Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

When a dog licks his paws, it is usually a problem associated with allergies. Your dog could be affected by something they interact with such as grass, pesticides or plants. Other possibilities are the dog may have an injury, skin problems, something in his environment, parasites, certain foods, boredom or anxiety.

Dogs are known for their quirky habits, and one such habit is licking their paws. While some occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, excessive licking could be a sign of an underlying issue. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs lick their paws and what you can do about it.

1. Allergies: One of the most common reasons why dogs lick their paws is allergies. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things, including food, pollen, and dust. When a dog comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which can cause itching and irritation in the paws. To relieve the itch, dogs may lick and chew their paws excessively.
2. Skin irritations: Skin irritations like cuts, scratches, or insect bites can cause discomfort and itchiness in a dog’s paws. To alleviate the discomfort, dogs may lick their paws excessively, which can lead to further irritation and infection.
3. Anxiety and boredom: Just like humans, dogs can also experience anxiety and boredom. When dogs are anxious or bored, they may turn to self-soothing behaviors like licking their paws. This behavior can become a habit and continue even after the underlying issue has been resolved.
4. Pain: Dogs may also lick their paws if they are experiencing pain. This can be due to arthritis, joint problems, or an injury in the paw. Licking the paw can help to alleviate the pain temporarily.
5. Yeast infections: Yeast infections can occur in a dog’s paws, especially in dogs with long hair or floppy ears. Yeast infections can cause itching and irritation, which can lead to excessive paw licking.
6. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): In rare cases, excessive paw licking can be a sign of OCD in dogs. OCD is a behavioral disorder that can cause repetitive, compulsive behaviors like paw licking. Dogs with OCD may lick their paws until they develop open sores or infections.

What can you do about excessive paw licking?

If your dog is licking their paws excessively, it’s important to determine the underlying cause and address it accordingly. Here are some tips to help your dog stop licking their paws:

1. Schedule a vet visit: If you suspect that your dog’s paw licking is due to an underlying medical condition, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Your vet can perform tests to determine the cause of the paw licking and recommend appropriate treatment.
2. Keep your dog’s paws clean: Keeping your dog’s paws clean and dry can help prevent infections and reduce itching. Use a damp cloth to clean your dog’s paws after walks or playtime and trim any hair around the paws to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Provide mental and physical stimulation: If your dog is licking their paws out of boredom or anxiety, providing mental and physical stimulation can help. Try increasing your dog’s exercise routine or providing puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
4. Address allergies: If your dog’s paw licking is due to allergies, it’s important to identify and address the allergen. This may require a change in diet or medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
5. Use deterrents: If your dog’s paw licking has become a habit, using deterrents like bitter sprays can help discourage the behavior.

In conclusion, excessive paw licking in dogs can be a sign of an underlying issue and should not be ignored. By identifying the cause of the paw licking and addressing it accordingly, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and prevent further issues from developing.