Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Paws?

Dog paw licking is normal from time to time, especially after a walk, but constant licking or chewing can signal a problem. Itchy paws in dogs may be caused by pet allergies, irritation, injuries, or paw infections. Paying attention to the change can help you catch the problem before those paws become even more uncomfortable.

What’s Behind All That Paw Licking

Dogs use their mouths to investigate the world, so a little paw licking isn’t unusual. The problem starts when it becomes frequent or difficult for your dog to stop. Constant attention to their paws can make already irritated skin more uncomfortable.

Common reasons for excessive paw licking:

• Environmental or seasonal allergies
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Grass, pollen, or other outdoor irritants
• Dry or irritated skin
• A small cut, thorn, or foreign object
• Fleas or other parasites
• Bacterial or yeast infections
• Pain or discomfort in the paw or nail

Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when your pet needs more than a quick paw cleaning.

Pet Allergies Can Make Pet Paws Miserable

Pet allergies are a common reason dogs develop itchy skin and paws. Pollen, grasses, dust, mold, and other environmental allergens can trigger inflammation, particularly during certain times of the year.

Dogs may respond by licking and chewing their feet, sometimes until the skin becomes red and raw. Unfortunately, the more they lick, the itchier their paws become. It’s a frustrating little cycle.

Your veterinarian can help determine whether allergies may be contributing to your dog’s symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

Signs of Paw Infections

Repeated licking can damage the skin between your dog’s toes and create an opportunity for bacteria or yeast to take hold. Paw infections cause redness, swelling, odor, discharge, and increased sensitivity.

Signs to watch for:

• Chewing between their toes
• Limping or favoring one paw 
• Developing red or irritated skin
• Having swollen paw pads
• Showing discomfort when their paws are touched

If your dog’s paws look different than they normally do, it’s worth having them examined rather than waiting for the problem to disappear on its own.

Give Those Paws Some Attention

Not every case of itchy paws in dogs is caused by allergies. A cracked nail, tiny piece of debris, insect bite, or a minor injury can cause enough irritation to keep your dog focused on licking their feet.

Check your dog’s paws on a regular basis, like after walks and time spent outdoors. Look between the toes, around the paw pads, and near the nails for anything unusual. If licking continues, becomes more intense, or is accompanied by redness, swelling, odor, or pain, a veterinary examination will help get to the bottom of it.

Don’t Ignore Changes to Your Dog’s Paws

Your dog’s paws take them everywhere, from backyard adventures to long walks around the neighborhood. When persistent licking or chewing becomes part of their daily routine, it’s time to pay attention.

If your dog is dealing with itchy paws, recurring irritation, or a possible paw infection, the team at Curem Veterinary Care can help identify the cause and determine the best way to get their paws healthy.

Call Curem Veterinary Care today to schedule an appointment. A little attention now will help keep your dog’s paws happy, healthy, and ready for their next adventure!