It’s something most dog lovers we know have seen at some point. Our pups suddenly start licking their paws like crazy, and it seems like only treats or distractions can get them to stop. Even then the pause (pun intended!) doesn’t last long, and all we can do is wonder what’s up.
We wish there was a clear answer, but the truth is, when it comes to excessive paw licking, it could be a lot of things.
Your furry friend might just be bored and licking his or her paws because it’s soothing and something to do. In these cases, the fix is pretty easy—more stimulation will do the trick whether it’s extra play time, longer or more frequent walks, or puzzle or chew toys that keep them busy.
It could also be as straightforward as something caught between their toes, in which case a quick look will solve the problem.
But sometimes it’s not that simple. Paw licking could be a sign of something a bit more serious than a dull day or a stray thorn. The possibilities include:
- Allergies
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- A hidden injury
- Dermatitis
- Stress or anxiety
One thing’s for sure: constant paw licking isn’t good for our puppers. It can strip away their fur, irritate their skin, cause sores, and lead to a vicious cycle where licking creates problems that only trigger more licking.
If your dog starts licking his or her paws a lot, see if you can spot an obvious cause like a wound or a burr. If you don’t see anything, and there aren’t any signs of irritation, the problem could be something temporary like a little boredom, stress, or anxiety. In that case, a few CBD dog biscuits or a dose or two of our CBD oils may help see your pup through.
On the other hand, if the licking won’t stop and/or you see signs of irritation or pink or rust-colored stains (which come from lots of contact with saliva), it’s probably time to ask your vet to take a look.
Remember that occasional random licking is usually not a sign of anything wrong. Dogs will lick, and that’s okay. It’s only when the behavior gets out of hand that you need to take action. The good news is that in most cases, the problem is easily solved and your pup can go back to happily licking you instead!