Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

It’s completely normal for dogs to lick their paws now and then — it’s part of grooming and self-cleaning. However, when the licking becomes constant, obsessive, or is focused on one paw, it may signal an underlying issue. Dogs often lick their paws in response to irritation, pain, boredom, or stress. If the behaviour is new or increasing, it’s time to investigate why it’s happening and how to stop it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Her Paws?

If your dog keeps licking her paws repeatedly, especially to the point of redness or hair loss, it’s a sign something isn’t right. Female dogs may lick more due to hormonal changes, but in most cases, the reasons are not gender-specific. It could be a skin allergy, a cut, something stuck between the toes, or even anxiety. Persistent licking isn’t just a habit — it’s often your dog’s way of telling you she’s uncomfortable or distressed.

How Can I Stop the Paw Licking from Getting Out of Hand?

The first step is to identify the cause. Check for cuts, swelling, redness, or foreign objects between the toes. Clean the paw with warm water and pat dry. If nothing is visible and the licking continues, consult your vet for a full check-up. Left untreated, the constant moisture can lead to infections or hot spots. Using an Elizabethan collar (cone), booties, or paw balm can help prevent damage while you work on solving the root issue.

What Is Paw Licking in Dogs?

Paw licking is a self-soothing behaviour where dogs use their tongue to clean or comfort their feet. Occasional licking is part of natural grooming, but frequent or obsessive licking is considered a behavioural or medical concern. It’s your dog’s version of scratching an itch — but if the itch never goes away, the licking becomes constant. Over time, it can damage the skin and make the underlying problem worse.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 12 Possible Reasons

Dogs may lick their paws for many reasons, including:

1. Allergies (food, grass, pollen)
2. Dry or cracked paw pads
3. Fleas or mites
4. Fungal or bacterial infections
5. Cuts, thorns, or splinters
6. Joint pain or arthritis
7. Anxiety or boredom
8. Compulsive behaviours
9. Hormonal imbalances
10. Burns from hot pavements
11. Contact with irritants like salt or cleaning products
12. Poor grooming habits or long nails

Your dog may be reacting to something physical or emotional — in many cases, it’s a mix of both.

Did You Know? The Gut Health Connection

Surprisingly, excessive paw licking can sometimes be linked to gut health. Dogs with imbalanced gut bacteria or food intolerances often show symptoms through their skin — including itchy paws. Inflammation in the gut can lead to systemic inflammation, which may cause chronic paw irritation. A poor diet, antibiotics, or stress can all disrupt gut flora. Adding probiotics or switching to a hypoallergenic food may help support better skin health from the inside out.

What Should I Do if My Dog Is Licking Her Paws Excessively?

Start with a visual check — look for signs of injury, swelling, or signs of infection. Wash the paw with warm water and see if the licking stops. If not, and especially if there’s redness, hair loss, or discharge, book a vet appointment. Excessive licking is often a symptom, not the root problem. Your vet may recommend allergy testing, blood work, or a skin scrape to find the cause.

What Is the Treatment for Paw Licking in Dogs?

Treatment depends on the cause. Allergies may be treated with antihistamines, special shampoos, or dietary changes. Infections may need antibiotics or antifungal cream. Anxiety-based licking may respond to behaviour training or calming supplements. The goal is always to remove the trigger and give the paw time to heal. Protective gear like dog booties or cones can help stop further irritation during recovery.

Table: Treatments and Home Remedies for Paw Licking

Cause	Treatment/Home Remedy
Allergies	Hypoallergenic diet, antihistamines, medicated baths
Dry/cracked paws	Dog-safe moisturisers, paw balm
Foreign object or injury	Remove object, clean wound, apply antiseptic
Anxiety/boredom	Increase exercise, mental stimulation, calming aids
Infection	Vet-prescribed antibiotics or antifungals
Gut imbalance	Probiotics, diet change

What Happens if Paw Licking Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, paw licking can escalate into raw wounds, infections, and ongoing skin problems. Dogs may create painful “lick granulomas” — thickened skin patches that become open sores. The constant licking also weakens the skin’s barrier, allowing bacteria and yeast to take hold. What starts as a mild irritation can spiral into a long-term medical issue if not addressed quickly.

How Can I Keep My Dog from Licking Their Paws?

The key is prevention and quick action. Keep your dog’s paws clean, especially after walks. Check for thorns, ticks, or irritants. Trim long nails, moisturise dry pads, and use protective boots on hot or salty surfaces. Keep your dog mentally stimulated to avoid boredom-based behaviours. If allergies are the issue, regular vet care, food adjustments, and bathing can help reduce flare-ups.

Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick Their Paws After a Walk?

Yes — many dogs lick their paws after walks, especially if they’ve walked on grass, sand, or pavement. It’s part grooming, part sensory reaction to environmental irritants like pollen, salt, or dust. If the licking is brief and not obsessive, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if it becomes a daily routine that escalates, it may be a sign of allergies or sensitivity to outdoor elements.

Can Weather Affect Paw Licking?

Absolutely. Hot pavements in summer and grit or salt in winter can dry out or irritate your dog’s paw pads, leading to licking. Cold weather can also crack the skin, which becomes itchy or sore. Seasonal allergies are another common trigger. Many dogs lick their paws more in spring and autumn, when pollen levels rise or fungi in soil become more active.

Can Fleas or Mites Cause Paw Licking?

Yes — parasites like fleas, mites, or ticks can cause localised itching, often starting at the paws or between the toes. Even if you can’t see them easily, microscopic mites (like those that cause mange) can lead to relentless licking and biting at the feet. A vet exam can rule this out and recommend treatment if necessary.

What’s a Lick Granuloma?

A lick granuloma is a thickened, raised sore that forms when a dog obsessively licks one area — often a paw or foreleg. It becomes red, raw, and inflamed, and it doesn’t heal without intervention. Granulomas are often linked to anxiety, boredom, or underlying pain. They can become infected and may require a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and behaviour therapy to resolve.

Is Paw Licking Ever Just a Habit?

Sometimes, yes. Just like humans bite their nails or twirl hair, dogs can develop compulsive habits like licking — especially when bored, anxious, or understimulated. These behaviours can continue even after the original cause (like an itch) has passed. In these cases, enrichment, routine, and redirecting attention are just as important as medical care.

Can Diet Really Influence Paw Licking?

Yes — food sensitivities are a major overlooked cause of paw licking. Dogs can react to common proteins like chicken or beef, or to grains, dairy, or additives. These sensitivities often show up as itchy skin and paws rather than classic digestive symptoms. An elimination diet, guided by your vet, can help identify the trigger.

Summary

Dogs lick their paws for many reasons — from allergies to anxiety — and while some licking is normal, too much is a red flag. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment. Whether it’s an infection, injury, or behavioural issue, early action can prevent the problem from getting worse. Always keep an eye on changes in your dog’s grooming habits, and don’t hesitate to speak with your vet if the licking becomes excessive.