How To Stop Dog From Licking Paws | 24 Home Remedies

Allergies typically bring on dogs’ excessive paw licking to pollen; less frequent reasons for excessive licking include parasites, wounds, food allergies, and anxiety.

What about claims that dogs lick their feet out of boredom?

They might be bored, but they also have allergies, in experts’ opinion.

Paw licking that is mild to moderate will be reduced by frequently washing your dog’s feet to remove allergens.

After a dog has licked his paws raw, medication is frequently required to reduce the inflammation.

According to veterinary dermatologists, environmental factors, defects in the epidermal barrier, and genetic predisposition all contribute to allergies.

You can move closer to a solution by identifying the issue’s root cause, so sift through your dog’s paws to determine what might be happening.

As you know now the answer to the question “how to stop dog from locking paws home remedy”, continue reading to get more information.

3 Steps To Do At Home Before You Use Home Remedies

brown dog gives paw in human hand

Here are three steps you need to do before going to use home remedies:

Identify And Avoid Allergens

Your dog’s excessive paw licking and itching can result from recently planted grass, trees, or shrubs.

A veterinary dermatologist’s intradermal skin testing is the best way to determine whether a plant in your yard is making your dog bite and lick on his feet.

You may also research local pollen reports online to determine what your dog is reacting to.

In many areas, grass and weed pollen are more common in the fall, whereas tree pollen is more abundant in the spring.

Avoid taking your dog for walks during high pollen activity to lower overall exposure to avoid dog allergies.

Since we believe that dogs react to pollen on dogs skin, not just what they breathe, they will still come into contact with allergens when they walk outside at any time.

However, avoiding times of high pollen counts undoubtedly helps.

When your dog goes outside during a harsh allergy season, foot coverings like dog shoes and socks assist in keeping their feet clean.

Don’t lose heart if your dog exhibits some spectacular goose-stepping the first time you put on his shoes because most dogs take a day or two to get used to wearing booties.

To avoid friction sores, I advise wearing the tiny dog socks made by the same firm underneath the shoes.

The sole of these dog shoes is thick enough to shield them from our neighborhood’s cactus thorns and keeps them on their feet.

Wash The Feet Daily

Rinse your dog’s feet twice or three times daily with warm water, especially after being outside.

You can discover the terrific tools to complete this task quickly and easily!

Any best paw cleaner is a straightforward but clever device.

A large plastic cup with silicone “fingers” is essentially what it is.

Fill it with warm water until it’s about 3/4 complete, then dip your dog’s paw into it.

To stir up the dirt on the paw, slightly twist the cup.

To catch drops, keep a cloth underneath the foot.

Repeat the procedure with the other three paws after drying the foot.

Since his feet are so delicate, your dog will not mind if you use this portable dog paw washer to wash them.

It’s far quicker and more effective than putting him in the bathtub, and it works much better than attempting to wash them in a dishpan!

Your dog is licking his paws primarily because of the pollen mixed in with the “dirt,” which is the leading cause!

Wash The Dog Daily

If I were to recommend a shampoo, it would be Douxo’s Calm.

Apply shampoo to your dog, then let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing.

Carefully scrub the soles of her feet and the spaces between her toes, then rinse them off.

Use a leave-on crème rinse with the topical anesthetic pramoxine after shampooing your dog.

Please put it in the spaces between your toes, the soles, and the tops of your feet.

brown dog sitting and licking his paw

24 Home Remedies That Can Stop Your Dog From Licking Paws

1. Soak Your Dog’s Paws In An Apple Cider Vinegar Mix

Dog licking paws can be cured at home by soaking dog’s paws in apple cider vinegar.

That is a temporary solution until you can find the problem’s source.

Apple cider vinegar’s sour flavor may discourage your dog from chewing on its paws, which will help avoid further irritating paws and fungal infection.

Mix apple cider vinegar with water (50 percent vinegar, 50 percent water) before giving it to a dog.

For example, triple antibiotic ointment can be very effective for irritated paws; it manages the bacterial component while assisting with paw pad dryness.

2. Use A Baking Soda Soak

Baking soda can effectively neutralize acidic irritants and has natural anti-inflammatory qualities.

As a result, it’s an excellent treatment for irritated canine skin and lessens the dog’s desire to lick its paws.

Add a half cup of baking soda to a gallon of hot water.

Your dog’s irritated paws should be soaked for around 10 minutes, and you should do this twice or thrice daily.

Keep the dog in the bath for 10 minutes by rewarding it with snacks.

3. Soak Paws In Oatmeal

Dogs licking their paws can be treated with an oatmeal bath.

Oatmeal baths, which are excellent for treating rashes, as you undoubtedly already know, can also be used on pets.

Due to its inherent moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal benefits dry, chapped skin.

Allow your dog’s paws to soak for about 10 minutes in a pail of warm water and two cups of natural, flavor- and sweetener-free oats.

After a few soaks, your dog’s paws should appear better, and the licking should lessen.

4. Apply Coconut Oil

Dogs licking paws can e treated by applying coconut oil.

