Is your dog’s paw-licking habit escalating beyond a casual groom or a post-walk clean-up? Excessive paw licking and chewing can be a sign of underlying issues, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health concerns. Understanding the potential causes is the first step towards providing your canine companion with relief.
Dr. Valentina Henao, a veterinarian and medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Miami, highlights that this behavior can stem from various reasons, including common culprits like fleas or allergies, as well as injuries to the paws themselves.
5 Common Reasons for Excessive Paw Licking in Dogs
While it’s normal for dogs to lick their paws occasionally for exploration, self-soothing, or cleaning after a walk, persistent and aggressive licking or chewing warrants a closer look. If your dog’s paw licking doesn’t cease when distracted by toys, food, or a walk, and they are causing harm to themselves, it’s crucial to identify the root cause.
Working with your veterinarian is essential to pinpoint the reason behind your dog’s paw licking so that the issue can be promptly addressed.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of excessive paw licking and chewing in dogs:
1. Injuries or General Pain
Aggressive paw licking or chewing can be a clear indicator of pain or injury. You might also observe other signs of discomfort, such as limping, reluctance to use stairs, or a general decrease in activity. Potential causes of paw pain include:
If you suspect your dog has been stung, check for an embedded stinger, as “We must remove stingers that can cause allergic reactions and make your pets sick,” advises Dr. Henao. Similarly, if you discover a cut or suspect pain from any other source, consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
2. Allergies
Allergies can manifest in various ways across a dog’s body, leading to skin and paw infections, hot spots, and ear infections. Identifying the specific allergen can be complex, as they can originate from:
Dr. Henao explains that veterinarians often employ a multifaceted approach to manage underlying allergies. This can include allergy medications, injections, specialized dog food for allergies, topical treatments, and medicated shampoos.
Dietary changes may also be recommended. If your dog suffers from a food intolerance, your vet might suggest a limited-ingredient diet. For true food allergies, a veterinary diet formulated with novel or hydrolyzed proteins could be beneficial.
Addressing flea allergies involves using a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative. If allergies are causing infections, topical and oral medications, along with a recovery cone to prevent further licking and irritation, may be necessary.
3. Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are common external parasites that can trigger itching, licking, and biting in dogs. These pests can inhabit various environments frequented by dogs, including bedding, carpets, toys, soil, tall grasses, and wooded areas.
A simple way to check for fleas or ticks is a thorough physical examination using a flea comb. Signs of fleas include the presence of small, moving insects on the dog’s skin and dark specks, known as flea dirt. Ticks are often found between the toes, under the legs, and behind the ears.
If you find a tick, carefully remove it using tweezers by grasping it at the base, closest to your dog’s skin. Ensure the entire tick, including its mouthparts, is removed, as any remaining parts can lead to a serious skin infection. Using a specialized tick spoon can help ensure complete removal.
Fortunately, parasites like fleas and ticks can be effectively prevented and treated with vet-recommended flea and tick preventative medications for dogs. Discuss available options with your veterinarian, including both prescription and over-the-counter choices, to determine the best course of action for your dog.
4. Arthritis
Arthritis is a prevalent condition in older dogs, affecting not only major joints like the hips and legs but also the toes. [cite:0, cite:1] This progressive disease involves the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulties with paw or limb mobility.
Several strategies can help alleviate discomfort and improve your dog’s movement:
- Exercise and Physical Therapy: Low-impact activities and consistent joint movement can help reduce the pain associated with arthritic joints.
- Anti-inflammatory and Pain Medications: Depending on the severity of arthritis, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to manage pain.
5. Behavioral Issues
“Just like people, pets can have behavioral and mental health problems that require support from their veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist,” notes Dr. Henao. In some instances, even after addressing medical conditions like infections or allergies, a dog may continue to lick and chew their paws due to:
Partnering with Your Veterinarian for Treatment
While paw licking is not typically considered an emergency, Dr. Henao recommends seeking veterinary attention promptly if your dog exhibits:
- Bleeding from their paws.
- Swollen paws.
- Limping.
- Pus or other discharge, indicating infection.
- Whimpering, wincing, or crying out when touched.
It is crucial to collaborate with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s paw licking for swift resolution. Dr. Henao cautions that untreated causes can escalate into more significant problems.
“Paw licking can lead to bacterial infections of the paws called pododermatitis,” she states. “This condition can be painful and lead to infections that can be hard to treat.” Early detection often leads to a simpler and more effective solution.
References:
- Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Locations. veterinaryemergencygroup.com. Accessed January 7, 2026.
- Arthritis in Dogs. petmd.com. Accessed January 7, 2026.
