Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

Understanding Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Dogs lick their paws for various reasons. While some dogs do this daily to maintain cleanliness, constant or aggressive paw licking might indicate underlying issues such as injuries or infections. If you observe your dog frequently licking their paws, it’s essential to take appropriate steps. Here’s an overview of why dogs lick their paws and how to respond effectively.

Occasional Paw Licking

It can be a normal part of a dog’s self-grooming routine. Even dogs that don’t groom themselves extensively will sometimes clean their paws. If your dog only licks their paws sporadically, it’s generally nothing to worry about.

When Paw Licking Becomes a Concern

Frequent or aggressive licking is not typical and often signals a health or behavioral problem. If you notice abnormal paw licking, the first step is to check for any health issues affecting the paws. Dogs tend to lick their paws excessively when they are itchy, irritated, or in pain, similar to how they might lick wounds.

Common Reasons for Paw Licking

Injuries

Paw licking can be a response to an injury or the presence of a foreign object. Your dog might have stepped on something sharp, walked on hot pavement, or come into contact with ice melt. Insect stings or bites from other animals can also cause discomfort, prompting your dog to lick their paws. Additionally, objects like splinters or grass awns can get lodged in the paws, causing irritation that leads to excessive licking.

Abnormal Growths

Dogs might lick their paws if they have abnormal growths such as cysts or tumors. Conditions like arthritis or injuries to the paw’s soft tissues or bones can also cause discomfort. These issues might not always be visible externally. If your dog focuses on one paw more than the others or starts limping, it could indicate a paw injury, foreign object, or growth affecting that specific paw.

Allergies

Allergies are a prevalent cause of paw licking in dogs. Allergic reactions can make the paw pads itchy or irritated, leading dogs to lick their paws for relief. Both food allergies and environmental allergies are known to cause paw itching, making this a common reason for excessive licking.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal (yeast) infections can develop in a dog’s paws, necessitating a visit to the veterinarian. These infections might arise secondary to allergies or occur for unknown reasons. Frequent licking keeps the paws damp, creating an environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive. External parasites like fleas, mange, or hookworms can also cause intense itching, resulting in excessive paw licking.

Behavioral Issues

If no health problems are found, paw licking may stem from behavioral reasons, though this is less common. It could be a result of boredom, stress, fear, or anxiety. Sometimes, paw licking starts as a response to boredom and evolves into a habitual behavior that provides comfort. In severe cases, dogs may develop compulsive behaviors that lead to obsessive paw licking.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Licking Their Paws

If your dog appears to be constantly licking their paws, begin by conducting a thorough inspection. Examine the tops and bottoms of their feet, toenails, nail beds, and the areas between their toes. Look for signs such as foreign objects, cuts, bruises, bleeding, swelling, redness, crusting, scabs, discharge, broken nails, foul odors, or any other abnormalities. Provide first aid if necessary and consider using a groomer-approved paw cleaner for regular maintenance.

Excessive licking often leaves saliva stains on the fur around the paws, which are more noticeable on lighter-colored hair. If you notice such staining, it’s a clear indication that your dog is licking their paws frequently.

Regardless of whether the paws appear abnormal, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian if your dog is licking their paws excessively. A vet can rule out health problems before addressing any potential behavioral issues.

Treatment Options for Paw Licking

Your veterinarian will examine your dog and review their medical history to determine the appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis. Treatment options may include:

• Medicated Foot Soaks and Topicals: To treat irritation or infections.
• Oral Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
• Antifungal Medications: If a yeast infection is present.
• Surgery: To remove any growths or foreign objects and repair any damage.

If your dog’s condition requires specialized care, your vet may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist or surgeon. If no physical cause is identified for the excessive paw licking, your dog might have developed a behavioral issue.

Home Remedies for Paw Licking

Some home remedies can help alleviate irritated or itchy paws, but always consult your veterinarian before trying them, as improper treatment can worsen the condition.

• Dry or Cracked Paws: Apply coconut oil or paw balm to soothe and soften the paws.
• Yeast Infections: Create a solution with three parts water to one part white or apple cider vinegar. Soak the paws for about 10 minutes, then rinse and thoroughly dry them.
• Itchy Paws: Grind plain oats into a powder, mix with warm water, soak the paws for around 10 minutes, then rinse and dry them well.

Addressing Behavioral Causes

If health issues have been excluded, your vet might suggest that paw licking is a behavioral problem. To address this:

• Increase Physical Activity: Take your dog for more walks and engage in regular playtime.
• Provide Toys: Offer toys that can distract your dog and keep them mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys and food-dispensing toys are excellent for this purpose.
• Avoid Punishment: Don’t scold your dog for licking, but also avoid rewarding the behavior with treats.

If these strategies don’t work, consider scheduling another vet visit to explore other causes or treatments. If the licking persists without any health-related reasons, behavior modification techniques may be necessary. Consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can provide additional support.

Conclusion

Paw licking in dogs can range from a normal grooming behavior to a sign of significant health or behavioral issues. Observing the frequency and intensity of the licking, along with inspecting your dog’s paws, can help determine the underlying cause. Always seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned about your dog’s paw licking to ensure they receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Here is another great article from Pet MD that goes a little further into detail. If you have any further questions, please call us at Oxford Veterinary Clinic at 662-234-3930.