When a dog is constantly licking its paws, it’s a sign that something is irritating the skin, causing discomfort, or triggering an allergic reaction.
While occasional paw licking is normal grooming behavior, doing it all the time is not—and it usually points to underlying discomfort.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may lick their paws all the time, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Licking Paws All the Time — Why It Happens
A dog may lick their paws all the time when the skin becomes irritated, itchy, painful, or inflamed due to allergies, infections, parasites, dryness, or foreign objects stuck between the toes. Paw licking is your dog’s way of soothing the sensation, but constant licking can worsen the irritation, leading to broken skin or infection.
In many cases, the more they lick, the more irritated the skin becomes—creating a cycle that’s hard to break without addressing the underlying cause.
Because chronic paw licking is often linked to inflammation or underlying skin conditions, getting to the root cause early helps prevent infection, hair loss, and long-term discomfort.
Dog Licking Paws All the Time: Common Causes
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies—such as pollen, grass, dust mites, and mold—are one of the most frequent reasons dogs lick their paws excessively. These allergens stick to the paws when your dog walks outside, causing itching and redness between the toes.
You may notice:
• Redness after walks.
• Chewing or licking mainly at night.
• Hair loss around the paws
• seasonal flare-ups.
Allergies inflame the skin, triggering constant licking as your dog tries to soothe the itch. Over time, the skin becomes red, raw, and vulnerable to infection.
Read more: Dog Licking Paws and Shaking Head (What it means)
Food Allergies
Food allergies often show up in the paws and ears first. When a dog reacts to ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, wheat, or soy, the immune system triggers skin inflammation.
You may notice:
• Constant paw chewing.
• Red, irritated skin around pads.
• Recurring ear infections.
• Licking that doesn’t change with seasons.
Food allergy–related licking tends to happen year-round. Because inflammation weakens the skin barrier, yeast or bacteria can easily overgrow, making the itching worse.
Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments—especially between paw pads. When yeast multiplies, the paws become itchy, sweaty, and smelly. Dogs lick nonstop trying to relieve the discomfort.
Signs include:
• A strong musty or corn chip odor.
• Reddish-brown staining from saliva.
• Sticky residue between toes.
• Thickened or darkened skin.
Yeast overgrowth often begins because of allergies or moisture trapped in the paws after baths, swimming, or rain.
Bacterial Skin Infection
Constant licking breaks down the skin barrier, allowing bacteria to enter. This can quickly turn a mild itch into a painful infection.
Symptoms include:
• Swollen or warm paws.
• Scabs, pustules, or moist patches.
• Increased licking due to pain.
• Limping or sensitivity when touched.
Bacterial infections need veterinary treatment, and untreated cases only lead to more licking, more irritation, and more infection.
Dry or Cracked Paw Pads
Dogs living in hot, cold, or dry climates can develop cracked or sore paw pads, leading to continuous licking. Road salt, harsh chemicals, or rough surfaces can also irritate the skin.
You may see:
• Peeling or flaking pads.
• Dryness and small cracks.
• Licking mainly after being outside.
While dryness seems minor, it’s extremely uncomfortable for dogs and easily leads to over-licking.
Parasites
Parasites like mites or fleas can make the paws intensely itchy. Dogs may chew at their feet nonstop to get relief.
You might notice:
• Crusty or scaly patches.
• Red irritation around toes.
• Visible mites or flea dirt.
• Itching in other body areas as well.
Mange mites cause severe itching, and fleas often congregate near the legs and belly—leading dogs to lick their paws excessively.
Something Stuck in the Paw
A foreign object lodged between the toes triggers immediate, constant licking. Grass awns, burrs, small stones, thorns, or splinters can hide deep between the paw pads.
Signs include:
• Sudden intense licking.
• Limping or holding a paw up.
• Swelling between the toes.
• Pain when the paw is handled.
Foreign bodies often go unnoticed until licking becomes extreme.
Related: Dog Licking Paws Excessively and Limping (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Licking Its Paws All the Time
Start by carefully inspecting the paws. Spread the toes to look for redness, swelling, moisture, or debris. Check for foreign objects tucked between the pads. If the skin looks inflamed, pink, or stained brown from saliva, allergies or yeast are likely.
Gently wash the paws with lukewarm water or a hypoallergenic dog wipe after outdoor walks, especially during allergy season. Make sure to dry thoroughly—moisture encourages yeast growth. If the paws are dry or cracked, applying a vet-approved moisturizer may help soothe irritation.
Prevent your dog from over-licking by redirecting their behavior with toys or calming activities. In some cases, an e-collar may be necessary to protect the skin while it heals.
If the licking is due to allergens or mild irritation, routine paw cleaning can bring relief, but infections, persistent redness, or swelling require veterinary care.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet if:
• The paws are swollen, red, or painful.
• There’s a strong odor, discharge, or thick buildup.
• your dog is limping.
• Licking continues for more than 48 hours.
• The issue keeps returning
• You see scabs, pustules, or bleeding.
• You suspect a foreign object or parasite.
Chronic paw licking usually needs medical treatment, especially when tied to allergies, yeast, food sensitivities, or infections.
Read more: Dog Licking Paws Excessively (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Dogs lick their paws all the time when something is irritating, inflaming, or itching the skin—often due to allergies, yeast, infections, dryness, or foreign objects.
Because constant licking can quickly lead to infection, early inspection, gentle cleaning, and timely veterinary care are essential.
With proper treatment, most dogs experience fast relief and return to their normal, comfortable routine.