Your dog’s paws are sensitive and can be a source of discomfort if something is wrong. If you notice your dog licking and chewing their paws more than usual, even when you try to distract them, it’s a sign that something may be bothering them. While occasional paw licking is normal for cleaning or self-soothing, excessive licking can indicate underlying issues that require attention.
Dr. Valentina Henao, a veterinarian and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Miami, explains that a variety of factors, from simple irritations to more serious medical conditions, can lead to dogs excessively licking and chewing their paws. Understanding these causes is the first step toward finding the right treatment and ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being.
Common Reasons for Excessive Paw Licking and Chewing
Dogs engage in paw licking for various reasons, including exploration, a way to self-soothe, or simply to clean off dirt and debris after a walk. However, when this behavior becomes persistent and causes harm, it’s crucial to investigate further. Your veterinarian is your best resource for accurately diagnosing and treating the cause of your dog’s discomfort.
1. Injuries or General Pain
Aggressive licking or chewing can signal an injury or pain in your dog’s paws. Look for other signs such as limping, reluctance to climb stairs, or a general decrease in activity. Potential causes of paw pain include:
- Cuts and abrasions: Paw pads can be easily injured by rough surfaces, sharp objects, or even extreme temperatures.
- Embedded foreign objects: Small thorns, glass shards, or other debris can become lodged in the paw, causing pain and irritation.
- Insect stings or bites: A sting from a bee or wasp, or a bite from another insect, can cause localized pain, swelling, and discomfort. Dr. Henao advises checking for embedded stingers, as these can trigger allergic reactions and make your pet unwell.
- Fractures or sprains: More severe injuries to the bones or ligaments in the paw or leg can cause significant pain.
If you suspect an injury, it’s important to have your vet examine the paw to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
2. Allergies
Allergies are a very common cause of skin issues in dogs, and the paws are frequently affected. Allergic reactions can manifest as infections of the skin and paws, the development of hot spots, or even ear infections. Dr. Henao notes that identifying the specific allergen can be challenging, as they can stem from various sources:
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass can trigger seasonal or year-round allergies.
- Food intolerances: Certain ingredients in your dog’s food can cause an allergic reaction.
- Flea allergies: Some dogs are highly sensitive to flea saliva, and even a few bites can cause intense itching and discomfort.
Treating allergies often requires a multi-faceted approach. Your veterinarian may prescribe allergy medications, injections, topical treatments, or medicated shampoos. For suspected food allergies, a limited ingredient diet or a diet featuring novel or hydrolyzed proteins may be recommended. Products like Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Adult Salmon & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food or Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food are examples of limited ingredient diets that can help. If flea allergies are the culprit, a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative is essential. Dogs with infections secondary to allergies might require a recovery cone to prevent further irritation.
3. Fleas and Ticks
Parasites like fleas and ticks are a common cause of itchiness and discomfort in dogs, leading to excessive licking and biting. These pests can be found in various environments, including your home, dog bedding, carpets, toys, and outdoor areas like tall grass and wooded spaces. Checking your dog for fleas and ticks is a crucial step. Signs of fleas include the presence of small, fast-moving insects on the skin and dark specks, known as flea dirt, which are flea feces. Ticks often hide in areas like between the toes, under the legs, and behind the ears. If you find a tick, it’s important to remove it carefully using tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible to ensure the entire tick, including the mouthparts, is removed. Leaving parts of the tick embedded can lead to skin infections. A specialized tick removal tool can be very effective. Prevention and treatment are straightforward with vet-recommended flea and tick preventative medications for dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your dog’s specific needs.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that commonly affects older dogs. It can impact not only the major joints like the hips and knees but also the smaller joints in the toes. As the cartilage in the joints breaks down, it leads to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility in the affected paws or limbs. To help manage arthritis and improve your dog’s comfort, consider these approaches:
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: Gentle, low-impact exercise and physical therapy can help maintain joint mobility and reduce pain.
- Pain Management: Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to manage discomfort, depending on the severity of the arthritis.
5. Behavioral Issues
Behavioral and mental health problems can also contribute to excessive paw licking, similar to how humans might cope with stress or anxiety. Dr. Henao emphasizes that pets can experience these issues, sometimes requiring support from a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. Even after medical causes have been ruled out or treated, some dogs may continue to lick their paws due to:
- Anxiety or stress: Changes in routine, new environments, or separation anxiety can trigger licking.
- Boredom: Lack of mental and physical stimulation can lead to repetitive, self-soothing behaviors like paw licking.
- Compulsive disorders: In some cases, paw licking can become a compulsive behavior that is difficult to break.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While occasional paw licking is normal, you should consult your veterinarian promptly if your dog exhibits any of the following signs:
- Bleeding from the paws
- Swollen paws
- Limping
- Discharge (pus) from the paws, indicating infection
- Vocalizing pain (whimpering, wincing, crying out) when paws are touched
It’s essential to work with your veterinarian to identify the root cause of the paw licking. If left untreated, this behavior can escalate, leading to secondary bacterial infections like pododermatitis. Pododermatitis can be painful and result in difficult-to-treat infections. Early detection and intervention are key to a simpler and more effective resolution.
Written by Janelle Leeson
