Dog Paw Licking: Top Causes, Irritations, & Photo Examples

Remember, this is an educational resource, not a guide for diagnosis.

We always recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

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Examples of Pododermatitis & Other Paw Problems

Dog paws are a petri dish for a plethora of skin problems -- some common and some not-so-common. Swipe or scroll to see several of them.

  • Red paw with fur loss of Australian Shepherd dog suffering from skin allergies

    Pododermatitis with redness and fur loss on Australian Shepherd paw

  • A close-up of a dog's paw showing severe skin irritation, fur loss from chewing, redness, and dry, matted fur, held by a hand over a wooden floor.

    Self-inflicted alopecia (fur loss) from chewing at allergies

  • A close-up of a dog's paw with redness, irritation, and possible hot spot. The paw is being held by a person's hand, resting on a gray striped quilted blanket.

    Pododermatitis with redness and hot spot forming on digital pad

  • Acute moist dermatitis, or canine hot spot, on top of dog paw

    Acute moist dermatitis (hot spot) on top of paw

  • Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) on side of Corgi's front paw and leg

    Hot spots on Corgi's leg near dew claw

  • Close-up of a dog's paw pad with torn skin and exposed pink sub-layer on center pad. The paw is resting on a textured carpet, with a human hand gently holding the paw.

    Friction-induced tear or burn of metacarpal paw pad

  • A close-up of the top of a dog's paw showing red, irritated patches caused by razor burn

    Razor / clipper burns

  • Pitbull dog paw with redness, inflammation, and infection between pads due to licking at skin allergies

    Injured, swollen, and possibly infected area between pads

  • Red, inflamed dog paw with yellow purulent material between pads, likely due to bacterial or yeast infection

    Inflamed and infected paw with hardened cysts between pads

  • Close-up of a dog's paw with a visible hot spot, moist, pink skin, and missing fur being held by a person's fingers

    Yeast pododermatitis with pink, irritated skin on between toes

  • Yeast infection with inflamed, pink skin between pads on dog's paw

    Inflamed paw pads, likely due to yeast overgrowth

  • Close-up of a dog's paw with a pink histiocytoma between the paw pads, held open by a human hand.

    Histiocytoma (benign tumor) between paw pads

  • A close-up of a dog's paw being held by a person's hand, showing the underside of the paw with a cluster of warts growing between the pads.

    Papilloma (wart) cluster between paw pads

  • A close-up of a black dog paw with a pink, cauliflower-like papilloma or tumor growing next to the large central paw pad.

    Papilloma or adenoma on dog paw below metacarpal pad

  • A close-up of a dog's dark brown fur with a hand gently holding fur apart to show a red interdigital follicular cyst between the dog's middle toes.

    Interdigital cyst between middle toes

  • A close-up of a dog's paw being held by a human hand, showing a large yellow-white skin corn with between the paw pads with surrounding irritation.

    Large corn (hardened, sensitive skin) between paw pads
  • RadiQuell® Canine Skin + Wound soothing serum bottle shown next to a black and white dog on a dark blue background with promotional text.
RADIQUELL CAN HELP WITH THAT
  • A brown English Mastiff wearing a chain collar with leash attached lies panting in the grass

    This has changed life for us

    My English Mastiff has chewed his front feet for years and I have lost count at how many thousands of dollars I have spent on trying to fix the problem. I came across RadiQuell and within 2 weeks there was such a difference. I have recommended it to everyone and have even taken some to my vet!

    -- Louise

  • A fluffy golden doodle sitting on a patterned rug over a wooden floor, looking up with its mouth open.

    His paws look so much better

    I'm so happy I found this. My dog has been licking his paws constantly, and they were so irritated. I've been using this for a week and his paws look so much better. 10/10 I recommend it for the fur babies.

    -- Andrea

  • A close-up portrait of a brown Rhodesian Ridgeback dog with a black muzzle and dark eyes, sitting indoors against a light-colored wall and floor.

    Healed my dog's cut paw quickly

    Our dog, Bear, had an open wound on his paw. We put some Radiquell on it over a couple of days and it healed up quickly. Great product! I would highly recommend it.

    -- Jason B.

  • A close-up of a black and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog sitting on a gray couch in a home setting.

    Best product I've used for itchy dog paws

    This is the best thing I have ever used for my pet. So easy to use. Calming, soothing, and heals extremely fast. I will continue to purchase as it is a great thing to have on hand.

