What Does it Mean if Your Dog Licks Their Paws?

Dogs paws are incredibly hard-wearing. They withstand a lot, from long walks on rough terrain to hot and freezing temperatures. But they're not indestructible. If your dog is licking or chewing their paws more than usual, it could be a sign their feet need some TLC.

While paw licking is normal behaviour and part of your dog's self-grooming routine, excessive licking or chewing isn't. It's essential to check your dog's feet regularly to spot any potential problems early. To help you spot the tell-tale signs, we've explored paw licking and biting and the natural remedies to prevent it.

There are several reasons why dogs lick their paws, aside from the usual grooming habits. Here are the potential causes of your dog’s constant paw licking:

• Allergies
• Bacteria or fungal infection
• Dry skin
• Fleas and ticks
• A foreign body or wound
• Pain
• Stress and anxiety
• Boredom

Although dogs can have allergies all year round, they’re most common in the Spring and Summer. Throughout the warmer months, there’s generally more allergens, particularly in rural areas. As your dog spends more time outdoors, they’re also more likely to pick up potential irritants on their feet. Common allergens include pollen and grass, but also be wary of pesticides and fertilisers on farmland.

Unfortunately, bacteria and yeast infections are common in dogs. They can happen any time of year, although bacteria and fungus thrive in wet, humid conditions. If your dog loves wet or muddy walks, take extra care to keep their paws clean and dry. Pay special attention between the toes and paw pads to maintain healthy feet.

During the summer, the hot weather can harm your dog’s paws. Hot pavements and artificial grass can burn their paws, causing them to crack. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest time of the day and stick to cool surfaces like grass and woodlands. Use our natural paw balm to moisturise and protect your dog’s paws from heat damage.

Fleas and ticks can get anywhere, including in between your dog’s toes. Ticks especially like to hide in warm spots where you can’t find them. Fleas and ticks are a year-round pest, but your dog can be more at risk during the spring and summer months when numbers peak. If you catch your dog licking or gnawing on their feet, they could be trying to soothe an itch or painful bite.

You might not be able to see a foreign body in your dog's paw, but if they're in visible pain and limping, it's the most likely cause. In the summer months, be cautious of grass seeds. The arrow-shaped seeds can stick to your dog's feet, and if you don't spot them early, they can burrow between the toes and up the foot. Long-haired breeds are most vulnerable as grass seeds, and other foreign bodies can stick to their hairy feet.

Dogs lick and bite their paws to soothe any discomfort or pain. But this pain isn’t always confined to their feet. Sometimes excessive licking or biting is their way of distracting themselves from pain in other areas of the body. Look out for other symptoms and signs of distress to find the location of your dog’s pain. They may need vet care to get them back to full health.

If you can't work out why your dog licks their paws constantly, it might be stress or anxiety-related. Has there been a sudden change to your dog's environment or routine? Dog's are sensitive to change, which can cause anxiety or stress. Your dog's licking and biting help to relieve stress, much like nail-biting for humans.

Is your dog getting the exercise and stimulation they need throughout the day? If your dog lacks physical and mental stimulation, they may turn to paw licking and biting. When dogs are bored, they'll look for ways to ease their frustration. Some dogs may take their frustration out on your house, and some may pick up unhealthy habits.

Giving your dog’s feet a little extra TLC will help you to spot any potential problems early. But you can also prevent the causes before they happen. Here are some of our top tips to keeping your dog’s paws healthy to stop paw licking and biting:

Check your dog’s paws after walks – carefully checking your dog’s paws, their claws, and in between their toes after they’ve been outside will minimise injuries. Look out for grass seeds, dirt and debris to prevent not only injuries but potential foot infections.

Keep feet clean and healthy – maintain clean, healthy paws to remove bacteria and fungus before it has a chance to grow. Even if your dog’s feet don’t look dirty, they may still be coated with allergens and irritants. Regularly bathe your dog’s feet with our anti-bacterial anti-fungal dog shampoo to keep them fresh and clean. Or when you’re on the go, our anti-itch spray is perfect for removing dirt and bacteria quickly.

Don't forget flea and tick protection – it's easy to forget your dog's feet, but they're just as important when it comes to flea and tick repellent. Both fleas and ticks can attach to your dog's feet from the ground underneath them, even in your back garden. Choose a natural flea and tick shampoo to maintain safe protection against pesky fleas and ticks. For daily protection, use our flea and tick spray up to twice a day.

Don't forget flea and tick protection – it's easy to forget your dog's feet, but they're just as important when it comes to flea and tick repellent. Both fleas and ticks can attach to your dog's feet from the ground underneath them, even in your back garden. Choose a natural flea and tick shampoo to maintain safe protection against pesky fleas and ticks. For daily protection, use our flea and tick spray up to twice a day.

Soothe any stress or anxiety – ensure your dog is relaxed and happy to reduce paw licking and biting. For a little extra help creating a calming environment for your pup, try our natural calming and behaviour products. Our calming sprays, oil and supplements will soothe your dog’s anxieties the natural way, without the need for medication.

Explore our natural paw care products to protect your dog's paws and keep them healthy all-year-round. Suitable for even the most sensitive puppy paws.

Need convincing? Hear what our furry friend Harley had to say about our paw and nose balm: