How to Stop Your Dog from Licking His Paws

Dogs can lick their paws for a variety of reasons. If your dog is licking or chewing at his paws once in a while and only for a few seconds at a time, there is likely no need to worry. But if the behavior becomes frequent, it could indicate a problem.

A dog licking his paws could expose him to any germs or chemicals that he might have walked through earlier. It could also indicate a medical issue that may necessitate a vet visit or some other care on your part, so it is helpful to know the cause.

Why Your Dog Licks His Paws

Determining if there is a problem with your dog’s paws starts by figuring out why your dog is licking. Then you can determine the best way to curtail the behavior. Some of the most common reasons for dogs to lick their paws include:

Skin Issues - If your dog has allergies, it could cause his skin to be itchy and painful. Blisters, cysts, or hot spots can also cause discomfort. Your dog may lick to try to soothe the pain, although licking will often only make the problem worse. If allergies or other skin issues are to blame, you may need to work with your vet to alter your dog’s diet or get the right medication.
Injury - An injury to your dog’s paw can prompt him to lick in response to the pain. This can include burns, scrapes, objects stuck in the paw pads, and toenail injuries. In many cases, these wounds will heal themselves and you will want to keep your dog from licking in the meantime.
Illness - Bacterial infections and parasites like ticks, mites, and ringworm can lead to inflammation that causes itching and pain on a dog’s skin. Since your dog’s feet are in frequent contact with the ground, they are most likely to pick up an infection or parasite. These illnesses will often need medication to fix.
Anxiety and Stress - If your dog is bored, anxious, or stressed, he may lick his paws as a self-soothing measure. Addressing your dog's anxiety through more mental and physical stimulation can help curtail licking.

An inspection of your dog’s paws can sometimes reveal the cause of licking and a cone or distracting your dog can help deter the behavior. If your dog keeps licking and you cannot find the cause, it may be time to schedule a vet visit.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

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