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Why is my dog excessively licking his paw, whining, and can't sleep?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 11 days old

Help please! I have a huskie, he's 8 months and right now he is excessively biting and licking his paw and he whines a lot while at it. What is going on? I'm worried and I hate that he can't go to sleep, cause when he tries, he starts whining again and goes back to the biting and licking of the paw or tail.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

Biting and licking paws and tail often points to an allergic condition. Rocco may react allergic to his food or a particular protein in his food. Flea infestation, bacterial, fungal or mite infection can cause these signs as well. You will need to do flea prevention and control and take Rocco to your veterinarian for a skin exam. The vet may also want to do skin scrapings and examine the material under the microscope, looking for mites, Your vet can prescribe medication to relieve the itch (either steroid tablets or an injection, antihistamines), and possibly antibiotics , if a bacterial infection is involved. Your vet will also discuss diet with you in case he suspects a food allergy.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh no, poor Rocco! He could be suffering from allergies, he could have injured his paw, or he could have an infection. He should see a vet first thing in the morning for this, as he sounds very uncomfortable. Tonight, you can try soaking his paw in an Epsom salt bath, as that may give him temporary relief. You can also make him an Ecollar to keep him from chewing at the paw: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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