Dogs lick their paws for various reasons, including allergies, infections, pain, boredom, or exposure to irritants.
Solutions range from Epsom salt soaks and paw balm to flea prevention, joint supplements, and increased mental stimulation. Regular paw inspections and switching to pet-safe cleaning products can help. If your dog’s licking persists, consult your vet.
When I first noticed our yellow lab, Bear, licking his paws more than usual, I thought he might have stepped on something. But when it kept happening day after day, I knew I had to dig deeper to understand why my dog keeps licking his paws.
By identifying the underlying cause, you can find the best way to help your dog feel better.
Causes and Treatment of Paw Licking in Dogs
1. Allergies
Your dog may be suffering from allergies, which can cause their paws to become inflamed and itchy.
If your dog licks more in the spring or fall, pollen might be the culprit. Common allergens include pollen, weeds, and environmental substances.
If your dog licks and is scratching year-round, it could be a food allergy.
Our dog, Ginger, suffers from severe food and seasonal allergies, and during a flare-up, she licks her paws non-stop. But she also gets ear infections. So it’s important to look at the entire picture.
Solutions
- Soak your dog’s paws in Epsom salt, it should help relieve the itch and swelling
- Apply paw wax like Musher’s Secret or coconut oil to protect their paws
- Consider antihistamines (with vet approval)
- If food allergies are suspected, an elimination diet can help identify the trigger
- Read my guide: The Ultimate Guide to Home Remedies for Dog Allergies
2. Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and mites love to hide between a dog’s toes, causing itchiness and discomfort. If you notice your dog licking excessively, check for parasites.
Solutions
- Regularly inspect their paws
- Use natural flea preventatives (avoid harsh chemical treatments)
- Read: WARNING! The Hidden Dangers of Flea and Tick Medications
3. Bacterial and Yeast Infections
You can usually identify a yeast infection by the smell. A visit to your vet may be necessary to treat infections. Skin infections, particularly if left untreated, can develop into more severe secondary infections, which can worsen the problem.
Solutions:
- Soak their paws in apple cider vinegar (diluted with water)
- Apply coconut oil, which has antifungal properties
- If symptoms persist, consult your vet for antifungal medication
Paw Care Tip: Dry, irritated paws are one of the top reasons dogs lick nonstop. Check out my new post on DIY Natural Paw Care Recipes for easy wipes, a soothing soak, and a healing balm you can make at home.
4. Arthritis or Pain
Did you know that arthritis can cause paw licking? Bear’s constant paw licking turned out to be arthritis! His discomfort improved after switching to a raw diet and adding a joint supplement.
Solutions
- Provide joint supplements with glucosamine
- Consider anti-inflammatory options (under vet guidance)
- Try a canine massage therapist to assess pain points
5. Paw Injuries
Dogs can step on glass, and thorns, or even burn their paws on hot pavement. If your dog suddenly starts licking, inspect their paws carefully.
Gently clean any wounds with warm water and soap and remove any foreign objects with tweezers.
Follow the steps below on how to inspect your paws properly.
Don’t have a first aid kit? Now is the time to get one!
6. Chemical Irritants
Cleaning products, pesticides, and lawn treatments can irritate your dog’s paws. Since dogs walk barefoot 24/7, they absorb whatever is on the ground.
Solutions:
- Mop floors with vinegar and water instead of harsh cleaners
- Use baking soda instead of scented carpet deodorizers
- Avoid spraying your lawn with pesticides
- Keep wipes or a towel near the door to clean their paws after walks
7. Boredom & Anxiety
Dogs sometimes lick their paws out of boredom or anxiety, similar to how people bite their nails.
Solutions
- Address any anxiety-related triggers with training and calming techniques.
- Increase exercise and mental stimulation.
- Provide enrichment games and puzzle toys.
If you recently adopted your dog, make sure to give them time to decompress. Read the 3-3-3 rule of bringing home a new rescue dog.
In some cases, a consultation with an animal behaviorist may be helpful. Dogs with compulsive behaviors or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may also lick their paws excessively.
How To Check Your Dog’s Paws
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check your dog’s paws for the cause of licking:
- Prepare a Safe and Comfortable Space: Choose a quiet, well-lit area where your dog feels safe and comfortable. Make sure the space is free of distractions.
- Handle Your Dog Gently: Approach your dog calmly and gently. Speak to them in a soothing tone to keep them relaxed.
- Inspect the Paw Pads: Start by inspecting the paw pads for any cuts, cracks, foreign objects (like splinters, glass, or rocks), or signs of irritation. Lift each paw and examine both the top and bottom of the pads.
- Check Between Toes: Carefully spread the toes and inspect the spaces between them for any foreign objects, wounds, or signs of infection. Look for redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Examine Nails and Nail Beds: Examine each nail for cracks, splits, or breaks. Look for any signs of injury, overgrowth, ingrown nails, or infections. Check the nail beds for redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Look for Swelling or Lumps: Gently run your hands along the legs and paws to check for any abnormal swelling, lumps, or bumps. Pay close attention to any areas that may be tender to the touch.
- Assess for Signs of Infection: Check for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge. Foul smells can also indicate an infection. The Frito smell can mean a yeast infection.
- Be Gentle and Patient: Be gentle during the inspection, and watch for signs that your dog is uncomfortable or in pain.
- Reward Your Dog: Reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime after the paw inspection to create a positive association with the experience.
If you notice any injuries, infections, or abnormalities, consult your veterinarian for proper treatment.
I recommend that you check your dog’s entire body, not just the paws to help maintain your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Keeping Your Dog’s Paws Healthy
Self-grooming is natural, but excessive licking is a sign of an underlying issue. By identifying the cause, whether allergies, injuries, or anxiety, you can take steps to help your dog feel better.
Preventative Tips:
- Regularly inspect and clean your dog’s paws.
- Use paw wax or booties for protection in harsh weather.
- Provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom licking.
- Choose natural cleaning products to minimize chemical exposure.
If your dog is excessively licking their paws, don’t ignore it! Try these remedies and let me know in the comments what worked for your dog.
If your dog’s licking is caused by irritation, dryness, or allergens, you’ll love my post on DIY Natural Paw Care Recipes. I share how to make simple paw wipes, a detox soak, and a healing balm to keep your pup’s paws clean, healthy, and comfortable.
I noticed after our dog was vaccinated she licked her paws. A holistic vet said she had never seen cushings in dogs that weren’t vaccinated. Interesting. Our dog in her old age got cushings.