Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

Do you ever notice your dog licking or chewing their paws? It may seem like a normal doggy-type thing to do. However, this behavior may signal a more serious medical issue that we need to address ASAP. How can we tell the difference between our dog’s regular grooming habits and their attempt to administer first aid? Let’s take a look at the reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.

Non-medical Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

• Grooming – We have our own unique grooming routines, and so do our pups. They may be attempting to clean off something that is stuck to fur, or brought in from the outside. Or just a soothing act, similar to brushing our hair after it is already neat. A dog may exhibit these habits in down time, but grooming behaviors do not appear compulsive or happen for long, intense periods of time. You can keep dogs paws healthy and indulge them with a Dog Paw Care Kit. Treat your dog to a spa experience!
• Comfort – As mentioned above, dogs may engage in licking or chewing of paws for grooming. However, this behavior also provides a level of comfort to dogs. Similar to humans biting their nails, dogs may give themselves relief from extra energy, anxiety or boredom by chewing and licking their paws. You can offer a stimulating toy like this Dog Puzzle Pack to see if it distracts them from chewing and biting paws. Also, consider if your dog has received enough exercise, and see how their behavior changes after a good walk.

Medical Reasons Dogs Chew and Bite Their Paws

• Sore Spots and Wound Care – It may not be visible under all that fur, but licking and chewing behaviors can be a signal that our dog is trying to care for a wound. Dogs develop rashes, cuts, and possible infections from small cuts on their paws. A small cut can quickly turn into a painful sore or wound that it may take time to heal. You dog may fixate on chewing or biting their paws in order to relieve pain. Make sure to do some thorough investigation of the spot. Part the fur, and inspect your dogs skin to make sure there is not a wound that needs treatment. You can also try an ointment like Vetericyn Plus Dog Care Wound Spray to see if it eases the licking and chewing before heading to the veterinarian.
• Allergies – Poor itchy pup! Unfortunately dogs get allergies just like humans. Dogs can have environmental allergies to certain types of plants, trees, or pollen. In addition to environmental allergies, dogs can have allergic reactions to soaps or new foods. Sometimes, applying an anti-inflammatory spray like Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Spray can help. If the itching persists, you can go to the veterinarian and run allergy tests.

How To Stop A Dog From Licking Their Paws

Let’s put it simply. Until we discover the reason our dog is licking and chewing its paws, we will not be able to determine if we need to help them stop this behavior. The reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws vary from dog to dog. This behavior may happen occasionally and last for short periods of time. Also, the behavior may appear to be more relaxing and less urgent. If our dog appears to compulsively and urgently engage in licking or chewing of paws, they may be in distress. The most helpful thing we can do as a dog owner is determine the cause of the chewing and biting with our veterinarian. Your dog will thank you!

Learn more about how to help your dog tackle the itches in Outdoor Dog World’s post titled Best Antifungal and Antibacterial Dog Shampoos for Rashes, Ringworm and Yeast Infections!