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How to Soothe Itchy Paws in Dogs:Effective Home Remedies

How to Soothe Itchy Paws in Dogs:Effective Home Remedies

Mar 21,2025 | puaintapets

Dogs naturally groom themselves by licking, but excessive paw licking can indicate an underlying health issue such as allergies, infections, anxiety, or dry skin. If left untreated, it can lead to sores, redness, and secondary infections. Fortunately, several home remedies can help stop your dog from licking its paws.

 

Dogs Lick Their Paws

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

1. Allergies (Food, Environmental, or Contact Allergies)

  • Common allergens: grass, pollen, mold, dust, cleaning chemicals, or certain foods.
  • Signs: Red, inflamed paws, chewing, or frequent licking.

2. Dry or Irritated Skin

  • Causes: Cold weather, harsh soaps, or low humidity can dry out paw pads.
  • Signs: Cracked, flaky skin or rough paw pads.

3. Fungal or Bacterial Infections

  • Wet paws create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
  • Signs: Swollen, red, or smelly paws.

💧 Try Banov Shampoo for Skin Disease – a medicated shampoo that cleanses, soothes, and hydrates irritated skin while removing allergens.

4. Anxiety & Boredom

  • Some dogs lick their paws due to stress or boredom.
  • Signs: Licking occurs when left alone or during stressful situations.

5. Injuries or Foreign Objects

  • Small cuts, splinters, or insect bites can cause discomfort.
  • Signs: Limping or excessive licking of one specific paw.

Dogs Lick Their Paws

Home Remedies to Stop Dog Paw Licking

1. Rinse Paws with Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Why it works: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help eliminate infections.
  • How to use:
    • Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
    • Soak your dog’s paws in the solution for 5 minutes.
    • Pat dry – do not rinse off.

2. Use a Medicated Shampoo for Paw Soothing

  • Regular bathing with a hypoallergenic, medicated shampoo helps remove allergens and irritants.

3. Apply Coconut Oil for Natural Moisturization

  • Why it works: Coconut oil hydrates dry skin and has antibacterial properties.
  • How to use:
    • Rub a small amount onto your dog’s paws.
    • Let it absorb for 5–10 minutes before wiping off excess oil.

Also Read: How to Apply Coconut Oil to Dog Skin

4. Try an Anti-Inflammatory Paw Spray

  • Why it works: Antibacterial and antifungal sprays heal infections and soothe irritation.

🌿 Use Quantum Silver Skin Spray – designed to:
✔ Kill bacteria and fungi
✔ Relieve itchiness and inflammation
✔ Speed up wound healing

👉 Spray directly onto paws 2–3 times a day to prevent further licking.

Quantum Silver Skin Spray for Dogs/ Cats

Quantum Silver Skin Spray for Dogs/ Cats

Upgraded Pipot Skin Spray: Pain-free safely treats mange, fungi, eczema, hot spots, ringworm. Reduce itching & wound care.

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5. Epsom Salt Soak for Healing

  • Why it works: Epsom salt reduces swelling and cleans wounds.
  • How to use:
    • Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in warm water.
    • Soak your dog’s paws for 5–10 minutes.
    • Pat dry.

6. Use an Anti-Licking Paw Wrap or Dog Booties

  • Why it works: Prevents direct contact and allows healing.
  • How to use:
    • Wrap the paw in a soft bandage or use dog socks/booties.
    • Avoid leaving wraps on for extended periods.

7. Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed

  • Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, leading to excessive licking.
  • Trim nails every 3–4 weeks.

8. Change Your Dog’s Diet (For Allergy Relief)

  • Switch to a limited-ingredient, grain-free, or hypoallergenic diet if food allergies are suspected.
  • Add omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to improve skin health.

Paw Licking in Dogs

How to Prevent Paw Licking in Dogs

Here are some ways to prevent paw licking in dogs:

1. Regular Paw Inspection

Check your dog's paws daily for any signs of injury, such as cuts, scratches, or foreign objects like thorns or splinters. Early detection and removal of these irritants can prevent the dog from starting to lick the paw due to discomfort.

2. Maintain Paw Hygiene

Keep the paws clean. After walks, especially in muddy or dirty areas, wipe the paws with a damp towel. Use a pet - friendly paw cleaner if necessary.

Trim the hair around the paws regularly. Long hair can trap moisture, debris, and allergens, which may lead to itching and licking.

3. Provide a Balanced Diet

Feed your dog a high - quality diet rich in essential nutrients. Omega - 3 fatty acids, for example, can help keep the skin and coat healthy, reducing the likelihood of dry skin or itchiness that may prompt paw licking.

Puainta Krill Salmon Oil For Dogs rich in omega 3

Identify and avoid any food allergens. Some dogs may be allergic to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause skin irritation and paw licking.

4. Environmental Management

Keep your dog's living area clean. Regularly vacuum and clean the areas where your dog spends most of its time to reduce dust, mold, and other potential allergens.

Avoid areas with harsh chemicals or substances that could irritate the paws. For example, keep your dog away from freshly fertilized lawns or areas with spilled chemicals.

5. Ensure Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to engage in obsessive behaviors like paw licking. Provide daily exercise appropriate for your dog's breed and age, such as walks, runs, or playtime in the yard.

Mental stimulation is also crucial. Offer puzzle toys, engage in training sessions, or play interactive games with your dog to keep its mind occupied.

6. Use Protective Gear

In certain situations, such as when walking on rough or hot surfaces, consider using dog boots. This can protect the paws from abrasions, burns, or exposure to irritating substances.

7. Monitor for Allergies and Skin Conditions

Be aware of signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching, redness, or swelling. If you suspect an allergy, consult your vet to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Skin conditions like fungal or bacterial infections can also cause paw licking. Regular vet check - ups can help detect and treat these conditions early.

Dogs Lick Their Paws

FAQs

How often should I apply coconut oil to my dog's paws?

You can apply coconut oil 2 - 3 times a day if the paws are dry or irritated. However, if the skin seems normal, once a day may be sufficient.

Can I use any type of apple cider vinegar?

It is best to use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar as it contains more of the beneficial enzymes and substances.

Is it safe to use essential oils in the bitter apple spray?

Only use essential oils that are safe for dogs in very small amounts. Grapefruit seed oil is generally considered safe, but always consult your vet before using any new product on your dog.

Conclusion

Preventing paw licking in dogs is a multi - faceted task that requires attention to various aspects of the dog's life. By regularly inspecting the paws, maintaining good paw hygiene, providing a balanced diet, managing the environment, ensuring sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, using protective gear when necessary, and closely monitoring for allergies and skin conditions, dog owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of their furry friends developing the habit of excessive paw licking. This not only helps in maintaining the dog's physical health but also its overall well - being, as excessive paw licking can lead to further complications such as skin infections and open sores. Overall, a proactive approach in all these areas is key to keeping a dog's paws healthy and free from the urge to lick.

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