Why Dogs Lick Their Paws: What It Means And When To Worry

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Dog paws are remarkable, with significant variance between breeds. Webbed toes can indicate a good swimmer, and different breeds have different grips and paw prints. However, when a dog licks its paws excessively, it's a sign that something might be wrong.

Speaking exclusively with Cuteness, Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, highlighted several common causes behind a dog licking its paws, including allergies, injury, or foreign material. However, Dr. Richter advises that licking a paw is often a natural part of grooming. Since the causes vary, it is not always easy to know when to worry. Dr. Richter outlined when excessive licking should be a cause for concern, stating, "If it seems excessive to the owner... or if the foot/feet the dog is licking seem more sensitive than normal or if the skin looks irritated, that is an indication something may be wrong." For dogs with lighter-colored fur, there is another tell. Dr. Richter adds, "When a dog licks a lot, the fur can become stained by saliva. The staining is typically rust/reddish in color." 

Often, foreign objects or allergies are the reason behind a lick-obsessed pooch. However, pet parents should check their dog's paws for cuts, discoloration or swelling, missing skin or blisters from burns on hot pavement, abscesses, or broken nails, all of which can cause discomfort. Pay attention to when paw-licking behavior becomes excessive or comes with signs of pain — if a dog refuses to walk, you should listen to it — as it can help you protect those cute little feet year-round.

A dog's paws are sensitive, and having anything lodged in there can lead to discomfort and a desire for a pooch to over-lick. Dr. Gary Richter explains that when it comes to foreign objects, there are plenty of plants and debris that can become a thorn in a pup's paw, such as "a piece of foreign material (plant awn, burr, etc.) between the toes or trapped in the fur, or there could be a piece of foreign material penetrating the foot (thorn, cactus spine, foxtail, etc)."

Removing everyday foreign objects, like burrs, can be done at home. Get ready with a bag of treats and another pair of hands to keep your pup calm. Burrs can be carefully combed out; but be sure crush down big ones with pliers first. Burrs are common to find on a curious dog, but other debris caught in the paw requires a different approach. YouTube channel First Aid for Life shows how you can remove a thorn or splinter. However, if you are ever uncertain or uncomfortable removing debris, ask a veterinarian or professional groomer for help.

A veterinarian should treat paw pad injuries, as even minor cuts can be slow to heal and lead to infection. However, first aid measures can be taken. Clean up the wound while looking for and removing the lodged object (if there is one), and then wrap the wound with fresh gauze until you can take your dog to a vet. A deeply lodged object should be left to be handled by a veterinarian, and if the bleeding is excessive and lasts over 10 minutes, an emergency trip is vital.

Licking of paws is one of many warning signs for canine allergies; a runny nose, sneezing, ear infections, and change in behavior can all point to an allergy-irritated pup. Still, when it comes to paws, Dr. Gary Richter clarifies, "Allergies that cause paw licking can be contact allergies, inhaled allergens, or related to food." Here, a multifaceted approach works best. This can be as simple as switching to vet-recommended food or making your own for your allergy-affected pooch. Introducing a supplement like Dog Allergy Relief Chews can further help manage symptoms.

A potentially simple fix for irritated paws is to keep them clean. For dogs with sensitive paws, a stress-free option like Dandylion Clean Paws is a one-and-done wipe-down without drying afterward. Fragrance-free Epsom salts can also relieve paw allergies; use ¼ cups of salt per liter of warm water three times daily for 10 minutes per paw, drying thoroughly afterward.

The reasons behind a paw-fixated canine can vary. Thankfully, most causes behind a paw-licking obsessed canine can be addressed at home by treating allergies or checking for debris. Watching out for potential hazards and issues will ensure happy feet and travels.