Every dog licks its paws now and then. Normally, it does not become a problem. Some dogs, on the other hand, can lick their paws so excessively that they peel the hair and produce blisters. Often, these sores get infected and itchy, which makes your dog lick them even more. This cycle will continue until your dog’s paws are severely diseased. Your dog’s vet may be able to help, especially if the situation is very serious. Otherwise, you might want to try a few home remedies first. Fortunately, numerous top-notch natural home dog-licking-paws remedies can relieve your pooch’s itching. Most of these are incredibly simple and just take a few moments to complete. So, let’s have a look at the top natural home dog-licking paws remedies listed below.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?
Before you decide which natural home dog-licking-paws remedies to try, you need to know why dogs lick their paws and what’s wrong with your dog.
Dog Paw Licking Causes
#1. Allergies
Some dogs have allergies that cause their paws to itch, resulting in unhappy pets who lick their paws repeatedly. These allergies can be triggered by food, environmental allergens, or indoor allergens.
Home remedies for dog seasonal allergies focus on treating the immune system and minimizing interaction with allergens.
#2. Yeast infection or another infection
If you notice a deep, furious red color between your dog’s toes and around their pads, you should take them to the clinic. Yeast and other organisms can create an infection that irritates and itches the skin on your dog’s paws.
#3. Unbalanced hormones
If your dog has an endocrine illness that causes changes in its normal hormone levels (such as Cushing’s disease, hyperadrenocorticism, or hypothyroidism), it may develop a variety of skin and fur issues, as well as excessive paw licking.
#4. Behavioral issues
Some dogs experience nervousness and may lick their paws to cope. Others may lick their paws out of boredom.
#5. Dry skin
If you live in a dry region, your dog’s skin may be dry and inflamed. They will lick their paws to relieve pain or irritation.
#6. Injury
Never dismiss the notion of a dog licking its paws as the cause. Any cuts, slivers, or foreign objects like burrs can bother the dog and make it lick its paws too much.
Once you’ve determined the cause of your dog’s paw licking, you can look for natural home remedies to address the problem.
Dog Licking Paws Remedies
The underlying causes of your dog’s paw licking can be painful and frequently result in complications. There is also paw hair discoloration as a result of continuous saliva exposure. There are a few natural home dog-licking-paws remedies that can help treat the inflammation and give your pet some much-needed relief.
#1. Soak your dog’s paws in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
Apple cider vinegar on your dog’s paws is a good stopgap measure until you figure out what’s wrong. The taste of apple cider vinegar will keep your dog from chewing on its paws and will help avoid secondary infections.
Because pure apple cider vinegar may be too strong for dogs, dilute it with water in a 50/50 ratio. Check your dog’s paws for any scrapes or cuts first; you don’t want to apply apple cider vinegar to open sores.
#2. Make use of a baking soda soak
Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can also neutralize acids that irritate. As a result, it is a great treatment for dogs with dry, itchy skin, and it lessens the need to lick their paws.
In a bucket of warm water, dissolve half a cup of baking soda. Soak your dog’s paws for 10 minutes, and repeat the process two to three times per day. To keep the dog in the solution for 10 minutes, use treats.
#3. Soak paws in oatmeal
You’ve certainly heard that oatmeal baths can help relieve rashes, but they can also help pets. Oatmeal is good for dry, cracked skin because it is a natural moisturizer and pain reliever.
Pour two cups of natural, flavor-free oats into a bucket of warm water and soak your dog’s paws for about 10 minutes. After a few soaks, your dog’s paws should appear better, and the licking should be less severe.
#4. Use coconut oil
Coconut oil promotes skin health and helps to keep moisture levels regular. It can also relieve skin irritations. Furthermore, it is perfectly safe to consume, so you don’t have to worry about your dog licking it off.
You can massage the coconut oil directly into your dog’s paws or add a small amount to its food dish. Simply use high-quality coconut oil, preferably extra virgin and organic recipes.
#5. Review your dog’s diet.
If your dog licks its paws a lot and then has diarrhea often, it could be because of food allergies. You might want to change what your dog eats. Allergens in dogs include wheat, soy, eggs, dairy, meat, chicken, and fish.
Start with a simple diet (either one you make yourself or one you buy from a store) to calm down your dog’s immune system. Then, slowly add more ingredients while keeping a close eye on how your dog reacts.
#6. Experiment with a new dog shampoo.
Shampoos for dogs are made to be soft so that they won’t irritate the skin. You can, however, use specialized dog shampoo to treat dry or inflamed skin. There are numerous solutions made specifically for irritated skin.
Before making a purchase, examine the ingredients. The perfect dog shampoo should be hydrating and made from natural ingredients.
#7. Try a chamomile bath
Chamomile is a potent herbal medicine that has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It does two things: it relieves local irritation and calms the anxiety that comes with having itchy paws.
