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Why is my dog licking his chapped paws and how can I stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old

My dog has been licking his paw pads often Now and is starting to cause then to chap I've tried paw balms but he ends up just licking that off as well within minutes of me putting it on what can I do to stop him from doing this? And why is he doing it in the first place?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2017

Hello and thank you for your post! It sounds like Frisco may be dealing with an allergy if he is licking / chewing at his paw pads. Unfortunately, the more they do this the more trauma they cause to the skin and paw pads. I would recommend a veterinary product that you can get over the counter called Bio Balm and apply this to the cracked / dry areas. In addition to this, I would also invest in a set of dog booties that you can put over the feet to prevent him from licking off the ointment. I recommend you do this until the paws resolve and continue to use the ointment as maintenance several times per week thereafter. I would also consult with your regular veterinarian in regards to possible allergy treatment options. You can try over the counter options such as Benadryl first to see if it reduces the urge to lick / chew at the paw pads. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions / concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 16th, 2018

    Poor Bamboo. Many times, pets lick their feet if they have allergies. These can be environmental or food allergies. Since he is younger, food allergies may be more likely. One of the keys will be to see if this is something that is seasonal or no -seasonal. Some pets even have a mixture of both. If it is a food allergy, it is most likely the protein (chicken, beef, lamb). So you may want to slowly switch to a different, more novel protein like: fish, venison, rabbit, etc. You can also talk to your veterinarian about medications for environmental allergens. I also recommend cleaning off the feet with a basic pet oatmeal shampoo often to help wash away allergens.

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