Coconut oil promotes the health of the skin and aids in preserving normal moisture levels.

Additionally, it might relieve irritations of the skin.

Furthermore, eating is entirely safe, so you need not worry about your dog licking it off.

You can either choose to add a small amount to your dog’s food bowl or choose to massage the coconut oil directly into its paws.

Just be sure to use extra virgin or organic coconut oil of high caliber.

dog with long ears licking his paw

5. Reassess Your Dog’s Diet

Food allergies are likely to be the cause if your dog’s excessive paw licking is followed by regular episodes of diarrhea, in which case you should reevaluate what your dog eats.

Airborne and food allergies can make your dog lick their paws.

Wheat, soy, eggs, dairy, meat, chicken, or fish are common dog allergens.

To soothe the irritated skin of your dog and immune system and identify the food triggers, switch to an essential diet (homemade or commercially available hypoallergenic formulas) and gradually introduce new foods to the menu while closely observing reactions.

6. Try A New Dog Shampoo

Soothe skin-related irritations by applying dog shampoos.

Since dog shampoos are designed to be extremely gentle, they are not prone to irritate the skin.

There are numerous solutions explicitly made for irritated skin. You can use a particular dog shampoo to cure dry or inflamed skin.

Before purchasing, check the ingredients.

The best dog shampoo should be hydrating and made of natural components.

7. Give Antihistamines

Benadryl and other antihistamines can help dogs stop licking their paws.

The earlier I begin giving my scratchy dogs antihistamines, the less likely they will require heavier medications.

At the first sign of a dog licking its paws, begin administering antihistamine and keep doing so throughout allergy season.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and chlorpheniramine are the most antihistamines that veterinarians recommend for dogs.

Make sure your pet can consume these safely by seeing your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian can also provide a proper dosing schedule for your pet.

8. Try A Chamomile Bath

A potent herbal medicine with antibacterial and natural anti-inflammatory properties is chamomile.

Its relaxing characteristics will assist in managing the dog anxiety brought on by the itching paws and relieve localized discomfort.

Adding chamomile to warm water and soaking your dog’s feet for a few minutes can give them a chamomile bath.

0Alternatively, you can apply chamomile tea bags directly to the sore paws or use chamomile tea to rinse the paws.

9. Use Pest Medications

If your dog has external parasites or insect bites, you may also notice red or bumpy patches of skin, dandruff, and excessive shedding, in addition to itchy and dry paw pads.

Depending on the parasite, the actual bugs can be seen (fleas and ticks are easily notable).

There are many over-the-counter pesticides available.

Before the issue worsens, consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure of the best product.

10. Use Dog Booties

Dogs licking their paws due to dry skin of paw pads can be stopped by wearing booties.

Dog booties are a practical approach to prevent paw damage from the dog’s tongue and teeth.

Your dog licks at their paw to help heal itself because the tongue has antibacterial properties.

The booties keep your dog’s paws from licking and protect them from outside pollutants.

A nice set of dog booties is not a panacea but a helpful tool.

Please make sure they are secure and fit correctly.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to spend money on rugged booties that your dog won’t be able to chew through.

brown dog paw in human hand

11. Try Applying Paw Balm

Paw balm can relieve minor cuts, rashes, irritations, and dry, cracked skin on your dog’s inflamed paws.

That is one of the natural remedies to apply at home before going to the vet.

Additionally, because it is developed specifically for dogs, you won’t have to worry about your dog ingesting any dangerous components.

Experts advise using the Honest Paws Relief Paw Balm, formulated with organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil.

Massage this topical antibiotic balm into the pads of your dog’s paws.

12. Explore Otc Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can help stop your dog’s paws from itching.

For example, triple antibiotic ointment can be very effective for irritated paws; it manages the bacterial component while assisting with paw pad dryness.

Many over-the-counter remedies can calm your dog’s anxiety.

When putting any topical medication on your dog’s paws, use some form of wrapping to prevent your dog from licking the medication off.

Usually, licking the topical is not harmful, but it will decrease its efficacy.

13. Check For Wounds And Treat Naturally If Necessary

Check for any injuries if you notice your dog licking its paw.

There are numerous things to look for in this area, such as cuts, slivers, foreign objects lodged between their pads or stuck in the fur on their paw (such as burrs or prickers), and more.

Check under their fur (separate the hair and inspect the skin), between their toes (the bottom and top of their foot), and don’t forget to check the paw pad.

Walking on hot pavement might irritate or burn pads.

They can burn while chasing or playing on concrete or other hard surfaces, carpets, or rugs.

Remove foreign items and treat sensitive skin damage with a natural healing balm.

14. Check For Fleas & Apply Natural Flea Products If Needed

After ruling out any injuries, you should ensure your dog doesn’t have a flea allergy.

Especially if your dog is allergic to flea bites, these little creatures can make your dog itch and suffer a great deal.

Fleas are most easily seen in the armpits, groins, and beneath the tail.

They are tiny, black bugs about the size of a fruit fly, and they will jump out of your fingers if you try to pinch one between them.

