Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 7 Causes Explained

Feeling worried about your furry friend’s new obsession with paw licking? Occasional paw licking is likely no big deal, but excessive licking may need to be addressed.

Key Takeaways

• Paw licking can be a normal part of your dog's grooming process.
• In some cases, excessive licking should be addressed before it spirals out of control.
• Licking can be due to something as simple as boredom, or could be a sign of allergies.
• Supplements, balms, tinctures, and other products may help soothe your dog's skin. 

1. Self Grooming

Dogs are famous for finding ways to avoid taking a bath. But believe it or not, your furry friend almost certainly wants to keep clean.

Dogs regularly lick their paws to remove mud, dirt, and anything else they might not want on themselves. This is a completely normal part of the self-grooming process.

Of course, dog shampoo is a much better cleanser than dog saliva. But if your dog is constantly licking its paws after going for a walk, they might be sending you a signal to up your wash routine.

Your dog might protest the more thorough cleaning, but deep down, they'll appreciate it!

2. Boredom

Excessive paw licking can be a sign your dog is plain bored. Think of how you might fidget while stuck in a waiting room or in traffic, and you'll understand your dog's licking behavior. 

Some breeds are more prone to boredom. Border Collies and other working dogs, for example, were bred to complete complicated jobs all day. Without something keeping them busy, they can quickly reach their wit’s end!

In addition to constant paw-licking, boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture or snacking on your house slippers.

If you think this is the cause, try giving your furry friend some toys for entertainment. Puzzles, new tricks, and other forms of mental stimulation are all great!

And did you know that sniffing is a brilliant boredom buster? Remember, dogs are natural-born sniffers, and it’s important for their health. It's more than a form of puppy social media, though. 

For example, one study found that sniffing lowered dogs' heart rates. Allowing your pet to indulge in wild scents during your walk could help alleviate potential boredom back at home.

Toys or exercises that engage this natural behavior are also a great option.

3. Something's In Their Paw

Is your furry friend licking their paw, not paws? If your dog is focused on just one paw, there might be something there. Literally.

Seeds, thorns, clumps of dirt, bee stings, and other foreign objects can become trapped in your dog's paw. Sounds annoying, right? In this case, your dog could be self-grooming to try and remove a pesky item.

The same can be true for an ingrown nail.

Carefully inspect between your dog's toes to check if any of this is the case. A pet first aid kit can be handy to help you deal with it on your own. A vet can also take care of the issue.

4. Sense of Comfort

Studies suggest that up to a third of people bite their nails. Many more engage in other behaviors, often because they are comforting.

Dogs are the same. Your dog's paw licking could be a sign it's seeking comfort. 

If this is the case, be sure to give your four-legged friend lots of cuddles and care. Set aside some quality time to show them that they really are your BFF! You can even give your canine companion some CBD oil to help them feel calm and relaxed.

An animal behaviorist could also help with some behavior modification techniques to stop the obsessive licking.

5. Food Allergies

Believe it or not, food allergies can result in a dog licking its paws. In this case, the frequent licking might be due to an itchy throat and the paws are just the unfortunate victim. 

The key sign to watch out for is if the constant licking starts after your dog eats. If that's the case, try changing food or giving them a gut health supplement. 

6. Other Allergies

Your dog might have an environmental allergy. Here are some common allergens that could be the cause of your dog's itchy paws:

• Pollen
• Grass
• Dust
• Mold
• Stings
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products
• Fabrics

Try and see if your dog's behavior changes after contact with certain things. For example, if your dog frequently licks their paws after a walk, you might try changing your route or investing in some doggy boots. 

If you can't identify or remove the allergen, seek professional advice. Supplements such as omega-3 may also help. You can even add a couple of drops of this Immune Tincture with mushroom and elderberry extracts. 

7. Dry Skin

Your furry friend might be licking their paws excessively because they are dry. This skin dryness could be due to cold weather, allergies, or something else.

Unfortunately, your pet can't apply moisturizer on their own. Fortunately, you can with a paw and skin balm! Our Paw & Skin Balm for dogs and cats is great for dry noses, skin, and paws, and is made with only organic and vegan ingredients that are safe for your furry friend!

How to Stop My Dog From Licking His Paws

Besides addressing the root cause, there are plenty of ways you can help your pet:

• Nutrition is key. Some supplements can support immune function and maintain skin health. 
• Other supplements like our Maxx Life glutathione supplement can help to detoxify pets and reduce oxidative stress. 
• Cover your dog’s paws to discourage their licking behavior.
• Wash and dry each paw, especially after walks.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, your canine companion’s licking habit could be nothing more than a desire to keep their paws squeaky clean. Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about! But if their fascination for self-grooming is starting to irk you, try out any of the solutions above to help calm them down.

Keep Reading: 8 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Eating Treats but Not Their Food

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our colostrum supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.