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My dog licks paws when loved. Is he stressed by our affection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 49 lbs

My dog licks his paws and the lower part of his front legs when we are petting and kissing and loving him.He does not seem stressed. In fact he seems to like all the attention and love. But I heard that dogs lick their paws when they are nervous. Does my dog get stressed when we show him love?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Licking / chewing at legs could be due to allergies, stress or an obsessive compulsive behavior. If he does not do this consistently and the legs look healthy (no irritation or swelling) then I would just keep an eye on this behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. If the chewing / licking worsens I would have a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 28th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. 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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