Why Does Your Dog Lick Their Paws?

Ever noticed your dog obsessively licking their paws and wondered why does your dog lick their paws? You're not alone! This common behaviour can have dog owners scratching their heads. Is it normal? Is something wrong? Let's unravel the mystery behind why dogs lick their paws and how you can help them stop.

If your pooch licks their paws occasionally, it's just their way of grooming themselves, much like cats do. But when licking is frequent or aggressive, it’s usually a sign of a health or behaviour problem. Your pup might be licking because of itchy, irritated, or painful paws.

• Injuries: Your fur-buddy may have stepped on something uncomfortable, like a sharp object, been stung by a bug, or could have an object stuck in their paws causing the incessant licking.

• Growths: Sometimes, asymptomatic conditions like a cyst, tumour, arthritis, or a soft tissue injury might cause the excessive paw licking.

• Allergies: A common cause of paw licking is allergies. Allergies often lead to itching or irritation of the paw pads, making your pup resort to licking for some comfort.

• Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can make your dog's paws itchy, leading to lots of licking.

• Anxiety or boredom: If your dog isn't facing any physical issues, the paw licking might stem from boredom, stress, fear, or anxiety.

• Dry Skin: Cold weather, low humidity, or excessive bathing can strip your dog's skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness.

If your pup's paw licking is out of the norm, start by inspecting their paws for any foreign objects, cuts, etc. If their paws look abnormal or if the excessive licking persists, it's time to call the vet who will be able to help find out if there are any health concerns associated with the paw licking.

• Identify & manage allergy triggers: Identifying the allergens affecting your dog is key. This may involve dietary changes, allergy testing, or limiting exposure to certain environments.

• Regular Grooming: Regular grooming can help prevent infections and injuries. Trim the fur around your dog's paws, check for foreign objects, and keep their nails short.

• Flea & tick prevention: Consistent use of flea and tick preventatives can keep these pests and itchy paws at bay.

• Moisturise your dog’s paws: Using a pet-safe moisturiser can help combat dry skin. Apply it regularly, especially during colder months, to keep your dog's paw pads soft and supple.

• Enrichment & exercise: Providing mental and physical stimulation can reduce anxiety and boredom-related licking. Engage your dog in interactive toys, regular exercise, and new experiences to keep them mentally and physically healthy.

• Training and positive reinforcement: Training can help break the habit of paw licking. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog when they stop licking their paws. Consistency is the key to success with this.

• Nutritional Support: Ensure your dog's diet is well-balanced and provides all necessary nutrients. If they do need some extra support then supplements are a great way to help itchy skin. Salmon oil is rich in omegas helping to make sure their skin stays hydrated and probiotics help rebuild your dog’s gut microbiome which helps them have healthier skin due to 90% of your dog’s health being attributed to their gut; a happy gut = a happy pup!

Understanding why dogs lick their paws is the first step towards helping them stop. By identifying the cause and providing appropriate care, you can ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. If you're concerned about your dog's paw licking, don't hesitate to consult your vet for professional advice.