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Why is my dog constantly licking his paws and lips? How to stop it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 9 months old | 18 lbs

I first noticed Moose's licking when he hurt his leg a year ago. He started out licking that paw/leg, then he healed but he still licked and the licking moved to both paws/legs. A little while later I found out he was allergic to his food so I figured that was the problem, but he's not allergic to his new food, yet he still licks. He even licks nothing/his lips now. He only licks when he's laying by himself, not when he's next to me, being pet, or distracted in some way. How can I make him stop?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2018

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 6th, 2019

    It could be an allergies. Licking and chewing paws is a classic sign of allergies. Have him examined by a vet to determine the exact cause. If he has allergies then an anti-histamine may help, and/or Apoquel or Cytopoint.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2017

    He could have allergies as dogs with allergies tend to lick their paws. Have your vet examine him to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the diagnosis.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2020

    Frequent licking of the ways can indicate many things including pain, infection, allergies, something stuck in the paw like a thorn or even a self soothing behavior. Have Frank examined by the veterinarian to begin figuring out the cause. I hope this helps.

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