    -- W.W.

RadiQuell™ Canine Is Perfect for Many Paw Problems

Here are some feet fiascos we've helped with.

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Flat art illustration of an ice cream cone with a dog's paw sticking out of the top

Why Do Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws?

There are a wide variety of reasons as to why dogs treat their feet like an ice cream cone. Many times they are benign. However, a serious paw problem often begins as a minor itch that becomes aggravated as they lick and chew.

A good way to tell that there may be an underlying issue is if the licking and chewing are excessive. If they won't leave it alone, you should check it out. Here are several common reasons for why this happens in the first place:

Australian Shepherd paw with redness and fur loss due to skin allergies

Skin Allergies

The most common reason for a dog's excessive paw licking and chewing is allergies -- namely seasonal, environmental, and food allergies. This is especially seen during spring and autumn when the air is full of pollen, dust, and other "stuff."

Keep an eye out for general redness or inflammation of the paw, especially between toes and pads. An inflamed underbelly and watery eyes are other signs of seasonal allergies.

As they lick and chew their feet, you may notice some patchy hair loss, or even sores, which can become infected. Allergy irritations are often the instigator for other worse skin issues to develop, like hot spots or infections due to bacteria or yeast. Many of our customers find that RadiQuell™ Canine helps keep that from happening.

Allergies can be tricky to pinpoint, and a combination of allergens may be possible, depending on your dog's sensitivities. Finding the specific cause -- especially with food allergies -- may require a lot of "trial and error."

See our Atopic Dermatitis + Skin Allergies Resource page for more info on what skin allergies look like, common allergens, and how they are treated and managed.

Photo: Atopic dermatitis with general redness and hair loss on dog paw due to allergies; via customer

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Small blonde dog with blue bandanna lies on turquoise couch licking front paw

Self Grooming

Believe it or not, dogs like for their feet to feel "clean," and, much like cats, they will lick their paws to clean away dirt and debris. They will generally do this when they feel safe and relaxed. For many dogs, this is a nighttime ritual as they lay down for bed.

Anxiety + Self Soothing

Similar to humans biting fingernails, licking can be a reaction to stress and a way that dogs soothe themselves physically and mentally. Dogs that are learning to overcome separation anxiety or a new situation at home may be seen going at their paws more often. 

Good ways to mitigate this stress are regular exercise, mentally stimulating toys, or even relaxing medications (as recommended by their vet).

Flat art illustration of a dog licking it's foot with lightning bolts depicting arthritis pain

Arthritis or Joint Pain

Licking is one of the few ways that dogs really have to make something feel better -- even if it seems illogical to us. If an external paw irritation or problem cannot be determined, the issue may be internal.

With older dogs, arthritis and joint pain may be affecting their legs and feet. On the other hand (or paw), young, fast-growing puppies may lick from "growing pain" discomfort as their joints begin to close and they adapt to the increase in weight.

Close-up of a dog's paw pad with torn skin and exposed pink sub-layer on center pad. The paw is resting on a textured carpet, with a human hand gently holding the paw.

Hidden Cuts, Scrapes, or Debris

The paws are where the majority of canine wounds happen, and they are sometimes hard to see. It's also very easy for debris to get lodged between toes and pads.

If your dog is licking one paw excessively, examine it. There may be a hidden cut, scrape, broken nail, splinter, piece of bark, or pebble in there that they're trying to get at.

If you find a cut or scrape, you can clean it with soap and water or paw wipes, then apply some RadiQuell™ Canine to help relieve the irritation and kickstart the healing process.

Photo: Scraped metacarpal paw pad with exposed pink secondary layer due to friction burn; via u/AffectionateDream118 on Reddit

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Closeup of bulldog paw with bacterial pyoderma infection, irritated skin, and redness between toes

Bacterial or Yeast Infection

SEE HOW WE HELPED THIS DOG

As skin becomes disrupted, microbes can infiltrate and create an infection.

This infection can be bacterial (pyoderma), fungal (Malassezia yeast), or both in nature, causing a terrible itch. Without opposable thumbs, licking and chewing become a dog's sole source of relief. The more they chew the area and the more an infection sets in, the worse that itch becomes.

Quick intervention with a topical anti-inflammatory/anti-microbial product is crucial. Otherwise, the infection will become more difficult to eradicate with time. 

This is an area where RadiQuell™ Canine truly shines. Not only can your dog's feet feel better faster, but you may potentially avoid a trip to the vet's office.

