Most dog owners will recognize it: a dog licking or chewing its paws. Occasional licking, for example after a walk, is normal and part of self-grooming. However, when a dog licks its paws excessively or obsessively, it may be a sign of discomfort or an underlying health issue.
Dogs may lick their paws to relieve pain, but also in response to itching, allergies, or stress. Excessive biting and licking can lead to skin damage or secondary bacterial infections. That’s why it’s important to identify the cause of persistent licking and/or chewing and, if necessary, find an appropriate solution together with your veterinarian.
Both visible injuries and internal pain can cause dogs to excessively lick or chew their paws. For example:
Some dogs have a reduced skin barrier function, which allows allergens to penetrate more easily. This makes them more sensitive to environmental allergens such as dust mites and pollen. Other factors such as temperature fluctuations, stress, and hormones can worsen the symptoms. When these triggers irritate the skin, certain substances are released that cause inflammation and itching. If the dog then starts scratching and licking, the skin becomes further damaged and the inflammation may worsen.
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites are a common cause of itching, which can lead a dog to lick its paws excessively. Fleas can be found anywhere on the body. To check if your dog has fleas, you can use a flea comb. If you find black specks in the comb, place them on a damp, white tissue. Do they turn reddish on the tissue? Then it’s often flea dirt. On dogs with a light coat color, you may also notice small moving insects or black specks (flea dirt) on the skin.
Ticks are usually found on the head, on or behind the ears, on the neck, on the legs, and between the toes. When you find a tick, it’s important to remove it correctly, since improper removal can lead to (serious) skin infections.
Various types of allergies can cause a dog to have itchy paws. Food allergies are often difficult to identify, as the symptoms are general and may also occur with flea allergies or parasitic infections. If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet can be carried out in consultation with the veterinarian to discover which ingredient is causing the allergic reaction.
In addition, dogs may suffer from seasonal allergies such as hay fever, reacting to pollen, grasses, and/or dust mites. Allergic reactions can also occur after insect bites such as from fleas or mosquitoes, which can result in itching and skin irritation on the paws.
Dogs may lick or chew their paws as a way to soothe themselves when experiencing stress or anxiety. This can be caused by various factors, such as changes in the living environment, separation anxiety, or insufficient mental and physical stimulation. It is therefore important to identify the cause of the stress so that adjustments can be made in the dog’s environment or daily routine to reduce stress.
OCD is a condition in which dogs display obsessive and compulsive behaviors, such as constantly licking and chewing their paws. This may result from boredom, but can also stem from past negative experiences or genetic predisposition. To prevent boredom, it’s important to provide sufficient physical and mental stimulation, such as regular walks, training, and playtime. You can also offer special toys to prevent boredom. If OCD is suspected, it is important to consult the veterinarian so that a treatment plan can be developed together.
