Why Does My Dog Lick His Paws?
This common behavior can occur for a variety of reasons, though thankfully, it’s usually not cause for concern. Below, we’ll detail exactly why dogs lick their paws.
Self-Grooming
All dogs occasionally lick their paws as a form of self-grooming. Certain pups may lick their paws after dinner, or at the end of a long day. You may also notice your pooch licking his paws after a long walk or trip to the dog park where his paws might’ve gotten dirty.
This practice is fairly normal on an occasional basis. However, there could be cause for concern if your dog is frequently licking his paws or doing so out of reaction to something else.
Paw Injury
If your dog’s paw is damaged, he might be inclined to rapidly lick the area to alleviate pain. He could’ve gotten a bug bite, splinter, or simply walked on rough terrain. It’s a good idea to inspect your dog’s paws for any obvious signs of injury. In the event that you note any scrapes, cuts, or inflammation, you’ll want to give your veterinarian a call. Paws with cuts can be prone to infection, so you’ll need to have an injured paw addressed as soon as possible.
Allergies
Allergies are typically difficult to diagnose. That being said, your dog could be licking his paws in reaction to itchiness. After environmental allergens are ruled out, your veterinarian may recommend putting your pooch on an elimination diet to determine any food allergens. Keep in mind that this can be a long, trying process so it’s important to make sure your dog’s excessive licking isn’t due to something else.
Infection
Should your dog be licking more than one paw at a time, it could be a sign that he has a parasite or infection. In these scenarios, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for a formal evaluation. Your veterinarian can prescribe specialized medication which can help address the source of the issue and alleviate itching.
Pain
It’s possible that your dog is licking his paws due to arthritis or other leg, joint, or foot related ailments. Dogs may respond to stress by licking their paws, even if the pain is localized in another area of the body. Talk to your veterinarian about treatment options if it seems like your dog’s pain is worsening over time.
Boredom or Anxiety
Dogs prone to boredom can develop unhealthy compulsory behaviors such as excessive licking or barking. Make sure your pooch is getting plenty of exercise throughout the day to stay engaged. Your dog could also be acting out of anxiety. Try to take note of any patterns surrounding the licking. What actions lead your dog to excessively lick his paws? Is it always at the same time everyday? Since this cause is difficult to pin down, it’s a good idea to speak with a trained animal behaviorist to help soothe Spot over time.
After ensuring that your dog’s paw licking isn’t a more drastic issue, you can help your hound cut back on the behavior by gently discouraging excessive licking. You can also get a pet-safe topical product that tastes bitter to deter your dog from licking the undesired area.
Hence, pooch paw licking isn’t typically a serious issue on its own. That being said, if your dog is constantly licking his paws or doing so at a greater rate than usual, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
