Why Dogs Lick Their Paws & When It’s a Concern

Dogs do lots of quirky things, from chasing their tails to barking at the vacuum, and yes, even licking their paws. When done occasionally, paw-licking or light biting can be a normal and healthy part of their grooming routine. However, if you’ve noticed the licking is almost non-stop, something more serious might be going on. 

In this blog, we’ll help you figure out whether your pooch’s licking is nothing more than harmless self-care or a red flag. And if it is cause for concern, we’ll share with you easy, at-home ideas that will help support your pup’s comfort during allergy season. 

The Main Reasons Dogs Lick Their Paws

Even though dogs don’t groom as thoroughly as cats, grooming behaviors are woven into their nature, even in puppies as young as a few weeks old.[1] 

Just as a dog's fur gets dirty and needs regular grooming, so do their paws. In general, it’s normal for dogs to groom themselves for a few minutes throughout the day. 

Healthy self-grooming behaviors typically include the following: 

• Licking: Dogs commonly lick themselves to clean fur, soothe minor irritations, or remove debris. Areas like paws, genitals, and legs are often the focus.

• Scratching: Occasional scratching with hind legs is normal, especially around the ears or neck. It can help remove loose fur or relieve minor itches.

• Chewing or nibbling: Some dogs gently chew at their legs or tails to remove mats or minor irritants like grass seeds or dry skin. 

However, if you’re noticing obsessive patterns of licking, scratching, and chewing, or redness, swelling, and sleep disturbances, this could signal that there’s a problem. 

Common Causes: Allergies, Infections & Anxiety 

Itching and licking can stem from various causes—some physical, some emotional. Here are some of the most common reasons dogs have severe or persistent symptoms:

Once you’ve noticed your dog can’t resist the urge to lick, scratch, or chew, it’s probably time to schedule a checkup so your vet can help determine the root cause and create a relief plan

What Triggers the Itch: How Seasonal Shifts Affect Sensitive Dogs

Seasonal allergies are among the most common reasons dogs get itchy paws, especially in the spring and summer when grasses are present and pollen levels spike. 

When dogs are exposed to seasonal triggers, their immune system may perceive them as threats. This causes mast cells in the body to release histamine, which increases blood flow to the affected areas and activates nerve endings, leading to sensations of itchiness and redness.[2] As a result, dogs may lick or chew at their paws, skin folds, or other irritated spots for relief.

Certain breeds may be even more prone to this type of seasonal irritation and reaction. These include:

• Bulldogs: The deep skin folds and short snouts of bulldogs tend to trap allergens and moisture, making their skin more susceptible to inflammation. 

• Labradors: Labradors are one of the most commonly reported breeds to experience common environmental allergies because their immune systems respond quickly to foreign substances.

• Terriers: Terriers are prone to excessive paw licking due to their sensitive skin and overactive immune systems, which can cause them to react unnecessarily.

Not quite sure if it’s allergies? Try keeping a diary of symptoms and triggers, and see if they match the symptoms discussed above. When pet parents begin to notice a pattern of symptoms, this is when they may choose to make a vet appointment or offer seasonal support.

Home Remedies & Natural Support for Itchy Paws

Every itch may not require a vet visit, but that doesn’t mean your pup has to endure allergy season. If you feel like your dog’s symptoms seem mild and manageable, there are simple ways you can offer comfort from home that can make a big difference inside and out. 

Try implementing these ideas into your dog’s routine: 

Paw Patrol: 4 Quick Methods You Can Do at Home

1. Wipe paws after walks to remove pollen and/or allergens.

2. Use paw balms to create a protective barrier against grass and pollen while helping to soothe dry or cracked pads. 

3. To flush away environmental allergens, rinse your dog's paws with a solution of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar (avoid broken skin).

4. Giving Epsom salt soaks (if infection isn’t present) may help soothe and rinse away irritants stuck between their pads. 

Mindful Internal Support: Itch & Allergy Soft Chews

These delicious meat-flavored Itch & Allergy Soft Chews are formulated with potent ingredients like Alaskan salmon oil, apple cider vinegar, and colostrum to help maintain normal histamine levels and support a healthy skin and immune response during seasonal challenges* 

Supplement Add-Ons That Make a Difference

• Digestive Soft Chews: An easy-to-digest formula with a probiotic enzyme blend to support a healthy gut during allergy season.

• Skin & Coat Soft Chews: Help protect your pooch against external irritants with omega-3s designed to boost skin moisture and cod liver oil to support hydrated skin barrier function.  

Don’t Let the Paws Do the Talking—Act Early!

Licking and scratching aren’t always bad, and oftentimes, it’s just part of normal dog behavior. But if you’re constantly catching your pup in a full-on licking frenzy out of the corner of your eye, it could be a sign of something deeper.

This spring and summer, being proactive is the best way to support your pup’s comfort and well-being. Start by tracking their grooming behaviors and watching for early signs like red or irritated paws, frequent sneezing or watery eyes, or more licking and chewing, especially after being outside. 

Catching these signs early can help you decide when to try at-home care, natural supplements, or when it might be time for a vet visit.

Ready to help your dog stop licking and start living comfortably? Explore our bestselling Itch & Allergy Soft Chews and see why thousands of pet parents trust PupGrade to support seasonal and year-round health.

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This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Serpell, J., Duffy, D. L., & Jagoe, J. A. (2016). Becoming a dog: Early experience and the development of behavior. In J. Serpell (Ed.), The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People (pp. 93–117). Chapter, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

2. Rossbach, K., Stark, H., Sander, K., Leurs, R., Kietzmann, M., & Bäumer, W. (2009). The histamine H receptor as a new target for treatment of canine inflammatory skin diseases. Veterinary dermatology, 20(5-6), 555–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00854.x