Hey puppy! We love your playful paws too, but why are you kissing them? That seems weird!

by JD Hancock

Photo of a dog licking paws Photo by pwever

This is the first of a two-part series on paw-licking. If you’d like get right to common causes and possible remedies, skip to Part 2.

Part 1. Things You Can Do Now

It is quite common for healthy, furry animals to lick their paws for a variety of reasons, but when a dog frequently licks his/her paws, it can be an indication of a deeper problem. We can give you some background on the issue and solid suggestions, but please take to heart these two very important considerations before proceeding:

  1. If the licking goes on for more than a day or two, your dog could have a serious medical issue. As a responsible pet owner, you need to get your dog to the veterinarian right away. Diagnosing the root cause of paw-licking is a complex process best left to a vet that you trust. The sooner your dog’s paw-licking issue is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.

  2. Be skeptical of cures that sounds too good to be true. As you research your dog’s paw-licking you may discover scam artists offering lotions, diets, alcohol-based remedies, sprays, specialized collars, or supplements that claim to be the “one true cure” of canine paw-licking. Often well-meaning pet owners are lead astray with hollow promises and phony treatments that either do nothing or make the situation worse. Please consult your veterinarian before purchasing any kind of treatment for your pet.

Having said that, we will give you some ideas to think about as you consider a trip to the vet to unravel the mystery of your dog’s excessive paw-licking, starting with a series of questions.

Important Pre-vet Questions

While you prepare for a visit to the veterinarian, you should ask yourself the following questions:

For The Modern Dog | Pet Fancy

  • Is your dog licking one paw or more? If more, which other paw(s) is he/she licking?

  • Has your dog been acting unusual in other ways?

  • Have you heard increased whining and barking lately?

  • Have you seen decreased interest in food or play time?

  • Does your dog have an odd limp?

  • Has something important recently changed, such as your dog’s diet, a new playmate, or a different play area?

  • Have you noticed your dog exhibiting other uncommon behavior related his/her paws, such as rubbing them on rough surfaces?

  • Has your dog become more or less aggressive lately?

  • Can you see any unexplained growths or lumps on the paw(s)?

  • Are there foreign bodies on the paw(s) such as bugs or debris from outdoors?

  • Do the surface of your dog’s paws look unusual in any way: red, inflamed, encrusted, or swollen?

  • Does the licking coincide with your dog returning home after being outdoors?

  • Does your dog paw-lick regardless of who is near him/her?

Having the answers to these questions may be key to helping your veterinarian properly diagnose your dog’s paw-licking problem.

What Can I Do Next?

Read on for many common causes of paw-licking and possible treatments.

Proceed to Part 2 =>