Seeing your dog lick its paws now and then is normal: it's part of grooming. The problem starts when it doesn't stop, when your dog chews at its toes or licks the skin raw. If you're wondering why does my dog lick its paws so persistently, there's almost always a cause behind it, and understanding that cause is the first step to helping. In this guide we go through the most common reasons, when you should be concerned and what you can do at home before heading to the vet.
Why does my dog lick its paws: the most common causes
Excessive licking isn't a whim: it's how a dog tells you something is wrong. These are the most frequent reasons:
- Allergies. To food, pollen, dust mites or cleaning products. It's one of the number one causes of itchy paws.
- Wounds or foreign bodies. A thorn, a small stone between the toes, a cut or a broken nail will make a dog lick to ease the discomfort.
- Parasites. Fleas, ticks or mites cause intense itching that leads to chewing.
- Dry skin. Cold weather, central heating or frequent washing dry out the pads.
- Pain. Arthritis or a joint problem will make a dog focus on that one paw.
- Boredom or anxiety. When there's no physical cause, licking can be an emotional release valve.
Why does my dog lick its front paws
It's very common for the licking to concentrate on the front paws, simply because they're easier to reach. If you notice your dog licking its front paws over and over, suspect an allergy or a foreign body between the pads first. Check them calmly, separate the toes and look for redness, cuts, trapped dirt or a bad smell, a classic sign of a fungal or bacterial infection.
When to worry
The odd lick isn't alarming, but it's worth seeing the vet if you notice any of these signs:
- Licking or chewing the paws compulsively, even at night.
- Skin that is red, swollen, broken or losing hair.
- A bad smell, pus, or cracked pads.
- Limping or whining when putting weight on the paw.
- The behaviour appears suddenly and doesn't settle within a few days.
It's the vet who has to rule out allergies, infections or pain. Never give your dog human medicines on your own initiative: many of them are toxic to dogs.
What to do at home to stop the licking
While you work out the cause, there are simple measures that calm the area and reduce the licking:
- Clean the paws. When you get back from a walk, wipe the pads with a damp cloth to remove pollen, dust or residue from hot tarmac.
- Check them daily. Look over the toes, nails and pads for cuts or thorns.
- Moisturise the pads. There are balms made specifically for dogs that keep them soft and prevent cracking.
- Stay on top of parasites. Keep external parasite treatment up to date, especially in summer.
- Give plenty of stimulation. If boredom is the cause, more walks, games and chew toys bring the anxiety down.
For that last point it helps enormously to have good toys and accessories for dogs to hand, to keep your dog busy and draw attention away from the paws. A dog that's well stimulated and properly tired licks far less.
How to prevent excessive licking
Prevention comes down to routine and observation. Brush your dog often, keep the paws clean and dry, look after their diet and don't skip vet check-ups. If you suspect a food allergy, your vet can suggest an elimination diet to pinpoint the ingredient that doesn't agree with them.
Conclusion
If your dog licks its paws non-stop, don't ignore it: it could be an allergy, a wound, a parasite or plain boredom. Observe, check the area and act early; and if the licking doesn't ease off or sores appear, go to the vet. With care, patience and a bit of entertainment, your dog will have healthy paws again. At Velia Select you'll find accessories designed for your pet's wellbeing and fun.