There’s no denying that your dog is the cutest, but when the cute habit of cleaning their paws becomes excessive, there may be an underlying issue. Dogs naturally lick their paws to clean themselves, but constant licking may be a sign of anxiety, injury, or infection. Natural remedies can work wonders and help your dog without a trip to the vet. Here are some home remedies you can try to get your dog to stop licking their paws.

1

Examine your dog’s paws to see why they’re licking.

  1. There are a number of reasons why your dog is more interested in their paws. Knowing what’s causing your dog to lick can help you pick the best home remedy. Check your dog’s paws and monitor their behavior to see if any of these could be the cause:[1]
    • Dry skin can have your dog itching all over. Check your dog for dandruff and see if their paws are cracked and dry.
    • Airborne and food allergies can make your dog lick or chew their paws.[2]
    • Infections are more common than you’d think in dog’s paws. Your dog’s paws may be infected if they are swollen and discolored.
    • Injuries like cuts and bruises can be causing your dog to lick their paws. Check the pads of their paws for any unusual scraps or discoloration.
    • Boredom is often the leading cause of dog’s licking their paws. This could be an OCD-like tendency in your dog that can be treated with a new puzzle toy or bone.[3]
  2. Advertisement
2

Check the pads of your dog’s paws for cuts.

  1. Small scrapes could be hiding under your dog’s paws. Before trying any home remedy, do a thorough check of your dog’s paws to make sure they don’t have any cuts. Spread your dog’s toes gently to inspect the sides of their paw pads. Do not start a home remedy if your dog has a deep cut or tenderness in the area as they may need to see a vet.[4]
    • Notice if there’s any discoloration or swelling around their paw pads, and remove any debris like pebbles or dirt.
    • Your dog pulling away or whimpering when you inspect their paws could be a sign of tenderness.
    • Visit a vet if your dog has a deep wound, cut, or tenderness. It’s best to make sure the cut is not infected.
4

Give your dog an oatmeal bath.

  1. Soothe itchy, rashy skin with a natural anti-inflammatory. Oatmeal baths are a great way to help heal dry, cracked skin, and your dog can even get a treat out of it! Mix 2 cups (470 mL) of oatmeal in a warm bucket of water, and soak your furry friend’s paws in it for about 10 minutes.[6]
    • You may not be able to see results immediately, but their licking should lessen after a few soaks.
    • Oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, so let your pup have a few licks of their bath—especially if it helps them stay still![7]
8

Think of changing your dog’s diet.

  1. Common allergens could be causing your dog to lick their paws. Your dog’s immune system may be going haywire if they ate something they’re allergic to.[11] If their licking also comes with frequent diarrhea, reassessing their diet may be the solution.[12]
    • Wheat, soy, eggs, diary, beef, chicken, and fish are all common allergens in dogs.
    • Switch your dog to a simple, homemade diet that avoids common allergens to see if that helps.
    • Talk to your vet to see the best course of action for you and your dog moving forward. They may be able to recommend a new dog food to try.
10

Buy your dog a pair of dog booties.

  1. Your dog will be the coolest pup on the block while protecting their paws. Dog shoes are a thing, and they are one of the easiest ways you can protect your furry friend’s feet. Not only do these stylish booties protect their paw pads, they can also help stop excessive licking.[14]
    • It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the booties, so be patient and give them plenty of rewards.
11

Apply a paw balm to your dog’s paws.

  1. A slather of lotion can be a quick fix. Like us, dogs' skin can crinkle and crack when the weather changes. Your dog’s paw pads are delicate, and running between hot, cold, and rough surfaces can make their skin irritated. Applying a paw balm or paw wax can help moisturize your furry friend’s skin and protect from further damage.[15]
    • Pick a balm or wax that is 100% natural and won’t harm your dog if they do lick it.
    • Balms made of coconut oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil, and cocoa butter are great choices.[16]
  2. Advertisement

About This Article

Cameron Thompsen
Co-authored by:
Dog Trainer
This article was co-authored by Cameron Thompsen and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Cameron Thompsen is a Dog Trainer and Human Coach, as well as the Owner and Founder of Hope2K9 Foundation. With nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in working with dogs and their owners on behavior issues ranging from severe anxiety, reactivity, as well as aggression and fear-based problems. She works with all dogs at Hope2K9 so that they are fully trained before adoption, and provides lifelong support to dog owners after adoption. This article has been viewed 18,656 times.
34 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: April 5, 2022
Views: 18,656
Advertisement