When a dog is constantly licking its paws and repeatedly shaking its head, it’s a clear sign that something is irritating your dog’s skin, ears, or both.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may lick its paws and shake their head, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Licking Paws and Shaking Head — Why It Happens
Dogs lick their paws and shake their heads when allergens, infections, debris, or parasites irritate their paws or ears, triggering itching, inflammation, and discomfort.
Many causes affect both the paws and ears simultaneously, especially allergies, which often lead to yeast or bacterial overgrowth in both areas. In other cases, something lodged in the paw or ear can trigger sudden licking or shaking.
Because both symptoms often occur together, they typically signal a shared underlying issue—most commonly allergies or secondary infections.
Dog Licking Paws and Shaking Head: Common Causes
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies—like pollen, grass, dust mites, and mold—are one of the most common reasons dogs lick their paws and shake their heads. When allergens touch the skin, especially the paws and ear canals, the immune system overreacts.
You may notice:
• Constant paw licking after outdoor time.
• Red, swollen ear canals.
• Itchy skin between toes.
• Seasonal flare-ups.
Allergies inflame the skin, making it easier for yeast or bacteria to overgrow, which increases itching. Many dogs start with mild paw licking, then progress to head shaking as the ears become irritated or infected.
Related: Dog Licking Paws Excessively and Limping (Here’s why)
Yeast Overgrowth
Yeast thrives in warm, moist areas—making the paws and ears perfect breeding spots. Excess yeast causes intense itching, foul odors, brown discharge, and thickened, irritated skin.
Signs include:
• Sticky, brown buildup in the ears
• Strong “corn chip” or musty smell.
• Reddish-brown staining on the paws.
• Persistent licking or chewing.
Yeast often develops because of allergies, moisture buildup, or imbalanced skin microbiome. Dogs with yeast issues usually shake their heads vigorously to relieve the itching.
Ear Infection
Ear infections—whether bacterial or fungal—can cause severe discomfort, leading to constant head shaking. Some dogs also lick their paws as a self-soothing behavior when they’re in pain or feeling irritated.
Typical symptoms include:
• Redness inside the ear.
• Yellow, brown, or black discharge.
• Sensitivity when ears are touched.
• Dragging ears along furniture or floor.
Because ear infections often stem from allergies, paw licking frequently occurs at the same time.
Food Allergies
Food allergies commonly cause two hallmark symptoms:
• Chronic paw licking.
• Frequent ear issues.
Dogs may react to proteins like chicken, beef, dairy, or grains. Food allergies inflame the skin and disrupt the skin barrier, allowing yeast and bacteria to flourish.
You might see:
• Repeated ear infections.
• Redness around paws and lips.
• Digestive issues in some dogs.
• Licking that persists year-round.
Unlike environmental allergies, food allergies don’t follow seasons—they stay consistent.
Parasites
Parasites can irritate both the paws and ears. Sarcoptic mange or ear mites create intense itching, sometimes causing frantic scratching and violent head shaking.
Signs include:
• Scabs or crusty patches.
• Hair loss around paws or ears.
• Relentless scratching.
• Visible mites or debris in the ears.
Fleas often bite around the legs and paws, leading to licking, while ear mites trigger head shaking and ear scratching.
Something Stuck in the Paw or Ear (Foreign Bodies)
Sometimes the issue is simple—but painful. Grass awns, burrs, foxtails, splinters, or tiny pebbles can lodge in the paw pads or ear canal. Dogs lick their paws repeatedly trying to dislodge the object, and shake their heads if debris is trapped in the ear.
You may notice:
• Sudden, intense licking or shaking.
• Limping or holding a paw up.
• Head tilting.
• Immediate irritation after outdoor walks.
Foreign objects should be removed promptly to prevent infection.
Read more: Dog Licking Paws Excessively After Grooming (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Licking Its Paws and Shaking Its Head
Start by examining your dog’s paws carefully. Spread the toes, check for redness, swelling, debris, or foreign objects.
Inspect the pads and the skin between the toes for signs of irritation or moisture. If the paws look red, stained, or swollen, allergies or yeast are likely.
Next, examine the ears. If you smell a yeasty or sour odor, or you notice redness, excessive wax, or discharge, an infection is likely. Avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal—this can push debris deeper and worsen the irritation.
If you suspect allergies, gently wiping the paws after time outdoors may help reduce exposure to allergens. You can also use a vet-recommended hypoallergenic shampoo to soothe the skin.
If the symptoms appeared suddenly after a walk, look for burrs, pebbles, or foxtails stuck between the toes or near the ear opening.
Prevent your dog from over-licking by redirecting with toys, using an e-collar if necessary, or addressing the underlying discomfort. At-home cleaning can help mild irritation, but infections or parasites require professional treatment.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet if:
• The paws look swollen, red, or painful.
• The ears have foul odor or visible discharge.
• Your dog cries, whines, or pulls away when the ears are touched.
• Licking and shaking continue for more than 48 hours.
• Symptoms keep returning despite treatment.
• There are signs of parasites or mange.
• A foxtail or burr has penetrated the skin.
Ear infections, yeast overgrowth, mange, and food allergies require medication or diagnostic testing. Delaying treatment can cause deeper infections or chronic skin changes.
Read more: Dog Licking Paws Excessively (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Dogs lick their paws and shake their heads when allergies, infections, parasites, or debris cause irritation in these sensitive areas.
Because many of these issues worsen quickly, early care—cleaning, inspecting the paws and ears, and monitoring symptoms—can prevent complications.
With veterinary guidance, most dogs recover fully and return to their normal, comfortable selves.