Ever notice your dog fixated on their paws, or become agitated at that continuous licking noise? Dogs are well known for their love of licking, and some will happily snag a taste of anything (or anyone!) that comes their way. However, obsessive licking might’ve led you to wonder, ‘Why is my dog licking his paws?’
Typically, there is no cause for concern, but constant licking can actually suggest that your dog has skin or coat problems or a potential allergen. In this blog, we’ll explain reasons why your dog might be licking their paws, as well as tell you the importance of natural fresh dog food for a healthy, glossy coat.
Let’s try to understand paw licking in a bit more detail…
Is it normal for dogs to lick their paws?
Yes, paw licking is a common dog behaviour, in an attempt for them to clean dirty paws or between their toes, as a grooming routine. You might see your dog licking their paws right after a walk, and they are probably doing this to remove dirt or debris they have collected along the way.
While it is pretty normal, there are some signs to look for that could suggest something else is wrong. If you notice that your dog’s paw licking is really repetitive, or causing redness, hair loss, or damage to your dog’s skin and fur, then it might be something a bit more serious.
Why is my dog constantly licking his paws?
If you have noticed obsessive licking, there are a number of reasons why they might be drawn to their paws. And it could be any of the following:
Allergies – Just like humans, dogs can get allergies. And, they could be allergic to a whole range of things! These allergies can leave their skin feeling itchy and irritated, and licking their paws might be helping to relieve discomfort.
Skin infections – Your pup might lick their paws to ease swelling and inflammation caused by lingering bacteria.
Parasites – Fleas, ticks, and mites can also cause irritation to your dog’s skin. If you’ve noticed your dog’s licking has started suddenly after spending time outdoors, then it’s definitely time to check for parasites.
Paw pad problems – Cuts, scrapes, and grass seeds can get stuck in paws and be extremely painful for dogs. Your dog can even suffer from dry, cracked pads on their paws, especially during the cold winter months or burnt paw pads in the summer.
Arthritis or joint pain – Another reason your dog might be licking themselves could be down to joint achiness or arthritis. Arthritis can be quite common in older dogs, and their source of pain might be the joint or limb itself rather than their paw.
Boredom – Believe it or not, some dogs simply lick their paws because they are bored. They might not be getting enough mental or physical stimulation, so make sure you’re setting enough play time.
Paw irritations – Even small things like a tiny pebble or road grit stuck in your dog’s paws can lead to excess licking.
When to be worried about excessive paw licking
It’s extremely important that you look for warning signs, as this can determine whether you need to call the vet. If you do notice any of these signs, keep calm and call the vet rather than trying to manage them at home:
- Swelling, redness, or discharge around their paws
- Bleeding or open wounds
- Limping or unable to put one paw down
- Persistent licking that’s preventing them from sleeping or other daily activities
- A sudden change in licking frequency
- Other symptoms, like a reduced appetite, lethargy, unhealthy poos, or changes in their behaviour
Did you know that a natural diet does wonders for healthy skin?
As well as keeping your dog well groomed and clean, did you know how much of an impact their diet has on healthy coats and skin? Things like something being stuck in your dog’s paw require a relatively easy fix, but for dogs who do suffer from allergies, a hypoallergenic dog food might be the best option.
Natural, highly nutritious ingredients can provide the essential building blocks needed to maintain your dog’s skin’s protective barrier, repair their cells, and prevent dryness or inflammation. In particular, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are highly beneficial for reducing inflammation. That sounds like something Green Pantry can help with…
What our experts recommend
Here at Green Pantry, we’ve got a whole range of sensitive skin dog food, which has been specially made to support skin health in dogs and maintain a healthy coat, as well as single protein dog food, which is recommended for dogs who suffer from common food allergies.
A gorgeous shine starts from within, and all of our recipes feature nutritious and delicious ingredients that aim to be gentle on your dog’s coat and help to prevent any frustrating flare-ups.
Shop all our recipes:
Low Allergen Skin and Coat Care Fresh Food
Chicken with Pumpkin and Apple, Supporting Skin and Coat
For healthier, glossy coats, it has to be Green Pantry
Hopefully, this blog has answered your burning question: ‘Why is my dog licking his paws?’ While most of the time, it’s simply from boredom or a harmless habit, if you’ve noticed redness or damage to your dog’s paws, it’s time to take it more seriously.
At Green Pantry, your dog’s health is at the core of what we do. With completely natural recipes, you can see exactly what’s in the pantry, where each recipe looks as fresh as it would in your own kitchen before cooking.
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