Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Paws?

If your dog has recently turned their paws into a full-time snack, you’re not alone.

Paw-licking is one of the top 5 most Googled dog behaviours, and for good reason… it’s annoying, worrying, and sometimes loud enough to wake you up at 2AM.

But here’s the truth most owners don’t know:

👉 Occasional paw licking is normal.
👉 Persistent, intense, or obsessive licking is a sign something deeper is going on.

Below, we break down the real reasons dogs lick their paws, what it means, and most importantly, how you can help your dog feel comfortable again.

🐶 Is Paw Licking Normal?

Yes — in moderation. Dogs use their mouths to groom, explore, and soothe themselves.

When should you worry:

• Your dog licks the same paw repeatedly
  
  
• The skin looks red, stained, swollen, or moist
  
  
• You hear the licking all night
  
  
• They won’t stop even when distracted
  
  
• They suddenly start licking more than usual
  
  

Ultimately, consistent paw licking is your dog trying to tell you something.

The 7 Most Common Reasons Dogs Keep Licking Their Paws

Below are the most likely causes, from mild irritations to health issues you should never ignore.

#1 Allergies (The #1 Cause of Excessive Paw Licking)

If your dog is licking multiple paws, especially during certain seasons, the culprit is likely allergies.

Three types can trigger paw licking:

• Environmental allergies (pollen, grass, dust mites)
  
  
• Food allergies (typically chicken, beef, dairy, wheat)
  
  
• Contact allergies (cleaning products, lawn treatments)
  

The tell-tale signs of allergies being the reason are:

• Red, inflamed paw pads
  
  
• Brown-stained fur between toes
  
  
• Itching elsewhere (ears, belly, armpits)
  
  
• Chewing or gnawing at paws
  

This happens because allergic inflammation makes paws itch intensely, and licking becomes their way of scratching. Think like when you have an itch that just won’t go and how frustrating it is… that’s what your dog is suffering with.

Here’s how you can provide relief

• Wipe your dogs paws after walks with hypoallergenic wipes
  
  
• Switch to a limited-ingredient diet if food allergies are suspected and remove them one-by-one
  
  
• Talk to your vet about antihistamines or allergy trials
  
  
• Use omega-3 supplements to reduce inflammatio

#2 Pain (The Overlooked Reason By Many Dog Owners)

If your dog focuses on one paw only, it is generally an indication that pain might be the cause.

These are some of the things your dog may be suffering with if pain is the cause;

• Sprains
  
  
• Torn nails
  
  
• Splinters or thorns
  
  
• Interdigital cysts
  
  
• Arthritis in the toes or wrist
  
  
• Soft tissue injuries
  

Here’s how you can help your pet identify the issue and get them back on the road to recovery

• Inspect the paw for foreign objects that should not be there
  
  
• Look closely between toes and pads, some items are very small and easy to miss, you need to really investigate the area.
  
  
• See your vet if your dog is limping, stiff, or sensitive to touch

#3 Parasites (Fleas, Mites, Ticks)

Parasites don’t always show up where you expect them. Mites and fleas often settle around the feet.

These are the signs of your dog suffering with mites and fleas:

• Intense itching
  
  
• Hair loss around feet
  
  
• Scabs, redness, small bumps
  
  
• Licking paired with biting or scratching
  

Here’s how you can help provide relief to these pesky insects.

• Ensure your dog is on monthly flea/tick prevention
  
  
• See your vet for a skin scrape if you suspect mites
  
  
• Wash bedding weekly during flare-ups

#3 Irritants & Seasonal Conditions

Just like humans get irritated skin from chemicals or allergens, dogs react to their environment too. 

Common irritants that will cause your dog to struggle are:

• Grass
  
  
• Road salt
  
  
• Pesticides
  
  
• Cleaning products
  
  
• Sand
  
  
• Rough or hot pavement
  

These are the signs your dog is suffering from irritants that are causing them to have a reaction

• Licking their paw right after walks
  
  
• It’s red between their claws.
  
  
• Only front or only back paws affected
  

And here’s how you can help them get through particularly seasonal or irritable times.

• Rinse or wipe paws after outdoor time
  
  
• Use paw balms to create a protective barrier
  
  
• Avoid walking on salted or chemically treated surfaces

#4 - Anxiety, Boredom, or Compulsive Behaviour

Dogs self-soothe with licking, similar to how humans bite their nails, it can be a compulsive behaviour that can be difficult to train out of them and it can be an issue when they start to lick too much and the skin starts getting sore.

If your dog is suffering from anxiety, boredom or compulsive behaviour then this is what you will likely be seeing:

• Licking occurs during calm moments
  
  
• Happens when your dog is home alone
  
  
• No redness or physical signs of irritation
  
  
• Restlessness or clingy behaviour
  

And here’s how to ensure you keep those compulsive behaviours at bay to keep them stimulated and happy.

• Increase daily enrichment (sniff walks are gold)
  
  
• Provide chew toys, lick mats, puzzle feeders
  
  
• Build predictable routines
  
  
• For severe anxiety, you need to seek professional help, speak to your vet or trainer

Most Importantly - When Should You See a Vet?

You should get a veterinary opinion if:

• Licking has been going on for more than 48 hours and there is no clear reason.
  
  
• The paw is swollen, red, or smells bad which is signs of an infection, this needs to be seen to quickly
  
  
• There’s bleeding or open sores, these, whilst not only being painful, put your dog at risk of infection and it is important to get them cleaned properly and investigated professionally.
  
  
• Your dog is limping
  

Most chronic paw licking is not just a habit,  it’s a symptom, and it’s your dog trying to tell you they are in discomfort. Don’t ignore their pleas.

Your Action Plan To Help Your Dog Right Now.

✔️ 1. Clean and dry the paws thoroughly.

Use gentle, pet-safe wipes. Moisture fuels infection.

✔️ 2. Apply a dog-safe barrier balm

Helps with irritants and seasonal dryness.

✔️ 3. Give an omega-3 supplement

Reduces inflammation and itching from the inside out.

✔️ 4. Add mental enrichment to keep them stimulated

Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, lick mats = lower stress licking.

✔️ 5. Switch to a limited-ingredient diet

If food allergies or a sensitive stomach are suspected.

✔️ 6. Use a cone or booties (short-term)

Not a cure, but helps prevent self-injury while you treat the cause.

The Big Picture: Your Dog Is Communicating With You

Paw licking isn’t “weird dog stuff.”

It’s your dog saying: “Something isn’t right.”

Whether it’s allergies, infections, boredom, pain, or the environment — your dog is using the only language they have to ask for help.

Decode the behaviour, address the root cause, and you’ll not only stop the licking… you’ll give your dog the comfort and relief they’ve been trying to find on their own.