To give your dog a chamomile bath, combine chamomile and warm water and gently wash your dog’s feet for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can soak the paws with chamomile tea or place chamomile tea bags directly on the inflamed paws.
#8. Use pest medications
If your dog has external parasites, you may see red or bumpy patches of skin, dandruff, and a lot of shedding in addition to itchy paws. The real bugs can be seen, depending on the parasite (fleas and ticks are easily noticeable).
There are numerous over-the-counter anti-pest treatments available. If you aren’t sure which product to use, you should talk to your vet before the problem happens. You should ideally refresh your dog’s protection every month.
#9. Put on dog booties
Dog booties are an excellent way to keep a dog’s tongue and teeth away from the paws. The booties will not only prevent your dog from licking its paws, but they will also protect them from irritants when they are outside.
A good pair of dog booties will not fix the core problem, but they will be of assistance. Check that they fit properly and are secure. It’s also a good idea to invest in tough booties that your dog won’t be able to chew through.
#10. Try using paw balm.
Paw balm can help with skin irritations, rashes, small cuts, and dry, itchy skin on your dog’s paws that are already inflamed. Also, it is made just for dogs, so you don’t have to worry about your dog eating anything bad.
#11. Explore OTC medications
Some over-the-counter drugs can help relieve itching in your dog’s paws. For example, triple antibiotic ointment can be quite useful for inflamed paws. It controls the bacterial component and aids in dryness.
When you put a topical drug on your dog’s paws, cover them with something to keep your dog from licking it off. Licking the topical is usually not hazardous, although it will reduce its potency.
#12. Consider utilizing CBD oil.
CBD oil for pets may seem like a fad, but it has been proven to help with several illnesses, including sore paws. CBD, in particular, can be beneficial on a variety of levels, from hydrating the skin to altering the immune system.
What can I put on my dog’s paw to stop licking?
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment for preventing dogs from licking their paws. With its antibacterial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar can help calm the skin and get rid of any possible irritants that may be making the dog lick.
What causes a dog to lick its paws constantly?
Dr. Flynn explains that “the most common cause of paw licking is often environmental allergies, sometimes known as atopic dermatitis.” “Other causes of licking paws include ectopic parasites such as fleas or mites and referred pain from arthritis—licking the feet or limbs because they can’t reach the painful joint,” says the ASPCA.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for licking paws?
Benadryl is often used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also alleviates many other allergy symptoms, such as asthma. The AKC participates in affiliate advertising programs that allow sites to earn advertising revenue by advertising on and referring to akc.org.
Can I put vinegar on my dogs paws to stop licking?
Dogs’ paws often get yeast infections, which can be treated by soaking the paws in ACV. When watered down and put in a spray bottle, apple cider vinegar is a strong cleaner and a mild flea repellent.
Does Vaseline help my dog from licking his foot?
It’s also not the ideal option because your dog can lick it off their skin or paws. If your dog consumes enough, it may have an upset stomach, which can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. While vaseline may be comforting, there is no scientific evidence that it is effective.
What human cream can I use on my dogs paws?
cream containing hydrocortisone
In most circumstances, you can use hydrocortisone cream on your dog. It treats small rashes, itchy skin, and bug bites in dogs much like it does in humans.
What ointment is safe for dogs?
Neosporin®
Neosporin® is a popular topical antibiotic that is used to treat small wounds and scrapes. This ointment is quite safe for dogs and should be included in any first-aid kit. Check to see if the ointment contains only antibiotics and not steroids, which can slow healing.
What is a natural antiseptic for dogs?
Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has long been used as a first aid treatment. Vinegar has been used to treat small dog wounds because it not only disinfects the area and washes away undesired fur and debris, but it also soothes the dog’s coat.
Conclusion
Overall, dogs that lick their paws too much have a complex problem that can be caused by several health problems. Fortunately, the top natural home dog-licking-paws remedies listed above can be quite helpful and healthy for your dog.
However, if the top natural home remedies for dog-licking paws aren’t working or you can’t figure out what’s causing your pet’s itching paws, consult your veterinarian. You should also talk to a vet if the paw licking is getting in the way of your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be concerned if my dog licks his paws a lot?
Dogs lick their paws naturally, but extremely extensive licking may indicate an underlying problem. If your dog licks the same paw repeatedly, he or she may be in pain or have an injury or illness. Also, if you can’t uncover a clear reason for your dog’s continuous paw licking, contact your veterinarian.
Will vinegar and water stop my dog from itching?
If your dog has hot spots or itchy skin, apply a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water to the affected dog. Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application. This same spray repels fleas and ticks, which are common allergens for many dogs. It can also be used to clean your dog’s ears.
What is a natural anti itch for dogs?
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks
Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have characteristics that soothe and calm sensitive skin while also reducing inflammation, making them excellent complements to an itchy dog wash. These soaks are ideal for dogs with heated, itchy skin that is at risk of being rubbed raw.
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