Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Paws? Understanding Pododermatitis and Allergies

Occasional paw licking is normal grooming behavior for dogs, but if your furry friend constantly licks or chews the same paw or all four feet—to the point where the skin becomes red or hair falls out—this may be a sign of pododermatitis. Pododermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the paw skin, with allergies and infections being the most common underlying causes. Early recognition of symptoms and identifying the root cause are essential for restoring your dog's paw health.

## Common Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Frequent paw licking can be attributed to several categories:

1. **Allergic reactions**: Atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and contact allergies (such as grass or cleaning products) can cause itchy paws, prompting dogs to instinctively lick and chew for relief
2. **Bacterial or fungal infections**: The moist environment between toes easily breeds bacteria and yeast, causing redness, odor, and discharge
3. **Parasites**: Demodex mites are a common and challenging cause, leading to chronic inflammation and flaking
4. **Foreign objects**: Small pebbles or grass seeds stuck between toes can cause discomfort
5. **Psychological factors**: Anxiety or boredom may lead to compulsive licking behavior

## Typical Symptoms of Pododermatitis

When your dog's paw licking exceeds normal levels, watch for these signs:

* Persistent redness and swelling of paw skin
* Hair loss, crusting, or pigmentation changes between toes
* Greasy discharge, flaking, or unusual odor
* Limping or reluctance to let anyone touch their paws
* In severe cases, pustules or bloody discharge may appear

Superficial infections typically present as red spots and itching, while deep infections may show obvious swelling and pus. If you notice thickened paw pads or darkened coloring, this may indicate chronic changes.

## Allergic vs. Infectious Pododermatitis

Allergic pododermatitis tends to be "systemic"—besides the paws, your dog's ears, armpits, and belly may also be itchy. This type of problem tends to recur and requires long-term allergen management.

Infectious pododermatitis is usually "localized" and may be triggered by wounds, humid environments, or weakened immunity. Simple infections typically heal after treatment, but if the underlying cause is allergies, the infection is often a secondary issue.

## Home Care and Prevention Tips

* Rinse and dry paws with clean water after outdoor walks to remove pollen and allergens
* Regularly trim the fur between toes to maintain dryness and ventilation
* Avoid letting your dog stay in damp environments for extended periods
* If licking is severe, temporarily use an e-collar to prevent further damage
* Monitor whether diet correlates with symptom flare-ups

Pododermatitis has complex causes ranging from allergies and infections to parasites. If your dog's paw licking persists for more than a week, or if paws show obvious redness or discharge, it's best to visit a veterinarian promptly. The vet may perform skin scrapings, bacterial cultures, or allergen testing to identify the true cause and provide appropriate treatment.

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**References:**
* https://www.dogcatstar.com/blog/dog-pododermatitis/
* https://blog.fjb100.com/article/pododermatitis-in-dogs
* https://www.royalcanin.com/tw/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/why-do-dogs-lick-their-paws
* https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/pododermatitis-dogs
* https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pododermatitis-in-dogs/

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