Why do Dogs Lick their Paws? Reason & Solution

Last reviewed: July 15, 2025
Author: Ankit Gawande

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dogs lick their paws to groom, but incessant paw licking can indicate either a health concern or an emotional, psychological concern.
These issues can stem from a number of reasons, including allergies, infections, injuries, anxiety, and dietary deficiencies.
If the licking continues for a couple of days, or your dog’s paws are red or smelly, the next step is consulting your vet.
Treatment for the underlying issue will vary, from needing to make dietary changes or modifying behavior to administering a medication.
Observe your dog closely, and take early action to keep them happy and healthy.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

If you’ve ever seen your dog licking its paws longer than you would like, you are not alone. While a little bit of grooming is perfectly normal, continuous licking may suggest a deeper issue; maybe it’s triggered by a medical condition, emotional stress, or even a nutritional deficiency.

In this article, I will discuss every potential reason for paw licking and what you can do to help.

What’s Considered Normal Paw Licking?

Occasional Grooming vs. Problem Behavior

Dogs are clean animals by nature and may lick themselves as cats do to groom themselves. A lick here and there while your dog has just gotten back from a walk? Completely acceptable.

However, if your dog starts to lick a particular spot repeatedly for a long period of time, or if your dog’s licking is making the skin red… Something is not right! Continuous licking is often a reaction to discomfort.

Warning signs are:

Marks or red inflamed skin on the paw
Missing hair or bald patches
Limping or other favoring of a given paw
Increased odor from the particular area

If these sound familiar, you are likely dealing with more than just routine grooming.

Top Medical Reasons Dogs Lick Their Paws

1. Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Dogs can have allergies to things in their normal environment, such as pollen, grass, dust, mold, etc. There might be itchy reactions when those allergens get on your dog’s skin.

The feet are particularly sensitive because they are in contact with the ground; however, you may also see your dog scratching at their ears, shaking their head, or rubbing their face.

These allergies are also likely to be seasonal by nature. If licking and scratching occur more frequently in the spring or fall, it should be a signal.

2. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Sometimes, it’s what’s in the food bowl. Dogs can be allergic to common ingredients like

Chicken
Beef
Dairy
Wheat
Soy

The immune system treats certain proteins as threats, leading to itchy skin and inflammation—especially in the paws. If your dog’s licking is paired with frequent ear infections or stomach trouble, food could be the culprit.

3. Fleas, Mites, or Ticks

Small parasites can produce big issues. Fleas and mites can crawl on dogs and bite, leaving them in a nonstop itch condition. Just one flea bite can cause a considerable reaction in sensitive dogs.

Ticks can also insert themselves into the dog’s paw pads or between the toes. If the dog is focused on one paw, you must start looking closely, as you may find a tick or some redness from bites.

4. Yeast or Bacterial Infections

Dogs commonly have yeast and bacteria on their skin. However, if the skin becomes compromised, whether due to an allergy, skin infection, or scratch/abrasion, those microbes can rapidly multiply.

If you have smelled it first, this one is a simple decision. Infected paws typically have a sour, musty odor. The paw may appear red, swollen, and/or sticky. In some cases, pus may be visible.

The infections require treatment with a topical ointment and/or oral medications, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

5. Pain or Injury in the Paw

Dogs lick wounds to relieve pain or clean the wound. The injury could be a small cut, a burn from hot flooring, a splinter, or even a broken nail.

If your dog is licking only one paw and limping or favoring it, inspect it more closely. Sometimes the injury is out of sight between the toes or under the pad.

Signs Your Dog’s Paw Licking May Be Medical

Symptom	Possible Cause	What to Do
Redness or swelling	Allergies, infection	Visit your vet.
Foul odor from paw	Yeast/bacterial infection	Ask for antifungal treatment.
Limping or pain	Injury, foreign object	Check the paw; see a vet.
Hair loss on paw	Excessive licking	Check for allergies or stress.
Crusty or dry skin	Nutrition issue, parasite	Adjust diet, check for mites.

Behavioral Reasons Dogs Lick Their Paws

1. Stress or Anxiety

When dogs are nervous, they may lick as a coping method, much like people bite their nails or tap their feet.

Common triggers:

Being left alone
Loud noises
Changes in home environment
Travel or new routines

Your dog may be suffering from anxiety if they begin to lick more during stressful situations.

2. Lack of excitement and boredom

Dogs are social and intelligent animals. Without enough interaction, exercise, or play, dogs can become bored, and boredom often shows up as unusual behaviors, such as licking.

This is particularly true for high-energy breeds, such as Border Collies, Huskies, and German Shepherds. For these breeds, a casual walk around the block will not provide the activity they need.

3. Compulsive Licking Disorder

If your dog starts licking to the point of no stop, even when there is no itching or pain, it can be seen as compulsive behavior.

This might come from stress or an injury, but it often becomes habitual. It often leads to licking at the same spot, which over time can lead to open wounds, bleeding, or infections.

Treatment often includes behavioral modification, environmental enrichment, or even anti-anxiety pills given by a vet.

Nutritional Deficiencies That Affect Skin and Paws

Role of Fatty Acids and Zinc

Dogs require specific nutrients for healthy skin and coats, just as people require a balanced diet.

Key nutrients for paw health:

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Zinc
Vitamin E
Biotin

A lack of these can lead to dry, itchy skin that your dog tries to relieve by licking.

How to Adjust Your Dog’s Diet

Select food with quality animal protein as the first ingredient.

Avoid fillers, like corn, soy, and meat by-products.
Look for food that has fish oil or flaxseed oil.
Consider adding supplements after contacting your vet!

If you want to give your dog homemade meals, only do so with vet approval to avoid missing important nutrients.

When to Worry About Paw Licking

5 Signs It’s Time to See the Vet

Licking lasts more than a few days.
The paw is swollen, red, or bleeding.
There’s a foul smell.
Your dog limps or favors one leg.
Distraction or training doesn’t stop the behavior.

These signs point to something more serious than boredom or habit. Always better to be cautious.

How to Stop Your Dog from Licking Their Paws

1. Identify the Root Cause First

Find out what’s causing the licking before attempting any remedies. Consult your veterinarian to rule out injuries, infections, or allergies.

2. Use an Elizabethan Collar or Paw Bandage

While the paw heals, prevent access if the licking is causing damage.

3. Apply Vet-Approved Topicals or Sprays

You can protect the area by using anti-itch creams, bitter sprays, or soothing balms.

4. Increase Mental & Physical Exercise

More training sessions, puzzle toys, and walks all aid in lowering anxiety and boredom.

5. Address Emotional Triggers

Try calming techniques like

A predictable routine
Comfort items (blankets, toys)
Calming music or pheromone diffusers

How to Stop Paw Licking at Home

Examine your dog’s paw for cuts, objects, or redness.
Gently clean the area with warm water and mild soap.
Pat the paw dry with a clean towel.
Apply a healing balm or vet-recommended cream.
Use a cone or booties to prevent further licking.

Expert Insights: What Vets Say

“If paw licking becomes frequent or leads to hair loss and inflammation, it’s time to dig deeper. Allergies and anxiety are the top culprits.”
— Dr. Karen Becker, DVM

Source: Pet MD

Conclusion

Some paw licking is harmless, but if it occurs frequently, there is a problem. Your dog is trying to communicate with you about something, whether it’s an allergy, an injury, or an emotional problem.

Consult your veterinarian, watch for symptoms, and observe the behavior first. Once you understand the cause, you can address it with a device, a new diet, or simply more playtime.