Paws & Limbs

Why Is My Dog Licking Their Paws?

6 min read Vet-informed guidance

A bit of paw-licking is normal grooming. But if your dog is constantly licking, chewing or nibbling their paws — sometimes to the point of red, sore skin — there’s usually an underlying reason worth tracking down. Here are the common causes and what helps.

Common reasons for paw-licking

Allergies are the number-one cause — to pollen, grass, food or things in the environment. Other reasons include irritation, a trapped grass seed, dry or cracked pads, a paw injury, or even boredom and stress when it becomes a habit.

What to check

Have a good look (and sniff) at the paws.

Redness or soreness between the toes and on the pads
A brown stain on the fur from constant licking
Cracked or dry pads
Anything stuck between the toes, like a grass seed
A pattern — after walks, certain times of year, or when bored

How to help

Soothe the skin and tackle the cause.

Wipe and dry paws after walks, especially in allergy season
Soothing balms for dry or irritated pads
Omega oils to support skin and coat from within
Keep on top of flea and parasite prevention
Address boredom with enrichment if licking is habitual

Signs to look for

Constant lickingRed between toesStained furCracked pads

When to see your vet. See your vet if the skin is broken, sore, swollen or smelly, or the licking is constant — persistent paw-licking often needs an allergy or infection treating before it will settle.