If your dog licks its paws a lot, this may be due to itching, irritation, allergies, parasites, infections, foreign objects or pain. Occasional licking is part of normal grooming behaviour, but when it becomes repetitive and causes redness, hair loss or sores, it is advisable to investigate the cause.
Paws are in constant contact with the ground, plants, moisture and irritants, so they can easily develop skin problems. Furthermore, allergies often manifest in this area as licking, chewing and redness between the toes.
If your dog licks its paws every day or the problem keeps coming back, a veterinary dermatology clinic in Benissa It helps to determine whether there is an allergy, an infection, parasites or another skin condition.
Common reasons why a dog licks its paws
Excessive licking can have various causes, and in some dogs, several of these may occur at the same time. Among the most common are:
- Environmental allergies.
- Adverse reactions to food.
- Fleas, mites or other parasites.
- Bacterial or yeast infections.
- Thorns, splinters or other foreign objects.
- Wounds, cuts or burns on the paw pads.
- Irritation caused by cleaning products, grass or other substances.
- Broken nails or problems in the interdigital spaces.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- Stress, boredom or compulsive behaviour.
The pattern of licking provides useful information. When it affects several paws and occurs repeatedly, allergies are a significant possibility. If the dog suddenly starts licking just one paw, it is advisable to rule out an injury, a thorn, a broken nail or localised pain.
Could it be due to an allergy?
Yes. Allergies are a common cause of paw licking in dogs. Contact with pollen, dust mites, mould and other environmental allergens can cause itching, redness and discomfort between the toes.
Dogs with allergic conditions may also suffer from recurrent ear infections, itching on the face, abdomen or armpits, and skin problems that occur seasonally or all year round.
There is no single test that can confirm all allergies. A dermatological diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s medical history, the distribution of the lesions and the ruling out of other causes such as parasites, infections or food reactions.
Could it be a food allergy?
An adverse reaction to certain foods can also cause itching and paw licking. Some dogs also suffer from recurrent ear infections, skin redness or digestive problems, although the latter do not occur in all cases.
Where a food-related cause is suspected, a strict elimination diet may be recommended for the period specified by the vet. Changing your pet’s food for just a few days or trying out lots of different foods does not allow you to properly confirm or rule out an allergy.
A veterinary nutritional assessment It can help you design a suitable elimination diet and avoid treats, supplements or ingredients that might interfere with the diagnosis.
What is the relationship between bacteria and yeasts?
Constant licking keeps the skin moist and can encourage the growth of bacteria and yeasts. In turn, these infections increase the itching and cause the dog to lick the area even more, creating a vicious circle that is difficult to break without treatment.
Redness between the toes, swelling, an unpleasant odour, brown discolouration of the hair, greasiness, discharge, scabs or small lesions may occur.
The veterinary skin cytology It enables bacteria, yeasts and inflammatory cells to be observed under a microscope and helps in choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Can my pet have parasites even if I can’t see any fleas?
Yes. Not finding any fleas during a home check does not mean they can be ruled out entirely. A dog that is allergic to flea saliva can develop severe itching after just a few bites.
Mites are also not usually visible to the naked eye, and some infestations can cause severe itching on the legs, face, ears and other parts of the body.
For this reason, it is important to maintain a suitable plan for external parasite treatment for dogs and use products suited to the animal’s weight, age and lifestyle.
What happens if it only licks one paw?
If the licking starts suddenly and affects only one paw, you should carefully check the paw pads, claws and spaces between the toes.
It may be a thorn, a splinter, a cut, a minor burn, a sting, a broken nail or a foreign body. In some areas, thorns can penetrate the skin and migrate into deeper tissues, causing inflammation, pain or abscesses.
Do not insert tweezers or try to probe deeply into an inflamed or painful area. If you notice a wound, discharge, swelling or lameness, it is best to seek veterinary advice.
Could licking their paws be a sign of pain?
Yes. Some dogs lick a joint or a limb because they are in pain, and not necessarily because they have a skin condition.
This should be suspected in particular if the dog is licking just one paw and is also limping, avoids putting weight on it, has difficulty getting up or shows signs of discomfort after exercise.
In such cases, an assessment of veterinary orthopaedics and traumatology to rule out joint, muscle or tendon problems.
Could it be down to stress or boredom?
Some dogs develop repetitive licking behaviours linked to stress, anxiety or a lack of stimulation. However, one should not assume that the problem is behavioural before ruling out medical causes.
Allergies, infections, parasites and pain are common causes and may co-exist with emotional factors. If the licking continues after the physical problems have been treated, it may also be necessary to assess the environment and behaviour.
Warning signs if your dog licks its paws a lot
Ask for a veterinary check-up if you notice:
- Persistent licking or nibbling.
- Redness between the toes.
- Swelling of one or more legs.
- Hair loss.
- Bad smell.
- Wounds, scabs or bleeding.
- Discharge or pus.
- Brown discolouration of the hair caused by constant licking.
- Limp or pain.
- A broken nail.
- A possible foreign object or spike.
- Ear infections or itching in other parts of the body.
If the paw swells rapidly, the dog is unable to put weight on it or is in severe pain, it is advisable to bring forward the assessment.
How is the cause diagnosed?
The vet will examine the legs, claws, paw pads and spaces between the toes, and check for any injuries on other parts of the body. They will also ask when the problem started, whether it affects one or more legs, and whether it occurs at certain times of the year.
Depending on the circumstances, the following may be recommended:
- Skin cytology.
- Scrapings for mite analysis.
- Inspection for spikes or foreign objects.
- A culture should be taken if there are recurrent or resistant infections.
- Elimination diet for suspected food allergies.
- Further dermatological tests.
- X-rays or other tests if joint pain is suspected.
The aim is not simply to stop the licking, but to identify what is causing the itching, irritation or pain.
What you can do at home
Check your dog’s paws after walks in areas with vegetation, particularly during the seed-heading season. Check the spaces between the toes, the paw pads and the nails, and remove only any surface debris that can be easily removed without causing pain.
Keep their paws clean and dry, but avoid washing them repeatedly with soap, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or disinfectants that may irritate the skin.
Do not apply creams, corticosteroids, antibiotics, essential oils or home remedies without veterinary advice. If the dog is licking a wound, it may be necessary to temporarily prevent it from accessing the area whilst the cause is identified and treated.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Book an appointment if your dog licks its paws every day, or if there is redness, swelling, sores, a foul odour, hair loss, discharge or recurring episodes. You should also seek advice if the licking is accompanied by an ear infection, itching in other areas or lameness.
At Benivet Benissa, we can assess whether the problem is related to allergies, parasites, infections, foreign bodies, diet, pain or other causes, and select the most appropriate tests for each case.
If your dog licks its paws a lot and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary check-up.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
