Vet explains reason dogs lick and bite their paws – it’s not normal

Does your dog lick and bite their paws when laying about and resting at home? Despite what you are led to believe, it doesn’t mean they are just cleaning themselves after a walk. In reality, it’s something pet owners should keep an eye on – especially as a vet had warned the behaviour is “not normal” and is most likely down to a medical reason.

This is why keeping a close eye on what your four-legged friend is doing can be extremely beneficial for owners and help give them an insight into what they are thinking and feeling.

Once owners spot behaviours, they will be far better placed to understand what they’re attempting to tell you. According to Dr Amir Anwary, a registered veterinarian, if your dog is licking and biting their paws, it could be a sign something is seriously wrong.

Why do dogs lick and bite theior paws?

Dr Amir said: “There is most likely a medical reason for why your dog is licking or biting their paws, and it needs to be seen by a veterinarian. So these are the most common reasons that your dog could be doing that and these are all treatable so you guys should pay attention to this and then do something about it because your dog is in discomfort.

“First and foremost is allergies, so this can be food allergies or environmental allergies. When we [humans] get allergies we start to sneeze or our eyes get watery.With dogs it presents in their skin so they get extremely itchy and they start biting and licking their paws a lot.

“That is an allergic reaction that they’re having and it’s extremely uncomfortable for them to deal with so you guys should definitely take them to a vet if they’re doing that. Next guys is parasites – so ticks fleas and mites can all cause your dog to start scratching and itching.

“So when dogs are in pain they lick to self-soothe. So this constant licking of the paw is something we see in dogs that have arthritis. They lick directly over the joint that’s causing them pain.

“So if you guys do have an older dog and they are constantly licking they need to be on pain medication for that arthritis.”

Can dogs lick or bite their paws for a non-medical reason?

Dr Amir also confirmed that sometimes dogs can lick and bite their paws for behavioural reasons such as stress or anxiety.

He said: “Dogs will often lick the top of their paws as a self-soothing behaviour and that can be if they’re stressed out or if they’re anxious and dogs will also do this as an obsessive compulsive behaviour meaning that they may have to be on behaviour modifying drugs which you can only get at your veterinarian.

“So it’s extremely important for all dog owners to recognise that this is not a normal behaviour and do something about it because your dogs are in discomfort.”

The PDSA charity also said the behaviour could be down to boredom and frustration. The charity said: “If it is boredom causing your dog’s licking, try making them an interactive toy, such as a destruction box.

“Puzzle feeders are also great for giving your dog something to keep their mind occupied. You might find they also prefer a few extra walks during the day, or more playtime in the garden.”