Why is my Dog Persistently Licking Their Paws?
- Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS RCVS
- Jan 29
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Most dogs lick their paws occasionally as part of normal grooming. Common areas include the forelegs, joints, between the toes, and the belly. Mild licking in these areas is usually nothing to worry about. However, when your dog is constantly licking its paws, licking the paws raw, or is difficult to interrupt, it may indicate an underlying problem.
The aim of a dermatologist is to find out why your dog may be licking their paws and what you can do to help them.
In this article we’ll discuss:
When Does Licking Become Excessive?
Dog paw licking is considered excessive when it becomes a “compulsive behaviour”, meaning your dog is unable to stop, even when the licking causes discomfort or visible damage to the feet. In these cases, licking is no longer serving a grooming purpose and may be a sign of pain, skin disease, or behavioural distress.
Signs That Licking the Paws May Be Excessive
If you notice one or more of the following signs, your dog’s paw licking may have progressed beyond normal grooming:
Hair loss or bald patches
Matted fur between the toes or pads
Red, inflamed skin
Dandruff or flaky skin or pads
Oozing or pimple-like lesions
Discolouration of the footpads or skin
Areas of persistent redness
Green or yellow discharge
Difficulty sleeping (waking frequently to lick or chew)
Vocalising while licking (such as whining, whimpering, or moaning)
Frequently stopping play or normal activities to lick or groom
Limping
A noticeable decline in overall quality of life or normal behaviour
If your dog is showing any of these signs contact your vet.
What Causes Excessive Licking of the Paws in Dogs?
There are many possible causes of excessive paw licking, and identifying the underlying reason is essential for effective treatment. Your veterinary surgeon or veterinary dermatologist will perform a thorough examination and may recommend further tests. Contact them to make an appointment.
Common causes include:
Pain (such as joint disease or injury)
Skin conditions (including allergies, infections, or parasites)
Behavioural issues (such as anxiety, stress, or compulsive disorders)
Because dogs often suppress signs of discomfort during veterinary visits, it can be helpful to take photos or short videos at home of your dog licking or chewing affected paws. Sharing these with your vet can assist in reaching an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The treatments for dogs licking paws depends on the underlying cause.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s licking behaviour, early veterinary assessment can help prevent further skin damage and improve your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.
Let’s look a little more closely at the common reasons why your dog is constantly licking their paws.
Have They Had an Injury or is Something Stuck in Their Paw?
Always check for cuts or objects stuck in the paw. They can be really hard to identify and if stuck in deep it may be nearly impossible to see. Your dog may not want you to check. If you can’t identify the problem and quickly resolve it yourself, have your vet check your dog’s feet.
Check the pads for cracks. What time of year is it? Could the feet be getting burned from hot pavements or could ice and snow be damaging the feet. Certain breeds may be more or less prone to either of these.
The Most Common Cause is Allergies
Allergic skin disease in dogs is the most common condition we see. Pets can sometimes be allergic to things in their food or environment. These allergies may cause itching, licking, chewing, or scratching. In some cases, food allergies can also lead to digestive upset.
To help manage your pet’s allergies, your vet or veterinary dermatologist may recommend using a combination of treatments. Depending on your pet’s needs, this may include:
omega-3 fatty acids
soothing shampoos or wipes
antihistamines
topical products such as a mousse
Always check with your vet before using any new products or giving medications to your pet.
Food Allergies
If a food allergy is suspected, your vet may recommend a special hypoallergenic prescription diet. Your dog will usually need to eat this food exclusively for one to two months before improvement is seen. Any skin, ear or paw infections should be treated at the same time to help your pet feel better more quickly.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies, such as reactions to grass, trees, weeds, dust, or mould, are very common in dogs. These allergies can also lead to skin, ear or paw infections, which need to be treated alongside the allergy itself.
For long-term relief, especially in younger dogs, your vet may recommend allergy testing followed by ‘allergy shots’ (immunotherapy) to help reduce your pet’s sensitivity over time.
Your vet or veterinary dermatologist may also suggest medications to help keep your pet comfortable and control allergy symptoms.
Parasites and Infections can also Make Your Dog to Lick Their Paws
There are a number of parasites and secondary infections which can cause excessive licking, such as:
Fleas, Mites, and Other Parasites
Parasites like fleas and mites can cause intense itching. Your vet may perform a skin scraping to check for mites. Early diagnosis is important, as some mites can even affect humans.
Bacterial, Yeast, and Fungal Infections
If parasites are ruled out, bacterial, yeast, or fungal infections may be the cause. Yeast infections are common in warm, moist areas like the paws and may cause redness, brownish-red discharge, and skin discolouration. Staining of the fur can also be a sign of excessive paws licking.
