How to Stop Dogs From Licking Feet

First you may notice that your dog spends most of its time licking its feet. Then you notice the red sores that start to form on its legs and paws. Dogs use their tongues and teeth to scratch themselves, and sometimes they can lick the fur off their legs and turn their skin red and raw. Though some dogs lick their feet because they are bored, most do it as a result of allergies or skin irritation, and you need to treat the real problem if you want to stop the licking.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog conditioner
  • Flea collar
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog more frequent baths. Dirt, dust and pollen can irritate your dog's skin and cause it to itch. Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo to help kill allergens that find their way onto your dog's skin. Include a doggy-formula conditioner with each bath as well to keep fur healthy and skin from drying out.

    • 2

      Clean your dog's feet if it comes inside muddy. Use a towel to dry your dog off and remove all mud and dirt from its paws. Check between the toes and in the toenails for clumps of dirt that might irritate your dog and cause it to lick its paws.

    • 3

      Purchase a flea collar or flea preventing solution from your local pet store. Flea bites can be itchy and your dog can have an allergic reaction to them. Kill pests, such as ants, that have made homes in your yard as well. Insect bites can cause your dog to itch and lick its paws.

    • 4

      Ask your vet to check your dog for seasonal, contact or food allergies. In some cases you can isolate your dog from allergens. Change its food or wash its bed with different detergent. For some allergies, however, your vet will prescribe medications that can suppress the allergy and get the itching and licking under control.

    • 5

      Play with your dog and take it out for daily walks. Boredom can lead to excessive licking. In some cases, this may even become a compulsion or an obsession. Help your dog get rid of its extra energy every day to prevent this type of paw licking.