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Why is my dog licking paws, lips, and furniture? Anxiety or allergies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 54 lbs

My four year goldendoodle seems to have a dry mouth because he frequently licks his lips and it sounds pasty. He also very frequently keeps licking all of his paws to the point that his coat has changed color. In addition, he licks my leather sofa and whatever else he chooses, mostly fabric. He won't let me out of his site. Is this anxiety?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 11th, 2017

The behaviors you are describing in Sydney could be due to anxiety or to allergies. A very common signs of skin allergies in dogs is excessive licking of the paws. Licking the couch and other things could just be a compulsion that he has developed from licking his feet so much. I would recommend having him checked out by your vet to see if allergies are the underlying problem. If they are your vet may recommend switching my food or starting an anti-allergy medication.

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