Why Your Dog Keeps Licking Their Paws (And How To Help)
Seeing your dog lick their paws occasionally is usually no biggie. But if it’s happening all the time and you’re asking yourself, “Why is my dog licking their paws constantly?” it might be a clue that something’s bothering your furry friend. As New Zealand’s go-to experts in pet care, we’re here to guide you through what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re ready to help you decode your dog’s behaviour.
1. Common Reasons Dogs Lick Their Paws
Paw licking can be a canine’s way of dealing with various discomforts. Here are the most common causes to consider:
- Allergies: Environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, and even grass can trigger itching. Some dogs also react to their food.
- Injury or irritation: A small cut, splinter, insect sting, or even stepping on something hot like asphalt can leave their paws sore.
- Infection: Yeast, bacteria, and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like paws. You might notice redness, swelling, or an odour.
- Anxiety or boredom: Dogs may over-groom as a calming mechanism when they're stressed, lonely or under-stimulated.
- Dry skin: Just like us, dogs can get dry, flaky skin in colder months or if they have underlying skin conditions.
If you’re worried about allergies or suspect a sensitivity, you might want to explore dog calming care or skin and coat treatments to support relief.
2. When Paw Licking Is a Problem
Some licking is normal, especially after a walk or meal. But if your dog is obsessively licking, chewing or biting their paws — or if you spot raw or bald spots — it’s time to take action. Watch for:
- Limping or signs of pain
- Strong-smelling paws or paw discharge
- Changes in behaviour, like restlessness or irritability
- Licking that’s disrupting sleep or daily activities
In these cases, it’s best to check in with your vet to get to the root cause.
3. How To Help Your Dog Feel Better
Once your vet has ruled out anything serious, there are some helpful at-home changes and products to ease paw licking:
- Try a soothing paw balm or dog-safe moisturiser for cracked or dry paws
- Switch to a hypoallergenic or science-based diet if food sensitivities are suspected
- Use calming supplements to reduce stress-related licking behaviours
- Enrich your dog’s playtime with interactive toys to combat boredom
- Keep paws clean with regular rinsing after walks, especially during allergy season
Some dogs may also benefit from specific supplements or flea and mite prevention if parasites are a concern.
4. Prevention Tips To Protect Those Precious Paws
A little proactive pet care can go a long way. Here’s how you can help stop paw-licking before it starts:
- Trim paw fur and nails regularly to reduce dirt and allergen build-up
- Wipe your dog’s paws post-walk with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe
- Keep their grooming routine consistent for healthy skin
- Use feeders or water fountains that help flush out toxins and keep their immune system strong
- Swap treats for natural alternatives to avoid common allergens
And if your dog is the anxious type, calming toys or ThunderShirts can also be a great addition to their routine.
5. Breeds That May Be More Prone To Paw Licking
Certain breeds are more likely to deal with allergies or sensitive skin. If you have one of these pups, it pays to be extra vigilant:
Knowledge is power — and understanding your breed’s potential health quirks can help keep them happy and itch-free.
When In Doubt, Trust Your Gut (And Your Vet)
If your dog’s paw licking feels excessive or just doesn’t sit right with you, it’s absolutely okay to get it checked. After all, you know your best mate better than anyone. At Petdirect, we’re right there with you — from puppyhood to golden years, and every wag in between.
Explore our hand-picked range of natural treats, skin supplements, and paw care essentials today. And don't forget to join our Pet Perks loyalty programme and earn Airpoints™ while you shop.