It’s normal for dogs to lick their paws as part of self-care — but when this becomes a habit, it might be a sign of something more.

From dry skin to allergies, there are many reasons dogs lick their paws — some reasons need more attention than others.

Let’s dive into potential causes and explore how you can help your dog feel more comfortable.

Normal grooming vs. excessive licking: what's the difference?

A little paw licking is part of natural grooming. Signs that paw licking might be a concern include:

• Frequent or prolonged licking

• Redness, swelling, or irritation on the paws

• Open sores or hair loss

• Limping or signs of pain when walking

If you notice these signs, speak to your veterinarian — there may be an underlying cause, that they can help you to address. Lyka’s Customer Care team can provide additional support in finding a diet solution suitable for dogs with sensitive skin.

Top reasons dogs lick their paws

1. Allergies

Dogs can experience allergies, just like humans. Allergies are one of the leading causes of excessive paw licking and may come from environmental triggers, food, or fleas.

• Environmental allergies: seasonal allergies like pollen or grass can cause itching.

• Food allergies: some dogs react to common ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat. Switching to a hypoallergenic diet, free from common food allergens, may help.

• Flea allergies: even one flea bite can cause itching and lead to licking.

What to do: look for patterns in your dog’s licking. Is it worse after meals or walks? If you suspect allergies, consult your veterinarian—they can suggest next steps, whether this involves an elimination diet or a long-term diet change.

🐶 Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief (with photos)

2. Skin irritations or infections

Your dog's paws are constantly exposed to the ground, which can lead to irritations from chemicals, grass, fungi, or bacteria.

• Contact dermatitis: irritants like certain plants can cause this.

• Fungal or bacterial infections: moist paws can develop yeast infections or bacterial growth, causing intense itching.

What to do: check for redness, sores, or unusual smells. Make sure your pup’s paws are clean and dry especially after walks and see your veterinarian if an infection is present.

🐶 Read more: 9 common dog skin conditions: how to spot and treat them

3. Pain or injury

Licking can be a response to pain from small injuries like cuts, splinters, or even joint pain in older dogs.

What to do: inspect your dog’s paws regularly. If they limp or lick due to pain, especially if they have arthritis, visit your veterinarian for a check-up.

4. Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause significant irritation, leading to licking. Mites, such as those that cause mange, can burrow into the skin, causing itching.

What to do: use regular flea prevention and check your dog for ticks or fleas. If you suspect mites, visit your veterinarian for treatment.

5. Anxiety or stress

Licking may also be a self-soothing behavior when dogs feel anxious, stressed, or bored.

• Boredom: dogs without enough stimulation may lick to pass the time.

• Separation anxiety: some dogs lick their paws when left alone.

What to do: increase your dog’s exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys and regular playtime can help reduce stress. In severe cases, consult your veterinarian or a behaviourist.

🐶 Read more: 9 types of enrichment for dogs

What you can do to relieve discomfort for your dog

1. Regular grooming

Keep your dog’s paws clean and dry to prevent irritations or infections. After walks, especially in wet conditions, wipe their paws. Trim the fur between paw pads and keep nails short.

2. Hypoallergenic diets

If allergies are the cause, switch to a novel protein, real-food diet. Lyka’s hypoallergenic dog food is formulated to support dogs with known food allergies or intolerances, as well as being suitable for use in elimination diets.

🐶 Read more: What is hypoallergenic dog food?

3. Environmental changes

For dogs with environmental allergies, wipe paws after walks, avoid grassy areas during pollen seasons, and apply dog-safe salves to protect their skin.

4. Mental stimulation and exercise

If boredom or anxiety is causing licking, it could be worth increasing mental and physical engagement. Puzzle toys, new activities, and regular exercise can help keep your dog occupied and reduce stress-related licking.

Addressing the root cause of excessive paw licking

Excessive paw licking may signal issues like allergies, inflammation, or poor gut health — often influenced by what they eat.

Switching to a more balanced diet can make a big difference. Lyka’s gently cooked meals use real ingredients to nourish your dog inside out. Our food is formulated to be free from common food allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn, and are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Order your first box and soothe your dog's discomfort today.