Photo: Interdigital redness of English bulldog paw due to Staph infection (pyoderma) -- later solved with RadiQuell™ Canine; via customer

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Illustration of a dog paw with dry, cracked paw pads, with miniature desert complete with cactus drawn on metacarpal pad

Dry, Cracked Paw Pads

Changes in seasons or a dog's environment can cause their paw pads to get dry and form cracks. This can be more prevalent during winter months or in regions with an arid climate.

Environmental factors, such as salt from the beach, or the salt and chemicals used to clear snowy pavement during winter, can significantly dry out pads, too. Severe dryness can lead to cracks in their paw pads. These can be uncomfortable and allow dirt, allergens, and microbes to penetrate the pad's tissue, raising the risk of allergy dermatitis or infection.

This can be avoided or mended with the right moisturizing ointment. RadiQuell™ Canine's superb moisturizing qualities and absorption not only hydrate dry paw pads, but also help repair them by provide the necessary micronutrients for producing keratin -- the protein that pads are made of.

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Labrador paw affected by sarcoptic mange mite infestation

Mange, Mites, & Parasites

Paws are easily accessible to fleas, ticks, and other parasites, and they can hide between toes and pads. Be sure to check in those crevices when giving your barker a bath. Keeping them on a regular flea and tick medication is never a bad idea either. See our Dog Tick Tips post for more on ticks -- plus some of the top flea and tick prevention products.

Mange is an uncommon skin disease caused by microscopic parasites known as mites. There are two different kinds, demodectic (aka "demodex" or "red mange") and sarcoptic (scabies), that are caused by the two types of mites that give them their name.

Each type of mange requires different forms of treatment, but both are marked by spreading patches of thinning or missing fur. Both forms can also bring about itching, though scabies is generally far more intense.

Photo: Dog paw affected by sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), via customer

MORE ON MANGE
Red interdigital cyst between middle toes of dog paw

Interdigital Cysts and Sores

Interdigital cysts (aka follicular cysts or furuncles) are pockets of fluid that develop between a dog's toes within a damaged hair follicle(s). The damage -- often caused by chewing at allergies, friction, or injury -- creates a blockage, and the area around the follicle begins to fill with fluid (typically sebum) and become inflamed.

This inflammation can disrupt other follicles and the surrounding tissue, creating further inflammation that can be irritating and itchy.

If a dog licks and chews at the cyst, more damage is done. This can develop into an open sore and easily become infected.

Photo: Interdigital cyst on dog paw, by Jennifer Bailey, DVM; via the Whole Dog Journal.

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Large, sea anemone-like papilloma growth between toes of dog

Interdigital Warts

Warts, or papillomas, are caused by the canine papilloma virus (CPV). Unlike cysts, they carry a distinct cauliflower or sea anemone appearance, and do not contain semi-fluid "juice." Though they aren't extremely common between the toes, they can happen.

CPV is spread through direct contact with the virus, which can even involve surfaces that an infected dog has touched. It gains access to the body through damaged skin -- like from cuts or scrapes -- which the paws are generally the first area to sustain.

Warts don't necessarily itch, but they can be aggravating between the toes, prompting a dog to lick and chew at them. Because of this, interdigital warts are usually removed surgically.

Photo: Large anemone-like papilloma between dog's toes; photo by Kelsey O'Brien (@knockout0603), on X

Dog paw with missing hair and redness due to licking and chewing at itch from skin allergies

How to Treat Itchy, Irritated Dog Paws

Good paw care starts with regular bathing and cleaning between the toes and pads. Using disinfectant wipes can help cut down on excess microbial growth. From there, RadiQuell™ Canine is great for spot applications to many paw problems, such as cuts, itching due to allergies, dry pads, hot spots, sores, infections (yeast and bacterial), and more.

Knowing your dog's habits and allergy sensitivities are another vital piece of the puzzle. If there is an underlying issue, such as an environmental or food allergy, parasites, or an autoimmune disorder, RadiQuell™ Canine might still be useful, but it may simply mitigate symptoms rather than solve the problem.

Photo: Dog paw with missing fur, possibly from self-inflicted trauma due to skin allergies or parasites; via u/dominicantrashh on Reddit

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  • A white West Highland terrier dog wearing a red harness and collar, looking directly at the camera in front of a stacked pile of firewood.

