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Why is my dog licking paws? Could it be allergies? When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 3.96 lbs

I’ve been noticing a lot recently that Molly licks her two front paws A LOT! I’ve heard that it could be a sign of an allergy? Would this be enough to bring up to my vet? Or does she need to show more symptoms? What are the other symptoms of an allergy? We haven’t changed her diet and the “human” food we give her has always been the same.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 7th, 2018

I certainly think it’s worth bringing up to your vet. Licking the front paws can be a sign of a food or environmental allergy, and allergies can develop at any time even if she’s been on the same food. Depending on the severity of symptoms and whether or not Molly has any skin changes your vet might recommend simply monitoring, topical therapy, or even allergy testing or medications.

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