Paw Licking? Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws.

by Casey Wesche July 08, 2022

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Its Paws?

It is very frustrating when you watch your dog incessantly and obsessively licking their paws, especially when they lose interest in everything around them. So what does it mean when a dog licks or chews its paws all the time? While it's normal for dogs to groom their paws every now and then, too much licking is often indicative of an underlying problem.

You don't want to let your dog's paw-licking get out of hand. Sometimes, it can become an addicting habit that is difficult to eradicate. Dogs who lick their paws excessively often develop swelling and stains on the fur of their feet (if they are light-colored). Sometimes, excessive licking may cause moisture to become trapped between the dog's toes, creating an ideal setting for an opportunistic infection.

Once inflammation or an infection sets in, a vicious cycle can form. Inflammation and infection can cause discomfort and itching, and this can cause your dog to lick their paws even more. Continued licking can further contaminate the area with bacteria and impair the healing process indefinitely.

This article discusses 10 common causes of paw-licking and outlines several strategies to stop the behavior and prevent it in the future. Once you and/or your vet have identified the issue, you can address the underlying cause and stop your dog from constantly licking its paws.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

Pain
Allergy
Gastrointestinal Issues
Boredom
Anxiety
Hormonal Imbalance
Dry Skin
Fleas and Ticks
Cold Weather
Yeast Infection

1. Pain

If your dog starts licking their paws suddenly, it may be indicative of pain or irritation, especially if they are licking only one paw. If the licking is limited to one paw, the source of the trouble is likely right there on the paw. The pain in that area can be caused by almost anything, but common culprits include insect bites, thorns, small wounds, small pieces of embedded glass, broken nails, etc.

If you do not see anything, don't ignore it. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Sometimes, there may be something going on at a deeper level, such as a muscle sprain or some type of inflammation or fracture, especially if the licking is accompanied by limping.

2. Allergy

Chronic licking is usually attributed to allergies, and these can come from just about anything. It could be their food, the chemicals in your yard, your carpet-cleaning products, weeds, grass, medicine, or something else.

For example, if your dog licks their paws after walking, the itching could be caused by pesticides in the grass or by a particular weed. Clean your dog's feet with a wet wipe after each walk to prevent further irritation.

Finding the real cause of the itchiness can be a very frustrating ordeal. It may take some enormous investigative work to figure out what your dog is allergic to, and it is best to have your vet run a blood test so you can address the root cause of the problem rather than just giving your dog antihistamines.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues

Dogs who lick their paws excessively may be suffering from GI issues. According to a clinical study published by the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, gastrointestinal issues were present in a significant number of dogs who displayed abnormal licking.

Nineteen dogs that were showing signs of excessive licking were compared with 10 healthy dogs. On top of taking medical and behavioral histories and conducting a thorough physical and neurological examination, the dogs underwent abdominal ultrasounds, endoscopic examinations, and biopsies of the stomach and duodenum.

The research revealed that 14 out of the 19 licking dogs were found to have some sort of GI abnormality, such as a lymphocytic-plasmacytic infiltration, chronic pancreatitis, or a gastric foreign body.

4. Boredom

Modern times have created an environment of boredom for dogs. Once used to walking, hunting, and scavenging, dogs today are often left at home in a small yard—or worse, a crate—for many hours a day. High-energy dogs may become frustrated and engage in destructive activities that may include excessive licking and chewing of their paws.

How to Prevent Boredom in Dogs

Don't leave your dog at home alone for long periods of time.
If you must leave your dog alone, give them a treat-filled Kong to keep them occupied.
Give your dog frequent opportunities to play and exercise.
Take your dog for a walk or play fetch at the park for at least 30 minutes each day.
Allow your pup to socialize with other people and other dogs (if well-socialized).
Don't keep your dog confined to a crate or tied up in the backyard.

5. Anxiety

Anxious dogs often seek relief by licking themselves excessively. Possible causes of anxiety vary and range from separation issues to obsessive-compulsive disorders. In this sense, paw-licking or chewing in dogs may be similar to human nail-biting.

