Is your dog obsessively chewing and licking their paws, even when you try to redirect their attention with a favorite toy or a simple command? This behavior, while sometimes normal, can indicate underlying issues that need attention. Dr. Valentina Henao, a veterinarian and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Miami, explains that a variety of factors, from common pests and allergies to injuries, can cause this excessive paw licking and chewing.
Understanding the root cause is crucial for addressing your dog’s discomfort and preventing further complications. This guide explores the most frequent reasons behind this behavior and discusses potential veterinary treatments.
Understanding Normal Paw Licking
It’s important to first recognize what constitutes normal paw licking. Dogs often lick their paws as a way to explore their environment, self-soothe, or simply clean off dirt and debris accumulated after a walk. However, when this licking becomes excessive—meaning your dog continues despite distractions and may even be causing harm to themselves—it signals a need for veterinary assessment. As Dr. Henao emphasizes, “It’s important to work with your veterinarian to figure out why your dog is licking their paws so the cause can be addressed quickly.”
Common Causes of Excessive Paw Licking and Chewing
If your dog’s paw licking goes beyond casual grooming, here are the most common culprits:
1. Injuries or General Pain
Aggressive licking or chewing can be a clear indicator of pain or injury. If your dog is also exhibiting signs like limping, reluctance to use stairs, or a general decrease in activity, they might be experiencing discomfort from:
- Stings or Bites: If you suspect your dog has been stung, carefully inspect their paws for an embedded stinger. Dr. Henao advises, “We must remove stingers that can cause allergic reactions and make your pets sick.”
- Cuts or Abrasions: Even minor cuts or scrapes on the paw pads can cause significant discomfort.
- Foreign Objects: Small stones, thorns, or other debris can become lodged between a dog’s toes or pads.
- Fractures or Sprains: More severe injuries can lead to intense pain and swelling.
If you notice any signs of injury, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
2. Allergies
Allergies are a frequent cause of skin irritation and discomfort in dogs, often manifesting in the paws. According to Dr. Henao, allergies can trigger secondary issues such as skin infections, painful hot spots, and ear infections. Allergens can stem from various sources:
- Environmental Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and other airborne substances.
- Food Allergies/Intolerances: Certain proteins or ingredients in your dog’s diet.
- Contact Allergens: Irritants like certain grasses, cleaning products, or carpet materials.
Veterinary treatment for allergies often involves a multi-faceted approach. This may include allergy medications, specialized injections, topical treatments, and medicated shampoos designed to soothe the skin. Dietary changes, such as limited ingredient diets (e.g., Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care or grain-free options), or veterinary-prescribed novel protein or hydrolyzed protein diets, may be necessary for true food allergies. For flea allergies, consistent use of vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives is essential. If infections develop due to allergies, your vet might prescribe oral and topical medications, along with a recovery cone to prevent further irritation.
3. Fleas and Ticks
Parasites like fleas and ticks are notorious for causing intense itching and discomfort, leading dogs to lick and bite their paws. These pests can be found in various environments, including bedding, carpets, grassy areas, and wooded spots. Regularly checking your dog for these parasites is vital.
A simple method is to use a flea comb to meticulously examine your dog’s skin and fur. Look for live insects or the characteristic black specks known as flea dirt. Ticks often hide in less visible areas like between the toes, under the legs, and behind the ears. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers, ensuring the entire tick, including its mouthparts, is extracted to prevent infection. A specialized tick removal tool can be very effective.
Preventing flea and tick infestations is best achieved through consistent use of vet-recommended preventative medications. Discuss the best options with your veterinarian, as they can recommend suitable prescription or over-the-counter products for your dog.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common degenerative joint disease, particularly affecting older dogs. While often associated with larger joints like hips and knees, arthritis can also impact the toes and paws, causing pain and inflammation. The breakdown of joint cartilage leads to stiffness and discomfort, which can result in increased licking of the affected areas.
Management strategies for canine arthritis often include:
- Physical Therapy and Exercise: Gentle, low-impact activities can help maintain joint mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Pain Management: Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to manage discomfort, depending on the severity of the arthritis.
5. Behavioral Issues
Beyond medical causes, behavioral or psychological factors can also contribute to excessive paw licking. Dr. Henao notes, “Just like people, pets can have behavioral and mental health problems that require support from their veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist.” Conditions such as anxiety, boredom, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest as compulsive behaviors like paw licking. Addressing these issues often requires a combination of environmental enrichment, behavioral modification, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a veterinary professional. For dogs exhibiting behavioral issues, exploring resources on dog training for behavior problems can offer valuable insights.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While occasional paw licking is normal, certain signs warrant an immediate visit to your veterinarian:
- Bleeding from the paws.
- Visible swelling of the paws.
- Persistent limping.
- Presence of pus or other discharge, indicating infection.
- Vocalization of pain, such as whimpering or crying, when paws are touched.
Prompt veterinary attention is crucial because untreated paw licking can lead to serious complications. Dr. Henao warns, “Paw licking can lead to bacterial infections of the paws called pododermatitis,” she says. “This condition can be painful and lead to infections that can be hard to treat.” Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of a swift and successful recovery.
Written by Janelle Leeson, Freelance Writer
