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It’s completely normal for dogs to lick their paws occasionally to clean them. But if your dog suddenly starts licking its paws much more frequently, there’s usually an underlying reason. Possible causes include pain, infections, dry skin, allergies, ticks and fleas, or road salt during winter.

If your dog is licking its paws for extended periods of time, it’s important to take action and contact your veterinarian to have the paws examined.

Dogs Lick Their Paws When They’re in Pain

One of the most common reasons dogs lick their paws is pain. It might be due to a splinter, a small cut, irritated debris, or even a broken nail—often caused during walks.

If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, you should consult your vet so the problem can be properly treated.

Irritating Infections

Your dog’s paws are constantly exposed to dirt and moisture when outside. Wet paws can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, which are extremely uncomfortable for dogs.

If infections are the reason behind the licking, try rinsing your dog’s paws in cold water after walks. Be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward so moisture doesn’t linger.

Dry Skin on the Paws

Some breeds are more prone to dry skin, which can affect the paws on a daily basis. Causes of dry paw pads can include overbathing, which strips the skin of its natural oils.

If your dog suffers from dry skin, consider giving it dietary supplements designed to support skin health. You can also buy paw balms or oils to soothe dry or irritated paw pads and reduce the licking urge.

Allergies Can Affect the Paws

Another potential cause of excessive paw licking is allergy-related discomfort. In some cases, a dog’s allergic reaction will present in the paws. Because allergies can be triggered by many things, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tick or Flea Irritation

Ticks and fleas are usually found elsewhere on the dog’s body, but they can also cause irritation on the paws. If your dog is flea-allergic, the issue may worsen quickly. In such cases, a flea and tick treatment may be necessary.

Road Salt in the Winter Months

Road salt is another common issue for dogs during winter. While it’s helpful for humans to prevent slips and accidents, it can be harsh on your dog’s soft paws. Salt can get stuck between the paw pads and in the fur, causing discomfort or pain.

That’s why you should always wipe your dog’s paws clean after winter walks to help maintain healthy and comfortable feet.

Paw Care for Your Dog

Whether your dog struggles with dry skin, allergies, small cuts from cold weather or salt—or if you simply want to provide a little extra care—there are many washes, creams, and balms available to help protect and soothe your dog’s paws.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.