Concern about a dog's paw licking is warranted when it becomes compulsive, lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by visible signs of pain, skin irritation, or infection. Key indicators include red/swollen skin, hair loss, a foul odor, or, this video on YouTube, that they are injuring themselves.

When should I worry about my dog licking his paws?

You should worry about your dog licking their paws if it becomes excessive, obsessive, or lasts more than a day or two, especially if you see signs like redness, swelling, discharge, odor, bleeding, limping, hair loss, or raw skin, as these indicate underlying issues like allergies, infections, injuries, or anxiety that need veterinary attention to prevent serious complications like pododermatitis. Occasional licking is normal, but persistent licking signals a problem.

What is your dog trying to warn about when they lick their paws?

When your dog excessively licks their paws, they're often warning you about underlying issues like pain/injury (cuts, thorns, burns, arthritis), allergies (food, pollen, chemicals causing itchiness), parasites (fleas, ticks), or skin infections (yeast/bacterial), but it can also signal stress, anxiety, or boredom. While occasional grooming is normal, persistent licking signals discomfort, so check paws for foreign objects, wounds, or redness, and consult your vet if the behavior continues to rule out medical problems like infections or arthritis.

How do vets diagnose paw-licking issues?

Diagnosing Paw Issues in Pets

A veterinarian can perform a thorough paw inspection, checking for signs of injury, infection, or foreign material. If needed, a skin cytology can be run to identify yeast or bacterial overgrowth or a microscopic exam for parasites.

How can I soothe my dog's irritated paws?

6 Effective at-home remedies for dog itchy paws

1. Regular paw cleaning and hygienic wipes. ...
2. Paw balm or moisturizer. ...
3. Oatmeal paw soaks. ...
4. Diluted apple cider vinegar rinses. ...
5. Dog booties (barrier method) ...
6. Nutrient-Rich Dog Food for Skin and Paw Health.

Excessive Paw Licking? Why it happens and What you can do.

What diseases cause paw licking in dogs?

Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate a pet's paws, causing them to lick excessively in response to the itching. Skin Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can develop on a pet's paws, leading to itching and subsequent licking.

Do dogs lick their paws when sick?

Dog Infections

Skin infections can also cause a dog to have itchy skin, and this can cause excessive paw licking if the infection goes over their feet. Most of the time the kinds of infections that cause the paws to become itchy in dogs include yeast and fungal infections.

Do dogs lick their paws if in pain?

Dog Licking Paws

If you're wondering how to stop your dog from licking its paws, it's important to first understand that excessive paw licking is often a sign of pain or discomfort. Excessive paw licking in dogs is a common sign that something may be wrong, often indicating pain or discomfort.

What does yeast look like in between dogs' paws?

Discharge or sores: There may be a discharge present or sores between the toes or around the edges of the paw pads. These may appear as small bumps, open sores, or scaly patches. Changes in paw appearance: The affected paw may have flaky, crusty or thickened skin, and a greasy texture or appearance.

How do I know if my dog has a bacterial or yeast infection?

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell if your dog's infection is caused by either bacteria or yeast. Both can cause similar symptoms and appearance in your dog, but yeast infections often lead to more skin thickening, a greasy haircoat, and more odor.

When should I worry about paw licking?

When should I worry about my dog licking their paws? If it's happening often, causing damage, or your dog seems uncomfortable, it's time to talk to your vet.

What is your dog trying to tell you when it licks its paws?

When your dog excessively licks their paws, they're often warning you about underlying issues like pain/injury (cuts, thorns, burns, arthritis), allergies (food, pollen, chemicals causing itchiness), parasites (fleas, ticks), or skin infections (yeast/bacterial), but it can also signal stress, anxiety, or boredom. While occasional grooming is normal, persistent licking signals discomfort, so check paws for foreign objects, wounds, or redness, and consult your vet if the behavior continues to rule out medical problems like infections or arthritis.

What home remedy is good for dogs licking paws?

If your dog won't stop licking their paws, start by checking for signs of injury, irritation, or allergies. Then try natural home remedies like oatmeal soaks, apple cider vinegar sprays (on unbroken skin), or DIY paw balms to relieve discomfort.

When should I see a vet for paw issues?

Call your pet's veterinarian if you notice blisters, swelling, bleeding, limping, or embedded objects in the paws or paw pads. Emergency treatment can improve your pet's comfort and reduce the risk of infection.

Will Benadryl help my dog's itchy paws?

While antihistamines, such as Benadryl®*, have historically been an accessible and easy over-the-counter option for relief, studies have demonstrated that they have little to no effect on long-term skin allergies and dog itchiness.

Can you put hydrogen peroxide on a dog's paws for yeast infection?

Avoid unverified home remedies like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, and instead, consult your veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

What foods cause yeast infections in dogs' paws?

Allergens that lots of dogs are sensitive to, such as grain or dairy products, could be responsible for triggering their yeast infections. Going for a grain-free dog food and/or avoiding dairy products and other common allergens entirely will likely help.

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

---