Why Your Pup Excessively Licks His Paws

We’ve all watched our dogs as they have licked their paws, and then kept licking, and kept licking. This is a common action, and usually wouldn’t signify a greater issue. However, excessive licking could be the sign of a potential problem, far greater than the concentration of grooming themselves. Excessive licking, and even paw chewing, could mean that there is something else going on, and what’s more is the fact that constant foot licking can cause a secondary infection due to the extra moisture. Keep reading to find out why your dogs excessively licks their paws, and what this could mean for your pup. And for more information on how to train your furry companion, become a member with Speak Dog!™, a platform with the best dog behavior training tips and methods you can find.  

Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Dogs, for the most part, lick their paws as a part of a self-grooming routine that is harmless to their well-being. Your pup may lick his paws after a meal, coming in from outside, or while settling down for a nap. If your pup is cleaning its paws every once in a while, then you have nothing to worry about. If it happens frequently or aggressively, however, it could be signs of a behavior issue of a health problem. 

Pain, Itch, or Irritation

A paw injury may explain why your pup has an onset of excessive paw-licking. If there is discomfort in their paw, whether it be from a sharp object or from hot pavement, your dog is going to do whatever he can to remove it. If it is caused from pain, then your pup may start limping, which is a sure sign that a visit to the vet is due. 

Food or Environmental Allergies

Food allergies in your dog occur when its immune system overreacts to some of the protein in the food. Your pup will do their best to relieve the itchiness caused by the food allergy, which can include paw licking, hot spots, diarrhea, and vomiting. Environmental allergies from grass, mold spores, dust mites, and plant pollen can cause your dog to lick their paw or scratch their ear often. If your pup tends to excessively lick their paw after visiting the park, they could have an environmental allergy. 

Anxiety

Anxious dogs will often try to find relief in the action of licking themselves excessively. Whether it be from separation from their owner for long periods of time, boredom, lack of proper exercise, or illness, dogs could lick their paws raw, but as long as there is no redness or swelling, then it shouldn’t be anything to worry about. 

Before diagnosing the action as something that isn’t an issue, be sure that you know what’s normal for your dog. Change in their health is subtle, and symptoms will only show themselves over a long period of time, making noticing a problem a bit more difficult. Taking your pup to a vet for a quick check-up is a preventative action that could help you and your pup in the long run. Join Steve’s Dog Park, a virtual meeting place for dog lovers to talk about their dogs! Become a member with Speak Dog! for dog behavior training tips.