How to Stop Severe Licking of Paws

When you scratch an itch, you use your fingernails. Without the advantage of hands, dogs sometimes use their toenails, but they also resort to licking and biting when their paws itch. Dogs may lick their paws if something irritates their skin or as a result of allergic reactions. Stress is another cause of licking. Some dogs even can become compulsive paw-lickers if the cause of their stress is not addressed. Excessive paw licking can result in hair loss, rawness of the skin or sores. If your dog has this problem, you should try to put an end to it as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Hypoallergenic dog shampoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bathe your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo. Clean its toes and between the pads at the bottom of the paws. Dirt can get stuck in the paws and cause irritation. If your dog is having an allergic reaction, the shampoo can give the skin temporary relief.

    • 2

      Search for the cause of the allergy or skin irritation. If your dog licks its paws when the weather changes, it may suffer from seasonal allergies. Pay careful attention when your dog goes outside. Does it dig or walk through a patch of weeds before it licks its paws? Did you use a new fabric softener when you washed your dog's bed? Restrict your dog's exposure to possible allergens. Even allergic reactions to a new food can cause your dog's paws to itch.

    • 3

      Exercise with your dog. Your dog may lick its paws because it is bored or stressed. Getting enough daily exercise can eliminate both problems. Walk your dog at least twice a day, play a game of fetch or take it for a swim.

    • 4

      Desensitize your dog to the causes of its stress. Pay attention to things that happen before your dog starts to lick its paws. In some cases, you can re-train your dog to tolerate these circumstances by rewarding it for remaining calm. Expose it to the stimulus as often as possible and give it treats when it stays calm or does not lick its paws. For severe situations, such as thunderstorms, you may need to give your dog a tranquilizer to help it remain calm.

    • 5

      Take your dog to a vet if the licking continues. He may be able to diagnose a health problem or skin condition that causes the problem. Your vet also can prescribe medications to help with allergies, stress and other conditions that can result in licking.