    The paw sore is no more

    My dog has had an open little sore between one of her toes for a few days now. I applied this ointment asap when I received it. It's made a difference just in one day. It's no longer red & it's shrinking. It smells nice & it's not toxic. Highly recommend it.

    -- Julie G.

  • A dark brown and white German Shorthair Pointer dog sitting in a grassy backyard with a blue toy in the foreground and a house under a blue sky in the background.

    Bye-bye paw pad wound

    Used as directed and our dog's wound on her paw healed within just a few days. Highly recommend this product.

    -- Lesley

  • A close-up shot of a brown dog wearing a red collar, looking directly at the camera against a light wood floor background.

    Big help with food allergy reaction

    My dog was itching from a food reaction. It relieved the itch immediately. The next day when I went to apply more, my dog was wagging his tail because he knew relief was coming. The rash is healed and I've purchased more in case this happens again.

    -- Coty H.

  • A close-up shot of a tan pitbull-type dog holding a large stick in its mouth, wearing a red collar, against a soft-focus sandy background.

    Helped with dew claw paw pad sores

    Happy to say that it seemed to help with the sore spots above my dogs dew claw paw pads.

    -- Isabelle W.

  • A chocolate Labrador is lying on a couch and biting a red and black dragon-shaped plush toy. A human hand is visible petting the dog, with collectible figure boxes stacked on a shelf in the background.

    Great for my Lab's paw inflammation

    This stuff is amazing! A little goes a long way and our labs feet smell so good. It doesn't feel all chemically so I don't mind having it on my dog, or my own hands for that matter. Seems to have helped with her inflammation in just the first few times.

    -- Ian.
  • RadiQuell® Canine fast-soothing skin & wound care serum shown with its retail box and the serum bottle. The packaging features a dark blue background with lavender accents, a dog illustration, and the RadiQuell logo. The tag in the bottom left corner reads 'formerly Lavengel®'.
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Related Skin Issues in Dogs

  • Red lesions with crusty edges on dog belly caused by pyoderma bacterial infection

    Pyoderma

    Another fancy word for "bacterial infection, typically with pus," pyoderma is one of the chief concerns when a dog's skin is damaged.

    See the bacterial material 
  • Close-up of a dog's paw with a visible hot spot, moist, pink skin, and missing fur being held by a person's fingers

    Yeast Dermatitis

    Yeast dermatitis can often develop in the paws and spread to other places. It's caused by a single fungus called Malassezia.

    Not a fungi to be around 
  • Red dermatitis rash on belly and inner hips of Pitbull dog caused by grass allergies

    Rashes & Dermatitis

    Dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin, comes in many shapes, forms, and locations. We look at 12 of the most common forms in dogs.

    Let's not be so rash 
BACK TO SKIN ISSUES HUB
Flat art illustration of a West Highland Terrier with round glasses sitting and reading an open book

Photo credits

It takes considerable time and effort to compile diverse images of canine skin issues in order to make a helpful resource for pet parents.

There's no possible way to take all these ourselves, so we try to give photo credit whenever we can.

Top banner collage, left to right:

  1. u/Glittering_Rush5111 (Reddit)
  2. u/dominicantrashh (Reddit)
  3. u/christianovoxo (Reddit)
  4. u/William_Dafhoe (Reddit)
  5. u/Old-Tomato2328 (Reddit)
  6. u/Jaded_East_1033
  7. u/bulletmagnettn (Reddit)
  8. Customer photo
  9. u/IndependentPublic9 (Reddit)
  10. u/sandpaws26 (Reddit)
  11. Customer photo
  12. u/jessesgirl4 (Reddit)

"Examples of Pododermatitis & Other Paw Problems" section, in order of appearance:

  1. Customer photo
  2. u/dominicantrashh (Reddit)
  3. u/oliviaayn (Reddit)
  4. u/Spirited_Ad9924 (Reddit)
  5. u/Ducayne (Reddit)
  6. u/AffectionateDream118 (Reddit)
  7. u/_-7a-ce-uvu- (Reddit)
  8. u/[deleted] (Reddit)
  9. u/Glitter_Mountain (Reddit)
  10. Customer photo
  11. u/IndependentPublic9 (Reddit)
  12. u/jessesgirl4 (Reddit)
  13. u/Limp_Strain8103 (Reddit)
  14. u/TerribleBar4698 (Reddit)
  15. u/Chester_Welsh (Reddit)
  16. u/sillyg00segetinpond (Reddit)

"Related Skin Issues in Dogs" section: