry, and providing adequate mental and physical activity can help prevent discomfort for your pet. But if you still notice excessive licking, or it worsens, consult your veterinarian. Remember, grooming your dog or puppy goes beyond appearance. It helps with their emotional state and health - and gives paws for thought when looking out for any potential problems - keeping your pet feeling healthy and happy.
