Top 8 Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Dogs often lick their paws for various reasons. 

Although the licking behavior is more prevalent in cats, some pups are also notorious for grooming themselves. It's not uncommon for dogs to lick their paws after eating, after going on a long walk, or before getting to bed. 

However, excessive paw licking behavior in dogs could be a sign of a behavioral problem or an underlying health issue. 

Why Do Dogs Chew or Lick Their Paws?

Below are some major reasons for dogs licking their paws: 

1.  Pain

If you notice your pooch biting, scratching, or licking a single area frequently, he might be experiencing pain around that spot. 

The pain or discomfort around that area could be caused by a nail, thorn, an insect bite or it could be a wound. 

If your dog is also limping, it could be a sign of inflammation, so the best thing to do is to call your vet as soon as possible.  

2. Allergies

Like us humans, dogs also suffer skin irritation due to allergies caused by certain foods or environmental factors like pesticides in grass or plants. 

Some dog breeds are prone to allergies and they include Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Shih Tzus. However, all dogs can suffer from allergies. 

Determining the root cause of your dog’s itchy skin can be difficult, especially for first time dog owners. It can be difficult to figure out what your canine friend is allergic to.  

That's why we recommend having a blood test conducted by a vet to treat the underlying cause instead of using DIY antihistamines to treat the problem. The former might end up hiding the root cause instead of treating it. 

3. Gastrointestinal Problems 

Dogs also lick, scratch and bite their paws frequently when they have a gastrointestinal issue. 

Such GI issues include lymphocytic-plasmacytic infiltration, chronic pancreatitis, and gastric foreign objects. 

4. Parasites

Another reason why dogs lick or scratch their paws compulsively is the presence of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. 

Dogs may try to remove these parasites from their body by scratching, biting, or licking themselves. 

5. Dry Skin (Dermatitis)  

Skin dryness can lead to irritation and dogs can lick their paws at night or at any time of the day to seek relief. 

Nutritional deficiencies or dry air can lead to dermatitis or dry skin, which causes dogs to lick or scratch themselves to feel better. 

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Dogs with Cushing’s Disease can sometimes produce excess cortisol or they can develop hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which causes them to produce less-than-enough thyroid hormones. The end result is hair loss.    

Because dogs often lick on exposed skin, this often causes injury and infection after continuously licking their paws. 

7. Displacement Behavior

Dogs can sometimes lick or chew their paws continuously because of displacement behaviors caused by frustrations or conflicts. Affected dogs can show strange but unrelated behaviors. 

Frustrated dogs can lick their paws to show their frustration. For example, dogs can scratch or lick their paws when they don't find their favorite toys. They can also chews their paws continuously when they don't get what they desire. 

8. Boredom

Excessive dog licking or chewing behavior might also be a result of boredom, stress, or anxiety. 

These mental breakdowns can affected dogs when they are left alone for too long. Dogs that spend most of their time indoors are more likely to be affected than dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors because they dont get enough outdoor exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. 

Compulsive mental disorders can occur if there are abrupt changes in a pup’s environment and routine. These may include the arrival of another animal or a new baby in the home. 

Is It Bad or Good for Dogs to Lick Their Paws?

Occasional paw licking behavior is normal and beneficial dogs and cats, as it's self-soothing and can help with grooming. However, too much paw licking can be a result of underlying issues such as allergies, skin irritation or an injury.

So when should I be worried about paw licking or how do I stop my dog from licking paws continously, you ask. We hear you! Find out how to stop dogs from paw licking excessively below.

How To Stop Dogs From Licking Their Paws Excessively

It's natural for dogs and cats to sometimes groom themselves by licking their paws. But when does this natural behavior become a matter of concern for dog owners? 

When dogs lick their paws excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. For some reason, dog licking paws can go overdrive-something many new dog owners are worried about. 

Therefore, it’s vital to learn why dogs lick their paws and what you can do to prevent your dog from licking its paws excessively. 

Because there are many health problems that could lead to paw licking behaviors in dogs, be sure to consult your vet to find out the root cause and get proper treatment before the problem gets worse. 

Whether you’re a first time dog owner or you have owned one in the recent past, here’s everything you need to know about how to prevent dogs from licking their paws excessively. 

Tips to Prevent Dogs from Paw Licking Excessively

The first step is to determine the root cause of your dog's paw licking, scratching or chewing behavior.  

Examine your dog's paws carefully to determine if they are injured or have some covered items. 

Here are more tips on how to prevent your dog from excessively licking their paws: 

1. Remove Foreign Objects

If you notice a red bump or a foreign object, remove it immediately and clean your dogs paws to avoid infection. 

If the foreign item is buried, contact your vet as soon as possible. 

2. Pest Control

Another home remedy for dog licking paws is pest control. If your dog licks excessively due to an allergy or an infestation of fleas or other parasites, make sure to eradicate them. 

Also, make sure to remove them from your dog's living environment to prevent future infestations.  

3. Dietary Changes

Poor quality dog food can cause food allergies or dry skin, so we recommend providing your dog high qality dog food at all times. 

Make sure to provide your dog with a dog food brand that doesn't contain grains and other known allergens. 

4. Ointments

For dogs with dry skin, cracked feet, cuts, or scratches, we recommend applying ointments to help relieve the pain or discomfort. 

5. Exercise  

If your pooch is constantly licking paws because of boredom or anxiety, providing enough daily exercise is a great idea. 

When your dog starts licking or scratching their paws, distract them by giving them attention, engaging in playtime or provding them with interactive dog toys for mental stimulation. 

Avoid leaving your dog alone for too long and give him sufficient amounts of exercise each day. 

6. Call a vet

If your pet licks their paws continuously because of a health problem like an injury or infection, seek the assistance of a professional vet as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

Although dogs licking their paws may seem like a natural habit, you should not take it lightly. 

In some cases, excessive paw licking in dogs is a sign of an underlying health issue that should be treated as soon as possible. Even if it seems like a minor issue, it can cause more serious issues if not addressed early.