Is your dog repeatedly licking and chewing their paws, even when you try to redirect their attention? While occasional paw licking can be a normal grooming or self-soothing behavior, excessive paw licking and chewing can signal an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention. Dr. Valentina Henao, a veterinarian and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Miami, explains that this behavior can stem from various causes, ranging from simple irritations to more complex medical conditions. Understanding these potential causes is the first step in helping your canine companion find relief.
Dogs naturally lick their paws for exploration, to clean themselves after a walk, or as a way to self-soothe. However, when this behavior becomes compulsive—meaning your dog cannot be easily distracted from it and may even cause harm to themselves—it’s time to investigate further. Working closely with your veterinarian is crucial to accurately diagnose the root cause and implement the appropriate treatment plan promptly.
1. Underlying Injuries or Pain
Aggressive paw licking or chewing can be a clear indication that your dog is experiencing pain or has sustained an injury. Beyond the excessive licking, you might also observe other signs of discomfort such as limping, reluctance to climb stairs, a general decrease in activity, or wincing when the paw is touched. Potential causes for this pain include:
- Cuts or abrasions: Small wounds on the paw pads or between the toes can cause significant discomfort.
- Foreign objects: Thorns, glass shards, or other debris embedded in the paw can lead to pain and inflammation.
- Insect stings or bites: A sting from a bee or wasp, or a bite from another insect, can cause localized pain, swelling, and itching. Dr. Henao advises checking for embedded stingers, which should be removed to prevent further allergic reactions or illness.
- Fractures or sprains: More severe injuries to the bones or ligaments in the paw or leg will undoubtedly cause pain.
If you suspect your dog is in pain due to an injury, it is essential to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Allergies and Resulting Infections
Allergies are a very common culprit behind excessive paw licking in dogs. These reactions can manifest anywhere on the body, but the paws are particularly susceptible due to their direct contact with environmental allergens. Allergies can lead to a range of issues, including:
- Pododermatitis: This is an inflammation of the skin on the paws, often caused by allergic reactions, infections, or parasites.
- Hot spots: These are intensely itchy, inflamed areas of skin that a dog may lick or chew obsessively, leading to secondary infections.
- Ear infections: Allergies often trigger ear infections, and the discomfort can sometimes lead dogs to focus their attention on their paws as well.
Allergens can be broadly categorized into three types:
- Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites, and grass can trigger seasonal or year-round allergies.
- Flea allergies: A simple flea bite can cause an intense allergic reaction in sensitive dogs.
- Food allergies or intolerances: Certain ingredients in your dog’s food, such as common proteins like chicken or beef, can cause adverse reactions.
Treating allergies often requires a multi-faceted approach. Your veterinarian may prescribe allergy medications, such as injections or oral tablets, to manage the immune response. Topical treatments, including medicated shampoos and conditioners, can help soothe irritated skin and treat infections. Dog food for allergies, particularly limited ingredient diets or those featuring novel proteins, can be highly effective for food sensitivities. If infections develop, your vet will prescribe appropriate oral and topical antibiotics or antifungals. A recovery cone may be necessary to prevent your dog from further irritating the affected areas.
3. Fleas and Ticks
Parasites like fleas and ticks are a frequent cause of itchiness and discomfort, leading dogs to excessively lick and chew their paws. These pests can infest your dog’s environment, including bedding, carpets, and outdoor areas like tall grass.
A thorough physical examination is the best way to detect fleas or ticks. Using a fine-toothed flea comb can help reveal the presence of tiny fleas or flea dirt (feces). Ticks often hide in less visible areas, such as between the toes, under the legs, or behind the ears. If you find a tick, it’s crucial to remove it carefully and completely using tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool to prevent leaving mouthparts embedded in the skin, which can cause infection.
Preventing and treating flea and tick infestations is straightforward with regular use of a vet-recommended flea and tick preventative medication for dogs. Your veterinarian can guide you on the most effective products available, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter options.
4. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects older dogs, but can also occur in younger dogs due to injury or genetics. While often associated with larger joints like the hips and knees, arthritis can also affect the smaller joints in a dog’s toes and paws. This condition causes cartilage breakdown, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Dogs experiencing arthritic pain in their paws may excessively lick the affected area as a way to try and soothe the discomfort.
Managing arthritis in dogs involves several strategies to improve comfort and mobility:
- Exercise and physical therapy: Gentle, low-impact exercises and physical therapy can help maintain joint flexibility and reduce pain.
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medication: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) specifically formulated for dogs, to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints.
- Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may support joint health.
5. Behavioral Issues and Compulsive Disorders
In some instances, even after ruling out medical causes like infections or allergies, a dog may continue to excessively lick and chew their paws due to behavioral or psychological issues. These can include:
- Anxiety or stress: Changes in routine, separation anxiety, or a stressful environment can trigger compulsive behaviors.
- Boredom: Insufficient physical and mental stimulation can lead dogs to develop self-soothing habits like paw licking.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Similar to humans, dogs can develop OCD, where behaviors like paw licking become compulsive and difficult to control.
Addressing behavioral issues often requires a combination of environmental enrichment, increased exercise, training, and sometimes, medication prescribed by a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
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 along with excessive paw licking:
- Bleeding from the paws
- Swollen paws
- Limping
- Pus or discharge, indicating infection
- Vocalization (whimpering, crying) when the paws are touched
Dr. Henao emphasizes that untreated paw licking can escalate into more serious problems, such as bacterial infections like pododermatitis. Early intervention is key to a simpler and more effective treatment, ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being.
