6 Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

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Shell & Katy are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share trending pet products, recipes, inspiration and expert tips with discerning dog lovers around the world.

While it’s totally normal for dogs to lick their paws every now and then, if your dog is licking their paws constantly – it could mean something’s up.

For lots of dogs, paw licking is just one of those quirky behaviours, and there are plenty of reasons behind it. How often and how intensely your dog is licking their paws can give you clues about what’s going on.

When our cocker spaniel Ziggy started licking his paws excessively, we eventually found a remedy to his paw licking by identifying the root the cause of his behaviour.

So to help you work out what’s happening with your own pup, we’ve broken down all the possible causes for paw licking – and how this habit might be connected to your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

RELATED: 11 Remedies to Stop Your Dog Licking Their Paws 

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 6 Reasons Explained

1. Allergies

Allergies are the most common cause of excessive paw licking in dogs. And just like humans, dogs can be allergic to many things – food allergies, environmental allergies, and contact allergens are the most common types.

When it comes to food allergies in dogs, proteins like chicken or beef are the most common culprits (though carbs, preservatives, or dyes can also trigger reactions). If your dog has food allergies, switching to a limited ingredient or raw food diet is often recommended.

Environmental and seasonal allergies in dogs include allergic reactions to pollen, mold spores, dust mites and grass. These allergens cause itching, redness, sneezing, watery eyes, and ear infections. 

Dogs with environmental allergies can also experience frequent paw licking or biting, and some may develop skin infections or hot spots from constant irritation. According to this report, environmental allergies in dogs are increasing.

Dogs can also become allergic to things they come into direct contact with, like certain chemicals, fabrics, detergents and grooming products.

2. Yeast infections

You’ll certainly know if your dog has a fungal yeast infection. Aside from the itchiness, you won’t be able to miss the yucky smell! 

The overproduction of yeast is a source of infection which causes irritation and excessive paw licking. The warm, moist areas between paw pads are a common breeding ground for yeast to develop.

When dogs lick their irritated paws, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can exacerbate the irritation and create a cycle that typically requires anti-fungal treatment to manage.

Yeast infections can also hint at an underlying weakness in your dog’s immune system, so it’s important to determine the root cause. If your dog does have a yeast infection, it’s also likely a sign your dog needs probiotics in their diet.

3. Separation anxiety or boredom

Another common reason why dogs lick their paws is due to boredom or stress. If your dog is suffering from boredom, they may start licking their paws simply to entertain themselves.

Separation anxiety can also cause a dog to lick their paws, along with other destructive behaviours such as barking or chewing furniture. Dogs may lick their paws as a way to soothe themselves when they’re waiting for you to come home. 

Certain breeds are more prone to anxiety, such as separation anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviours, and licking their paws can become a coping mechanism to help them self-soothe.

4. Pain, injuries or arthritis

Dogs can also lick their paws as a way to relieve themselves from pain.

If your dog has an injury or is suffering from arthritis, it’s likely they’ll have a strong instinct to lick and clean their wounds in an attempt to ease the pain.

You might notice that the affected area appears red or swollen, and your dog may shy away from letting you examine it out of distress. This behaviour can also signal they’re trying to draw attention to the discomfort, so it’s important to keep an eye on any changes in their licking habits or physical condition.

5. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are another common reason dogs develop compulsive licking, chewing, or scratching habits.

While ticks are usually easy to spot, fleas often remain hidden until an infestation is severe, and mites are too tiny to be seen without a microscope. So, even if you can’t see any parasites, that doesn’t mean your dog isn’t dealing with them!

Parasites can cause skin reactions in dogs that range from mild to severe, with symptoms including pimples, hives, crusting and excessive paw licking.

6. Dry skin

Your dog’s paw licking could also be due to dryness or other skin conditions like hot spots. When paw pads become dry, they can feel irritated and may even crack without the use of a moisturiser or balm. 

Dry skin on your dog can be caused by a number of things, such as bathing too long, cold and dry weather (notorious for causing dry skin in dogs and humans alike!) and can even be a breed-specific issue.

If your dog has dry and flaky skin, it’s likely to become itchy and cause your dog to start licking in an attempt to relieve the itchiness and discomfort.

How to know if your dog’s paw licking is a problem?

If your dog won’t stop licking its paws and you’re worried this could indicate a more serious health problem, here’s a quick list of signs to look for:

• Lick granulomas: a chronic skin problem caused by excessive paw licking
• Limping: a sign your dog has a foreign object in their paw, such as a grass seed
• Dogs paws are red: if the skin between paws and toes is red and irritated
• Bleeding paws: excessive paw licking until they bleed is cause for concern
• Clear signs of injury or infection

If your dog is showing any of the above signs or symptoms, a visit to the vet is strongly recommended.

Final thoughts on paw licking

As pet parents, we know all too well that understanding your dog’s behaviour can often be a challenge.

While it’s completely normal for your dog to lick their paws as part of their self-grooming routine (especially when their paws are dirty or muddy), obsessive licking can be a sign something more serious is lurking.

By identifying the root cause of your dog’s behaviour, you’ll be able to find the right solution to stop them licking their paws for good. 

In some cases, you might even be able to tackle the issue yourself at home. But if you have concerns, it’s best to speak with a veterinarian to discuss the best treatment plan going forward.

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