Emily Flores
Licking their paws is one of the strange habits that dogs often display. An occasional lick is normal, but if it becomes obsessive, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs your attention. If you’re curious about why pups lick their paws, keep reading. We’ve gathered 15 possible causes and solutions for you.
Allergies
Canines suffer from allergies to pollen, dust mites, and certain foods. These allergies may cause itching and irritation, and licking may be the dog’s way to feel some comfort. Address allergies with vet-recommended solutions or food changes to reduce itching.
Dry Skin
It’s not only humans that suffer from dry skin; dogs do, too, especially in the winter. Dry skin can get itchy and uncomfortable, prompting pups to lick their paws to moisturize them to soothe the irritation. Supplement moisture with vet-approved creams. Changing their diet can also help.
Parasites
Several parasites can cause intense itching in pooches—like fleas, ticks, and mites—particularly between the toes and paw pads. In response to the discomfort caused by these pests, a dog may lick its paws more than usual. You should implement regular parasite-prevention medication and check for infections.
Pain or Injury
Pooches also lick their paws when they have injuries or wounds there. Cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or even broken nails can cause irritation and pain, prompting them to lick the area excessively. Check your dog’s paws regularly for any injuries that need veterinary attention.
Boredom or Stress
Bored or stressed hounds may lick their paws to indulge in something or soothe themselves. When it becomes a habit, they’ll lick even when they’re neither bored nor stressed. To solve boredom licking, provide your dog with interactive toys and enough playtime.
Behavioural Issues
In some dogs, constant licking may be a compulsive behaviour resulting from anxiety or other behavioural issues. In this case, it is often repetitive and may come with other obsessive behaviours. You can get professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviourist to stop licking.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can result from a moist or warm environment, and they make pups scratch and feel sore on their paw pads and toes. Licking soothes the pain during the infection. Prevent it by keeping their paws clean and getting a vet’s help.
Contact Dermatitis
A dog exposed to irritants and allergens is at risk of having this skin disease. Hounds with contact dermatitis may come in contact with something that irritates their skin, and when they do, they may lick their paws for relief. Identify and avoid irritants and consult a vet for treatment.
Dry Paw Pads
Many canines can’t handle the discomfort that comes with dry paw pads. Needing some form of moisture to provide temporary relief from the dryness, they know an easy way to get it—by licking the paws. Thankfully, paw moisturisers will reduce dryness and prevent licking.
Hot Spots
These are areas of inflamed and infected skin that can develop on a dog’s body—even on the paws. Dogs might nibble on their paws to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by hot spots. Find the causes and treat them. Also, you can use an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.
Joint Pain
Pups with medical issues like arthritis may find licking their paws as a relieving response to pain and discomfort. A vet can assist with pain management and with treating the cause of the pain.
Bacterial Infections
When a dog’s skin catches this kind of infection, especially between the toes and on the paw pads pups lick their paws in an attempt to clean the infected area and relieve the discomfort from the itching. Clean their paws regularly and use prescribed antibiotics.
Attention Seeking
Some pooches learn that licking their paws gets a reaction from their beloved owners. Even if it’s a scolding, the interaction can be rewarding for an attention-starved pup. Don’t respond to their licking behaviour, and they may give up licking.
Nail Neglect
Long nails can be uncomfortable for pups, especially when they walk. They can’t trim their nails, so while waiting for you to attend to it, licking will help fight off the discomfort. What to do here is simple: Regularly trim their nails.
Lick Granulomas
When a pooch persistently licks a specific spot on their paw, a lick granuloma—a raised, inflamed sore —can develop. A vicious cycle follows: as the sore becomes itchy, the dog licks some more, worsening the condition. Veterinary treatment is the way to heal the sore and break this cycle.
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