Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? A Vet Explains

It’s totally normal to catch your dog licking their paws every now and then. Dogs are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, and licking is a big part of that. But if you notice your dog licking their paws all the time, there might be something else going on.

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Medical Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

As a veterinarian, I see a lot of dogs who lick their paws. It can be tricky to figure out why, but here are some common medical reasons:

Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to lots of things – pollen, grass, dust mites, even some foods! Just like we get itchy eyes and runny noses, dogs can get itchy paws. If you see your dog licking their paws a lot after being outside or after eating certain foods, allergies could be the reason.
Parasites: Pesky little critters like fleas, ticks, and mites love to live on dogs, and they can make their skin super itchy! If you see tiny bugs or black specks (flea dirt) in your dog’s fur, parasites might be the problem.
Injuries: Sometimes, it’s something simple like a cut, a thorn stuck in their paw, or a broken nail. You might not even see the injury, but your dog will definitely feel it!
Infections: Bacterial and yeast infections can make paws itchy and irritated. Licking actually makes these infections worse because it spreads more germs and keeps the area wet. If you notice your dog’s paws are red, swollen, or have a bad smell, it could be an infection.
Pain: If your dog has arthritis or joint pain, they might lick their paws to try and ease the discomfort. Even if the pain isn’t in their paws, licking can release feel-good chemicals in their brain that help them cope.

Behavioral Reasons for Paw Licking

Sometimes, there’s no medical reason for the licking. It could be because your dog is:

Bored: If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise or playtime, they might start licking their paws just to have something to do!
Anxious: Just like some people bite their nails, dogs might lick their paws when they are stressed or anxious. It’s a way to try and calm themselves down.

When to See the Vet?

It’s okay if your dog licks their paws sometimes. But you should call your vet if:

They lick their paws constantly, even when you try to distract them.
Their paws are red, swollen, bleeding, or smell bad.
They limp or seem like they’re in pain.
They have lost fur around their paws.
You see any bugs or mites.

How to Help Your Dog?

The best way to help your dog is to figure out why they are licking their paws. If it’s a medical problem, your vet can help you find the right treatment. Here are some of the things your vet might recommend:

Medications: Allergies, parasites, and infections can usually be treated with medication.
Topical Treatments: Medicated shampoos, creams, or sprays can help soothe itchy paws.
Surgery: Sometimes, your vet may need to do surgery to remove something that is stuck in your dog’s paw or treat a growth.

If your dog is licking because they are bored or anxious, here are some tips:

Exercise: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise! Take them for walks, play fetch, or find other fun ways to keep them active.
Mental Stimulation: Dogs get bored easily, so it’s important to keep their minds busy! Teach them new tricks, give them puzzle toys, or take them to new places.
A Calm Environment: If your dog has separation anxiety, make sure they have a safe and comfy place to stay when you’re gone. You can also talk to your vet about medicines or supplements that can help.

Home Remedies

You can try some things at home to help soothe your dog’s paws, but always check with your vet first, because some things can make certain problems worse.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe dry skin. Gently rub a little bit on your dog’s paws.
Oatmeal Baths: Oatmeal is great for itchy skin! You can buy special oatmeal shampoo for dogs, or grind up plain oatmeal and add it to their bathwater.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soaks: Apple cider vinegar can help treat yeast infections. Mix three parts water with one part apple cider vinegar and soak your dog’s paws for 10 minutes.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! If you are worried about your dog’s paw licking, talk to your vet. They can help you figure out what’s going on and make sure your furry friend gets the best care possible!