Fungal infections, such as ringworm, may appear as circular patches of hair loss and redness on the skin or paws.
Your vet will use simple tests to identify the cause and recommend the right treatment, which may include antibiotics, anti-fungals, or other medications to help your pet feel better.
Dry Skin and Environmental Irritants
Occasionally your dog's feet can become dry and irritated due to environmental irritants. This can eventually lead to more serious changes and secondary infections. Very hot or cold weather can lead to problems in the feet as can certain household cleaning/bleaching agents and compounds such as cement.
Does Your Dog have Pain or Joint Issues?
Pain in the paws and legs can be associated with splinters and grass seeds. However, chronic problems such as osteoarthritis are commonly encountered and rarely some cancers. All of these can lead to licking the paws a lot and need to be ruled in or out by your vet.
Is your pet showing signs of lameness as well as licking? Are they whining or yelping and do they avoid being fussed or handled? Have they changed their behaviour? Many behaviour problems are associated with pain. If you are worried about your dog it’s best to speak to your vet.
Paw Licking Caused by Stress, Anxiety or Boredom
If your vet or veterinary dermatologist has ruled out medical causes for excessive licking or grooming, your dog’s behaviour may be linked to stress, anxiety, or boredom. Understanding the reason can help you find the right solution.
Stress and Anxiety
Dogs experiencing stress or anxiety may benefit from supportive tools or therapies. One common option is a compression shirt, which applies gentle, constant pressure to your dog’s body. This calming effect is similar to swaddling a newborn and can help reduce fear, overexcitement, or anxiety.
Calming treats are another option for dogs who become anxious in certain
environments or situations. For more severe cases, your vet may recommend prescription anti-anxiety medications, such as Prozac®. These treatments can be very effective, though finding the right dosage and combination may take time and patience.
Boredom
Sometimes, excessive licking or grooming is simply due to boredom. If your dog tends to lick or groom most when idle, try adding more physical and mental stimulation to their day.
Options include:
Daily exercise or walks
Agility training or flyball
Obedience classes
Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys that keep them engaged
By redirecting their energy to play and activity, you can reduce unwanted licking and help your dog stay happy and healthy.
If you are struggling to get on top of the problem it is always worth seeking the help from a behavioural expert.
When Licking Becomes a Cycle
Constantly licking the paws is not normal grooming behaviour and is often a sign of another problem. Often paw licking is related to a skin disease, such as an allergy or infection. However, it may be related to something else, such as pain or behavioural problems. Your pet may fall into a cycle of licking which makes symptoms worse.
Early intervention is always advised to avoid secondary infections and long-term changes that can be impossible to truly fix.
At-Home Steps Pet Owners Can Take
Before seeking help it is worth checking the paws for splinters or cuts. Have you used a cleaning agent on the carpets or floors? Has your dog been in contact with irritant agents, such as cement? If you can remove a splinter then try if you feel it is safe to do so. If you feel an irritant may be a problem, wash the feet with a gentle dog shampoo.
Do NOT administer any medications at home, such as human painkillers, as these can cause serious harm to your pet.
When to See a Vet or Veterinary Dermatologist
If the problem with your dog’s paws is not getting better within a few days or is getting worse you should always make an appointment to see your vet.
If your home vet cannot make an accurate diagnosis, the problem is failing to get better or most likely is recurrent then it is worth seeking the help of a veterinary dermatologist. They have additional training in all aspects of dog skin and paw disease and have access to advanced testing, including allergy testing, to help make a diagnosis and come up with a long-term treatment plan.
Sources and References:
Favrot, C., J. Steffan, W. Seewald and F. Picco (2010). "A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis." Veterinary Dermatology 21(1): 23-31.
Mueller, R. S., W. Rosenkrantz, E. Bensignor, J. Karaś-Tęcza, T. Paterson and M. A. Shipstone (2020). "Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats." Veterinary Dermatology 31(1): 4-e2.
Olivry, T., D. J. DeBoer, C. Favrot, H. A. Jackson, R. S. Mueller, T. Nuttall, P. Prélaud and f. t. I. T. F. o. C. A. Dermatitis (2010). "Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2010 clinical practice guidelines from the International Task Force on Canine Atopic Dermatitis." Veterinary Dermatology 21(3): 233-248.
White, S. D. (1989). "Pododermatitis." Veterinary Dermatology 1(1): 1-18.
Written and Approved by:
Dr Simon Want BVM&S CertVD MRCVS
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Dermatology
Director of Advanced Veterinary Dermatology Ltd
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