Dogs lick their paws primarily as a normal self-grooming behavior to remove debris and keep clean. However, excessive paw licking can indicate several underlying issues, including skin irritation from environmental or food allergies, injuries such as cuts or stings, pain from arthritis or other conditions, parasitic infestations like fleas or ticks, bacterial or yeast infections, or psychological reasons such as boredom and anxiety. Normal paw licking is part of their grooming, but persistent licking often signals discomfort or health problems that may require veterinary attention. Identifying the cause involves checking the paws for injuries or parasites, observing for allergic reactions, and considering behavioral factors. If the licking is excessive, it can lead to further irritation or infections, so timely management is important.