If you catch a flea, you will find that it is challenging to squash it between your fingers and that you must apply significant pressure with your fingernail to do bodily harm.

15. Wash Your Dog’s Feet

Dog’s itchy skin can benefit from this DIY solution!

Dogs excessively lick their paws because of indoor and outdoor allergies.

It may surprise you that dogs sometimes have itchy feet due to allergies to dust, grass, or leaves outside (or inside).

If you think your dog may be allergic to the outdoors, wash its paws every time they enter the home.

Maintaining a pan of water at the door and dipping and swishing your dog’s feet just before they enter the house is a simple way to prevent the dog’s paws from tracking wetness into your home; place an absorbent mat directly inside the door to dry them off.

Adding a little baking soda to your paw wash can help reduce itching.

16. Try An Epsom Salt Soak

Your dog’s health could drastically improve with a daily Epsom salt soak.

Epsom salt baths help replace skin moisture, reduce itchiness, inflammation, and pain, and balance the skin’s pH.

Add a couple of cups of Epsom salts to the tub, mix to dissolve them, and let your dog stand in the tub for 10 to 20 minutes.

The water should be lukewarm enough to cover your dog’s foot.

After you are finished, thoroughly bathe their paws in clean water (do not leave saltwater on them) and gently pat them dry with a fresh towel.

17. Use CBD Oil

Dogs lick their paws due to itchy skins.

Although pet CBD oil may seem like a fad, it is a scientifically validated treatment for several ailments, including itchy paws.

In other words, CBD can be beneficial on various levels, from altering the dog’s immune system to hydrating the skin.

Honest Paws CBD products for dogs are highly recommended.

They are created using organic materials and full-spectrum hemp.

CBD balms can be applied directly to itchy paws, or CBD oil can be mixed with the food.

white black dog licking his paw

18. Try Probiotics

If allergies cause your dog’s itchy paws, you should use a holistic strategy to control or eliminate the allergies.

Probiotics are essential for creating excellent digestive health, which helps to build immunological function, and essential for minimizing and preventing allergies.

19. Acupuncture

Dog nervousness may be a factor in why some dogs lick their paws, but it can be treated with acupuncture.

Many dogs used to receive acupuncture, and for 24 hours following each treatment, his nervousness and fearfulness were utterly different.

Unfortunately, the fearfulness would return after the treatment because food and environmental sensitivities contributed to his reaction.

However, the effects would last much longer if allergies did not bring on the anxiety. They may eventually significantly lessen or completely eradicate your dog’s fear (and therefore reduce paw licking).

Dog allergies can also be treated with acupuncture.

If the dog’s foot licking is brought on by pain, acupuncture may also be able to aid.

For instance, a dog with arthritis may be licking its paws to ease the discomfort in its joints.

Since acupuncture is known to relieve arthritic pain effectively, it may also decrease your dog’s paw-licking behavior.

Finally, since it improves blood flow to your dog’s muscles, acupuncture may also help reduce muscle soreness (and the paw licking that comes with it).

20. Give Vitamin E

In two different methods, vitamin E can lessen dog paw licking.

Vitamin E applied topically can aid in preventing or treating dry skin, which may cause your dog to lick its paws.

Crack open a vitamin E capsule (or purchase a tiny bottle of vitamin E oil) and gently massage the contents into your dog’s foot or skin until they are completely absorbed.

Repeat a minimum of three times daily at first, then less frequently, as any cracked, red, or dry skin heals.

Another choice is to supplement your dog’s food with Vitamin E.

Studies show that vitamin E benefits dogs’ skin, immune system, muscles, heart, nerve cells, and liver.

Vitamin E is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that aids in defending cells against harm from free radicals.

You can include these vitamin E-rich items in your dog’s meals if you create homemade dog food or feed it raw:

  • Salmon

  • Peas

  • Blueberries

  • Sweet potatoes

You can also add Vitamin E supplements to your dog’s diet.

21. Give Omega-3 Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements might assist if your dog has skin allergies or inflamed, itchy skin.

Due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics, omega-3 fatty acids can be a valuable addition to your dog’s diet and, over time, bring relief.

22. Try Honey

Honey contains wound-healing properties, but using it will be more challenging because your dog will try to lick it off.

A freshly washed paw would require a honey application, gauze wrapping, and medical tape.

I could choose to use something less alluring, like the turmeric paste, since my dog would quickly chew off the medical tape in quest of the sweet-smelling honey.

23. Use Aloe Vera

Aloe calms sore and burnt skin.

Try applying aloe vera gel to your dog’s sore skin if it is irritated or itchy.

So that your dog can’t lick the aloe gel off, rub it in.

24. Try Anxiety Treatments

You may do several things to lessen and stop your dog’s licking if it is doing it out of boredom or distress.

Try some of the below-mentioned games and toys if your dog seems bored:

  • The best mentally stimulating dog toys

  • Cognitive Enrichment for dogs

  • Slow feeder toys for dogs

  • Keep your dog entertained indoors

Before You Go…

Now you know the answer to the question, “How to stop dog from licking paws with home remedy?”.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.