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Your puppy might be the sweetest thing on earth, but if its paw-licking habit becomes excessive, there might be an underlying issue. Dogs usually lick their paws to clean themselves, but if this behavior happens too frequently, it could indicate anxiety, injury, or infection. Natural remedies can sometimes work wonders without needing a trip to the vet. Try these home-based solutions to help your dog stop licking its paws.
Steps
Examine your dog's paws to determine why they are licking them.
Dogs lick their paws for various reasons, not just for grooming. Understanding why your dog is persistently licking its paws will help you choose the right solution. Check your dog's paws and observe its behavior to see if one of the following causes is to blame:
- Dry skin can cause your dog to itch. Look for flakes or cracks in its paws and check for dry, cracked skin.
- Food allergies and airborne allergens can lead to paw licking or chewing.
- Infection is often a more common cause than you might think. If your dog's paws are swollen or discolored, it may have an infection.
- Injuries like cuts or bruises could lead to paw licking. Examine your dog's paw pads for scratches or discoloration.
- Boredom is another frequent reason your dog may lick its paws. This behavior can resemble obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs and can be addressed by providing toys or chew bones.
Check your dog's paws for any cuts or injuries.
Scratches may be hidden beneath your dog's paw. Before trying any treatments, make sure to thoroughly inspect your dog's paws to ensure there are no cuts. Gently separate each of your dog's toes and carefully examine the gaps of the pads on the underside of its paws. Avoid applying any home remedies if your dog has deep cuts or pain in its paws; it might need to see a veterinarian.
- Look for signs of swelling or discoloration around the paw pads. Remove any debris, like dirt, sand, or small stones, from between the toes and pads.
- If your dog withdraws its paw or whines when you check it, it may be in pain.
- If you find deep wounds, cuts, or sensitive areas, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible to prevent infections.
Soak your dog's paws in apple cider vinegar.
Your dog may stop licking its paws once it tastes the apple cider vinegar. Soaking your dog's paws in an apple cider vinegar solution can be a temporary fix while you investigate the root cause of the issue. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part warm water (50/50 ratio) and rub it onto your dog's paws.
- Ensure there are no open wounds on your dog's paws before applying the solution.
Give your dog an oatmeal bath.
Sooth your dog's itchy and irritated skin with a natural anti-inflammatory. An oatmeal bath is an excellent remedy for dry, cracked skin that your dog might really enjoy! Add about 2 cups (480 ml) of oatmeal to a tub of warm water and soak your dog's paws for about 10 minutes.
- You may not see immediate results, but after a few soaks, your dog will stop licking its paws.
- Oatmeal is safe for dogs to ingest in small amounts, so feel free to let your dog lick the bathwater—especially if it helps keep them still!
Spray coconut oil on your dog.
Your dog loves a good massage just as much as you do. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that's perfect for hydrating your dog's dry skin. Simply rub the oil into your dog's paws or add a few drops to their food.
- Dogs can digest coconut oil, so there's no need to worry if your dog licks its paws after application.
- Make sure to use high-quality coconut oil, such as virgin or organic coconut oil, especially if you're mixing it with their food.
Soak your dog's paws in a baking soda solution.
This treatment can help reduce inflammation and prevent your dog from licking its paws. As an anti-inflammatory and acid neutralizer, baking soda can soothe your dog's irritated skin. Mix ½ cup (120 ml) of baking soda with a tub of warm water and soak your dog's paws for 10 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 times daily for the best results.
- Give your dog a treat to keep them calm and still for the 10 minutes of soaking.
- For larger or more active dogs, you can soak their paws in a bathtub and double the amount of baking soda solution if needed.
Give your dog a bath with Roman chamomile flowers.
Relieve stress and fight infections in dogs with a relaxing bath. Roman chamomile is a herb with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it highly effective in preventing infections. Not only does chamomile soothe your dog's skin, but its fragrance also helps them relax. Simply drop some Roman chamomile flowers in warm water and let your dog soak their paws for a few minutes.
- If you can't find Roman chamomile flowers, don't worry! Purchase some chamomile tea bags from the store, steep them in hot water, and apply the tea to your dog's paws.
Consider changing your dog's diet.
Common allergens could be causing your dog to lick its paws. If your dog is licking its paws excessively, it could be due to an allergic reaction triggered by food. If the paw-licking is accompanied by diarrhea, it’s a sign you might need to adjust their diet.
- Wheat, soy, eggs, beef, chicken, and fish are common allergens for dogs.
- Try switching to a simple homemade diet to avoid these allergens and see if it improves.
- Consult with your vet for the best dietary solutions. They may recommend a new type of food to help your dog.
Try using a different dog bath oil.
A dog's tendency to lick its paws may be a reaction to a specific cleaning product. If your dog starts licking its paws immediately after a bath, try switching to a different shampoo. While most dog grooming products are gentle, every dog is unique. Monitor if the licking stops after changing the shampoo. If it doesn't, this might not be the cause.
- Consider trying a 100% natural dog shampoo with moisturizing ingredients.
Put shoes on your dog.
Your pup will look the most stylish on the block with protective shoes for its paws. Putting shoes on your dog is the simplest way to protect its feet. These trendy shoes not only shield the pads of your dog's paws but also help stop it from licking its feet.
- Your dog may need some time to adjust to wearing shoes, so be patient and remember to reward it generously.
Apply foot cream to your dog's paws.
A moisturizing lotion for dogs could be a solution. Just like human skin, a dog's skin can become dry and cracked due to changing weather conditions. The pads on a dog's feet are delicate, and its paws may become irritated from walking on hot, cold, or rough surfaces. A paw balm or cream can hydrate and protect the skin from further damage.
- Choose a 100% natural balm or cream that is safe for your dog to lick.
- Balm made with coconut oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and shea butter are excellent choices.
Take your dog to the vet if it keeps licking its paws.
There may be an underlying issue that only a vet can address. Don't stress too much if your dog continues to lick its paws even after you've tried everything. Schedule a visit to the vet for an examination. Soon enough, your dog will be back to running around happily!
