It’s typical for dogs to lick themselves to stay clean. However, there might be times when they repeatedly lick something, like their paws. Sometimes, this is normal, and sometimes, it may be a cause for concern. In this guide, we will explore why dogs lick their paws.
As a dog parent, you want to be well-versed in what’s going on with your four-legged friend. While we wish for something in our technologically advanced world to understand our dogs better, there are subtle signs that we need to be on the lookout for. Is your dog’s paw licking something to be worried about? Let’s get into the details right now and the course of action you might need to take.
Is Occasional Paw Licking Just Normal Dog Behavior?
Knowing when paw licking is perfectly normal is key to pet parents like you. It’s true that dogs tend to groom themselves (albeit in simple situations). Every now and then, your dog will lick their paws, especially after they have come from outside. They will lick off any dirt, pollen, or additional debris that might have gotten caught up in the pads of their paws.
This kind of behavior doesn’t last long, and everything will likely be back to normal once the dog is satisfied with the results of its self-grooming. However, there may be situations where a dog licks the same paw to the point where redness or hair loss appears. This may also be a distress signal that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws: Common Reasons
So why do dogs lick their paws more often than they should? It may be one of the many causes that we’ll list below. Here’s a look at what they are and why they could cause excessive paw licking:
Allergies
The first reason is often one of the most common culprits. An allergic reaction can be triggered by many things, such as pollen, dust mites, grass, mold, household cleaners, other environmental allergies, and even food. While dogs do sneeze, they don’t sneeze as often as humans do to display allergy symptoms. Most of the time, it will be displayed by way of itchy skin.
Paws will typically be on the ground constantly. This means that whatever they come in contact with might trigger the allergy in the first place (i.e., pollen, debris, etc.). With this in mind, it’s important to look out for any signs like:
- Paw pads that are red and inflamed
- Licking all four paws
- Itching or biting on other parts of the body
If these signs are present, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. They may recommend some changes, including the use of antihistamines, changes in grooming products, or even an elimination diet. Under The Weather has Allergy and Itch Powder for Dogs that you can use to help treat such allergies on a regular basis.
Injuries or Irritants
Potential injury or irritation can also be blamed for excessive paw licking. In this situation, it is important to consider looking for the following signs:
- Cuts or scrapes
- Burns from hot pavement
- Bug bites or bee stings
- Thorns or splinters
You may be taking your dog for a walk, and they might step on surfaces that contain something that may cause mild irritation. This can include lawn chemicals, road salt, cleaning agents, or other foreign objects. As a safe rule of thumb, consider quickly rinsing your dog’s paws after a walk. This is a must-do in the wintertime or whenever they spend extended time out in your yard.
Dry Skin or Dermatitis
Dogs can experience dry, flaky skin, especially in arid climates or during colder months. This often leads to itchiness, causing them to lick or chew their paws excessively, which can further irritate the skin or lead to skin infections like dermatitis. Common causes of dry skin include cold weather, frequent bathing with harsh shampoos, and dietary deficiencies, particularly a lack of omega-3 fatty acids.
Consider using a paw balm with moisturizing properties. Adjustments to their diet will also be highly recommended. Plenty of dog foods contain natural ingredients, along with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve overall skin health. Also, consider supplements like the Multivitamin Daily Support for Dogs, which contains ingredients that promote skin health, among other things.
Anxiety or Boredom
There may be times when a physical cause isn’t to blame for excessive paw licking. It’s a behavioral thing that happens whenever they are bored, anxious, or stressed. This typically occurs when there isn’t enough exercise or mental stimulation in your dog’s life. Triggers include separation anxiety, routine or environment changes, lack of daily enrichment, or loneliness.
As a result, paw licking becomes more of a self-soothing habit. It’s akin to humans chewing their nails. Some of the best solutions include puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and more frequent walks. Even if you have a bit of a busy schedule, these can prove to be an effective long-term approach to keeping your dog calm if you are away for most of the day.
Parasites
There may be parasites that are lurking around that can trigger intense itching. Specifically, these include fleas, ticks, and mites (especially the ones that cause mange). As such, these can lead to inflammation that can trigger excessive licking or chewing. It is important that you spot these additional problems as well:
- Hair loss
- Scabs or sores
- Red, irritated skin
- Continuous scratching
If these problems are present, chances are you are dealing with parasites. At this point, your vet will need to perform the proper diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment. Keep in mind that you will need to follow strict directions during the treatment process, including making sure that your dog does not lick their paws excessively (or any other affected area).
Yeast or Bacterial Infections
While occasional licking of a paw is one thing, if there is a discoloration, discharge, or a foul smell, these are likely signs of a bacterial or yeast infection. This will be common in moist environments where bacteria and yeast will be present. Licking can cause the area to be more damp. Be sure to look out for signs including:
- Reddish-brown staining of fur (from licking)
- A smell that is cheesy or musty
- Swollen or discolored pads
- Crust-like skin between toes
Please schedule a vet visit immediately if any of these issues are spotted. An early intervention can be key to preventing the infection from getting worse.
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Older dogs often lick their paws or joints as a response to arthritis or inflammation. This behavior can be a self-soothing mechanism to cope with discomfort or pain. Signs may include constant licking of the same leg, difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, and noticeable stiffness or limping after resting.
The good news is that Under The Weather offers plenty of supplements for older dogs with joint issues. These include the Collagen Chews for Dogs, Hemp Hip and joint Soft Chews, and even the Hip and joint Support Powder for dogs. All of these contain key ingredients that help with joint health, including glucosamine and chondroitin.
When to Call a Vet
While paw licking isn’t always a red flag, there may be situations where calling a vet is warranted. You might want to contact a vet if you notice the following:
- Frequent licking, even to the point of obsession
- Visible injuries, swelling, or bleeding
- If any signs of infection are present (odor, discoloration, or pus)
- Your dog appears restless, anxious, or is experiencing noticeable signs of pain.
- Sudden behavioral changes that don’t go away
Addressing these root causes with a vet can be critical. The sooner you call a vet to set up an appointment to solve the issue, the better. If none of these signs are present, it may be a good idea to consider possible DIY solutions.
Some of the options may include keeping paws clean and dry (especially after a walk, when harsh weather is present, or if it’s allergy season). A calming supplement can also help. If you have a paw balm or moisturizer handy, be sure to apply it if dry skin appears to be the issue. Finally, adjusting your dog’s diet can also be a good option, and Under The Weather has plenty of bland diet food options that can help keep paw issues to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
A dog licking their paws may be a common behavior. However, it’s the excessive occurrences that can cause you to investigate the issue a little further. It is important to be mindful of how your dog behaves. If you see them licking their paws more often than they should, look for any symptoms that may exist pertaining to the potential problems we have listed above. For long-term relief for issues such as skin allergies, arthritis, and joint problems, Under The Weather has you covered with different food and supplement options.
