If you've noticed your dog persistently licking its paws, don't worry; this is a very common problem for dog owners. While some amount of licking might be normal, if excessive or consistent, it can indicate some other problem. We at mybestie.gr think that knowing your dog's behavior is the first step towards making sure that your pet is healthy. There are various reasons why dogs lick their paws, from allergies, dry skin, and parasites to injuries, pain, boredom, and anxiety. However, even if your dog licks its paws from time to time, if it's doing so too often, persistently, chewing, or limping, it needs to be checked by your vet.

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Dogs have an instinctive behavior of cleaning their bodies using their tongue. A quick lick of the paw after a walk or before going to bed is completely normal. However, if your dog licks the same paw several times a day for several minutes, it might need your attention.

Top reasons why dogs lick their paws

Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to any number of substances, such as pollen, grass, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. These allergies typically cause itchiness, making your dog want to lick their paws to relieve themselves of the discomfort.

Typical symptoms include red skin between the toes, swelling of the paws, ear infections, and excessive scratching.

Dry skin/Environmental irritants

Hot surfaces, road salts, household cleaners, grass, sand, or even traces of chemicals can irritate your pet's paws. During the hot season, walking on hot surfaces will also be uncomfortable for your dog, making them want to lick their paws in an attempt to soothe the discomfort.

Rinsing the paws after the walk is likely to alleviate this problem.

Parasites

While fleas, mites, and ticks can usually be found on your dog's back or neck, they can sometimes be located in other areas of your dog's body, causing them to lick their paws. Taking preventative measures against parasites is one of the simplest solutions.

Cuts, splinters or foreign objects

Tiny rocks, thorns, bits of glass, or even grains of grass (awn) can get stuck between the dog’s toes. If your dog suddenly focuses on one foot, licking it excessively or limping, examine him for any injuries or foreign objects.

Joint pain or arthritis

Aging dogs tend to lick painful joints. Even though it may look like he is licking his paw, the actual reason may be arthritis in his wrist, elbow or shoulder. When an old dog becomes inactive, walks slower and has trouble standing up, joint pain may be assumed.

Stress, anxiety or boredom

Paw licking doesn’t always have a physical reason behind it. In some cases, the dog develops the habit of licking paws because of stress, anxiety, or boredom. The behavior is close to nail biting in people.

Some uncommon medical conditions

Despite being relatively rare, some hormonal diseases, some neurological diseases, some autoimmune diseases, and some skin infections might also result in a dog excessively licking its paws. It is important to remember to discuss any persistent symptoms with your vet.

When should you consult the vet?

You should visit a vet if your dog:

• Licks one paw repeatedly.
• Chews or bites on the paw.
• Shows signs of redness, swelling, bleeding, or an unpleasant smell.
• Has a limp or does not put any pressure on the leg.
• Doesn’t stop licking despite not having any apparent injury.

Early identification might prevent small issues from escalating into major complications.

What can you do at home?

Before panicking, there are a few easy steps you can take:

• Check the paws every time your dog goes out.
• If your dog walks through grass, sand, or hot pavement, rinse the paws with clean water.
• Trim the hair in-between the pads, if advised by your veterinarian depending on your dog’s breed.
• Make sure that your pet gets enough physical activity and mental stimulation.
• Do not use any products intended for humans on your dog.

However, if the licking continues, take your pet for an examination by a veterinarian to determine what's causing it.

While the occasional licking is perfectly healthy behavior, constant licking is the sign your dog is sending you that he has a problem. Whether it is an allergy, pain, stress, or even an injury, knowing the cause will make him comfortable again. In case you are going on holiday and would like your pet to be kept in a familiar place, cared for by someone who knows his habits and needs, mybestie.gr can find you a suitable pet sitter anywhere in Greece.