Some dogs lick their paws before bed or lick themselves to sleep. This is just their way of relaxing and soothing themselves. If there is no redness or swelling, this type of paw-licking should not be a concern.

Possible Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

Boredom
Lack of proper exercise
Depression
Separation from owner
Illness

If licking becomes compulsive and excessive, dogs may lick themselves raw and develop unsightly ulcers often referred to as ''lick granuloma." It is still not completely understood whether lick granulomas are triggered by anxiety or if they are the cause of anxiety. It's a "chicken or egg" scenario.

6. Hormonal Imbalance

When a dog has a hormonal imbalance, they either produce too much cortisol (which can cause Cushing's disease) or don't produce enough thyroid hormone (which can cause hypothyroidism). This can increase a dog's susceptibility to developing skin issues such as red spots, balding, and brittle hair. Licking these irritated red spots or bald patches can lead to a secondary infection.

7. Dry Skin

Dry skin is often a breed-specific issue, but it can also be caused by over-bathing or a cold, dry environment.

Breed Specific: Hairless breeds are often prone to a variety of skin conditions because they don't have the natural protection that hair provides. Breeds in this category include the Chinese Crested, the Xoloitzcuintli, and the American Hairless Terrier.
Dry Weather: Dry skin is also common among dogs living in cold and dry climates. If this is the case, ask your veterinarian to recommend a natural dog lotion or oil to relieve the dryness. If you are worried that oils will leave a mess around the house, you can try feeding your dog quality vitamins and oil supplements.
Bathing Habits: If your dog is experiencing dry skin unrelated to the climate or their breed, you should avoid excessive bathing and the use of harsh soaps.

8. Fleas or Ticks

Fleas and ticks cause severe itchiness that can lead to compulsive paw-licking and chewing. The condition can get even worse if your dog is allergic to fleas. In addition to using insecticides and flea medication, make sure to rid your house of fleas. If your pet is allergic to cleaning products or over-the-counter medications, there are non-toxic ways to get rid of fleas and prevent them from coming back.

9. Ice Balls

Ice balls can form between hairy toes when snow gets caught in your dog's fur. It can lead to cracking, bleeding, and hair pulling, all of which are quite painful.

Keep the hair between the pads and toes trimmed short during the winter.

If you have a really hairy dog, there are ways to prevent the formation of ice balls, including rubbing Crisco between the pads and into the fur.

10. Yeast Infection

If you suspect a yeast infection, a poor diet may be to blame.

Sometimes, the simplest treatment for hair loss and itching caused by a yeast infection is to switch out your dog's food based on your vet's advice.

Make sure to provide quality foods full of specific nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for the gut and the skin.

How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Their Paws

The cause of your dog's irritation may have been something simple like a mosquito bite, but their chewing and licking may have worsened the problem and caused a secondary infection. To put a permanent stop to the issue, you must simultaneously stop your dog from licking their paws and find a way to relieve the pain, irritation, or itchiness. Treatment, of course, should be based on the underlying cause of the problem.

Ways to Stop Your Dog From Licking Their Paws

Have your dog wear an Elizabethan collar or cone.
Distract them with plenty of toys to chew.
Provide stuffed Kongs to keep their mind occupied.

Home Remedies for Itchy Paws

If your dog has allergies or is suffering from dry skin, use a steam vaporizer or a humidifier in your home. The steam helps brings moisture back into the dry air and can also reduce the chances of your dog's nasal passages clogging up with mucus. Make sure to clean the humidifier to prevent mold; otherwise, the irritation may get worse.
Wipe your dog's paws any time you come in from outside in case the allergy is due to something your dog walks on. Use pet wipes or a damp washcloth.
Give your dog a 10-minute foot soak made with cool water and a quality natural shampoo. The water helps rinse off any allergens, and the cool temperature helps soothe itchy skin.
Give your dog a high-quality fish oil supplement rich in omega fatty acids. Fish oil helps strengthen dogs' immune systems and acts as an anti-inflammatory, but it may take 8 to 12 weeks to kick in.