September 25, 2026, 3:58 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Why do dogs lick and nibble their paws?

There are many reasons why dogs nibble and lick their paws. In most cases, paw nibbling is harmless and comparable to human handwashing. Your dog uses this natural cleaning method to remove dirt and debris with their teeth. “Dogs nibble their paws when they itch,” says Alice Holzapfel, chief veterinarian at Dr. Sam, a portal for veterinary advice via video call. “This can have many causes, the most common being allergic and parasitic. Sometimes the causes are psychogenic, such as when the animals are bored or they gnaw to relieve stress.”

How much paw licking is normal?

However, if you notice that the behavior intensifies and your dog is constantly “working” on their paws, you should examine the paws more closely. The behavior could indicate an injury, bites, or illnesses.

Injuries

Unlike humans, dogs don’t wear shoes and thus walk around with unprotected feet. While their pads are robust, they are not immune to foreign objects like glass shards, thorns, and sharp items. Your dog’s dewclaw is also prone to injury. If it is torn, it can lead to bleeding.

Allergies and skin diseases

According to veterinarian Dr. Alice Holzapfel, a common reason for intense licking is allergies, which can be identified by reddish skin that causes severe itching in your dog.

Blisters on the pads

What many don’t know: Dogs can also get blisters. Not from tight shoes, but from hot asphalt, which can cause burns. In such cases, your dog will want to protect their paws.

Insect bites

In summer, not only humans are bothered by mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects. Dogs also have to deal with these pesky stingers. Licking and nibbling at their paws is similar to how we humans scratch intensely.

Psychological reasons for paw licking

Boredom

Is your dog alone all day while you work? Or do you currently have little time to walk them? It’s possible they’re nibbling their paws because of this. Dogs need a relatively high amount of attention and can quickly become under-stimulated if they are not physically and mentally challenged enough.

Has something changed in your work situation recently? Have you had less time for your pet than usual, or have you been sick and therefore spent less time outside with them? If any of these apply, consider what you can do to meet your dog’s needs in the future.

Fear and stress

Dogs also experience fear and stress. Perhaps the noises in the stairwell scare your dog, or the noisy cleaning staff in the hallway disturb them? Whatever it is that triggers fear and stress in your dog, it can lead them to try to calm themselves by gnawing at their paws.

Why does my dog lick their paws in winter?

Especially in winter, dog paws can become irritated, leading to licking. Road salt, grit, and cold can dry out the skin, causing it to crack. Using paw balm, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, or calendula ointment can keep your pet’s paws supple. For some dog breeds, like poodles, snow can also cause clumps in the fur. This can lead to friction and injuries, especially between the claws. For breeds prone to such snow clumps, it’s advisable to trim the fur on their paws.

Protect paws in summer too

Not only in the cold season can your dog’s paws be irritated. The hot temperatures in summer also pose a risk. Asphalt roads can quickly heat up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to severe burns and intense pain. Additionally, sharp grain awns, also known as “awns,” in fields and meadows can cause injuries.

Also interesting: Why some dog paws smell like popcorn

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What can I do if my dog constantly licks their paw?

Even if your dog means well, excessive chewing and licking of the paws should not be ignored. First, try to determine the cause of your dog’s behavior. Is your dog injured? Are their paws cracked, or is there an allergy? A veterinarian can clarify these questions. Either way, you should keep your dog’s paws healthy by regularly applying paw balm and cleaning them with wet wipes.

If your dog nibbles and licks their paws because they are not sufficiently stimulated, you should provide more physical and mental activity. For example, by engaging in dog sports like agility, dog dancing, or frisbee, or by attending a dog school. If your dog is alone for long periods during the day and lacks stimulation, you can hire a dog sitter. They usually take care of several dogs at once, ensuring your dog is in good company and their social needs are met.

Conclusion

Dogs like to nibble and chew on their paws–and that’s okay. It only becomes problematic when the paw nibbling becomes excessive. Then, there may be underlying conditions causing itching, such as allergies or fungi. Sometimes psychological reasons lead your dog to work on their paws with their teeth: Your dog might be stressed, scared, or not sufficiently stimulated. These reasons should be clarified by a veterinarian. If none of these apply, rest assured: Your dog is just trying to keep their paws clean.