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Why is my dog constantly licking and nibbling her front paws?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 4 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

My maltese keeps licking her 2 front paws and sometimes nibbles at them why is that?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2017

The most common reasons that dogs lick and chew at their paws is allergies. She could have an allergy and/or a seondary bacterial infection. You could soak her paws in a warm Epsom Salt solution and see if that helps. Otherwise, she should be examined by a vet for treatment. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and a corticosteroid to help.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on September 30th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to allergies for example. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 28th, 2017

    Hello, sorry to hear about Lacey. Most often dogs may chew on their paws due to allergies. Other causes such as local foot infection or foreign material stuck between their toes area also possible. If her itchiness does not resolve or improve in the next 2 days, or if she has moist oozing discharge, foul smell, and develops a limp, then she should be evaluated immediately by your veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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