Why Does My Dog Lick His Paws?

Do your dog's paws have visible injuries?

Are there any visible skin parasites like fleas or mange (seen as walking dandruff)?

Does your dog show signs of pain in his feet or legs?

Is your dog well-stimulated, both physically and mentally?

Injuries like cuts, torn nails, growth, or perhaps a stone, thorn, or ice ball stuck between the pads can cause irritation and the dog will try to alleviate the problem by licking. Look closely at the nails, between the toes and pads, and at the tops of the feet. Your dog may have irritated his paw by stepping on something sharp, walking on salted or hot sidewalks, being stung by a bee, or getting a blister. Some of these problems can be relieved by a simple first aid treatment, while others might require treatment by a veterinarian.

Parasite infections such as fleas or mange can cause the paws to be very itchy. Your veterinarian can recommend treatments to eliminate the parasites, which should relieve the itching.

A dog that is experiencing pain due to arthritis or other foot or leg conditions may lick his paws. Even if the pain is somewhere else in their body, some dogs will try to deal with it by licking a front paw continuously. This requires diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian.

Your dog may be suffering from boredom or a behavioral problem such as anxiety. Some dogs develop compulsive behaviors, which include paw licking. To alleviate boredom, try taking your dog for more walks, runs, or playtime with you and with other dogs to use up more mental and physical energy. Give him toys or chew toys to take his focus away from his paws.

If the paw pads and feet appear normal and your dog is not anxious, the licking could be due to a skin condition (dermatitis), which often is the result of bacterial problems, allergies, or food sensitivities. Your dog could develop dermatitis by being allergic to chemicals used in your yard, deicing products, or certain types of grass or weeds. Keeping a bowl of water and a towel near the door to gently clean off the paws when you come inside could help.