12 Simple, Effective Home Remedies to Stop a Dog from Licking Its Paws

Co-authored by Cameron Thompsen and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: April 5, 2022 References

There’s no denying that your dog is the cutest, but when the cute habit of cleaning their paws becomes excessive, there may be an underlying issue. Dogs naturally lick their paws to clean themselves, but constant licking may be a sign of anxiety, injury, or infection. Natural remedies can work wonders and help your dog without a trip to the vet. Here are some home remedies you can try to get your dog to stop licking their paws.

1

Examine your dog’s paws to see why they’re licking.

There are a number of reasons why your dog is more interested in their paws. Knowing what’s causing your dog to lick can help you pick the best home remedy. Check your dog’s paws and monitor their behavior to see if any of these could be the cause:^{[1]
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- Dry skin can have your dog itching all over. Check your dog for dandruff and see if their paws are cracked and dry.
- Airborne and food allergies can make your dog lick or chew their paws.^{[2]
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  Cameron Thompsen
  Dog Trainer
  Expert Interview. 31 March 2022.}
- Infections are more common than you’d think in dog’s paws. Your dog’s paws may be infected if they are swollen and discolored.
- Injuries like cuts and bruises can be causing your dog to lick their paws. Check the pads of their paws for any unusual scraps or discoloration.
- Boredom is often the leading cause of dog’s licking their paws. This could be an OCD-like tendency in your dog that can be treated with a new puzzle toy or bone.^{[3]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}

2

Check the pads of your dog’s paws for cuts.

Small scrapes could be hiding under your dog’s paws. Before trying any home remedy, do a thorough check of your dog’s paws to make sure they don’t have any cuts. Spread your dog’s toes gently to inspect the sides of their paw pads. Do not start a home remedy if your dog has a deep cut or tenderness in the area as they may need to see a vet.^{[4]
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- Notice if there’s any discoloration or swelling around their paw pads, and remove any debris like pebbles or dirt.
- Your dog pulling away or whimpering when you inspect their paws could be a sign of tenderness.
- Visit a vet if your dog has a deep wound, cut, or tenderness. It’s best to make sure the cut is not infected.

3

Soak your dog’s paws in apple cider vinegar.

Your dog may stop licking with one taste of apple cider vinegar. Applying an apple cider vinegar solution to your dog’s paws can be a temporary fix while you get to the root of the problem. Massage a 50/50 mix of apple cider vinegar and warm water into your dog’s paws.^{[5]
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- Triple check to make sure your dog doesn’t have any open sores on their paws before applying the solution.

4

Give your dog an oatmeal bath.

Soothe itchy, rashy skin with a natural anti-inflammatory. Oatmeal baths are a great way to help heal dry, cracked skin, and your dog can even get a treat out of it! Mix 2 cups (470 mL) of oatmeal in a warm bucket of water, and soak your furry friend’s paws in it for about 10 minutes.^{[6]
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- You may not be able to see results immediately, but their licking should lessen after a few soaks.
- Oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, so let your pup have a few licks of their bath—especially if it helps them stay still!^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}

5

Spray coconut oil on your dog.

Your dog may enjoy a massage just as much as you. Coconut oil is a great, natural way to help moisturize dry skin. Simply massage the oil into your dog’s paws or put a few drops of it in their food.^{[8]
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- Coconut oil is safe for dogs to ingest, so you don’t have to worry if they lick their paws after you apply it.
- Make sure you give your dog high-quality oil with extra virgin and organic formulas, especially if you’re putting it in their food.

6

Soak your dog’s paws in baking soda.

Reduce inflammation and licking with this home remedy. A natural anti-inflammatory and acidic neutralizer, baking soda can help ease your dog’s irritated skin. Put ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of baking soda in a bucket of warm water and soak your dog’s paws for 10 minutes. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day for the best results.^{[9]
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- Use treats to keep your dog busy and still for 10 minutes.
- If you have a larger or rather hyper dog, try soaking their paws in a bathtub, doubling the baking soda mix if necessary.

7

Give your dog a chamomile bath.

Calm anxiety and infection with a soothing bath. Chamomile is a herbal remedy with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it perfect for fighting off infections. Not only does it help soothe your dog’s skin, but the smell can also calm their nerves. Mix chamomile in warm water and soak your dog’s paws for a few minutes.^{[10]
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- If you don’t have chamomile, no worries! Pick up some chamomile tea bags at the store and put the steeped bags on your furry friend’s paws.

8

Think of changing your dog’s diet.

Common allergens could be causing your dog to lick their paws. Your dog’s immune system may be going haywire if they ate something they’re allergic to.^{[11]
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Cameron Thompsen
Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 31 March 2022.} If their licking also comes with frequent diarrhea, reassessing their diet may be the solution.^{[12]
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- Wheat, soy, eggs, diary, beef, chicken, and fish are all common allergens in dogs.
- Switch your dog to a simple, homemade diet that avoids common allergens to see if that helps.
- Talk to your vet to see the best course of action for you and your dog moving forward. They may be able to recommend a new dog food to try.

9

Try a different dog shampoo.

Your dog’s licking could be from a sensitivity to a grooming product. If a licking fit starts right after you give them a bath, try switching up the products you use. Most dog products are gentle, but each dog is different. See if the licking stops once you switch, if not, the shampoo may not be the cause.^{[13]
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- Try switching to a dog shampoo that is 100% natural with moisturizing ingredients.

10

Buy your dog a pair of dog booties.

Your dog will be the coolest pup on the block while protecting their paws. Dog shoes are a thing, and they are one of the easiest ways you can protect your furry friend’s feet. Not only do these stylish booties protect their paw pads, they can also help stop excessive licking.^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the booties, so be patient and give them plenty of rewards.

11

Apply a paw balm to your dog’s paws.

A slather of lotion can be a quick fix. Like us, dogs' skin can crinkle and crack when the weather changes. Your dog’s paw pads are delicate, and running between hot, cold, and rough surfaces can make their skin irritated. Applying a paw balm or paw wax can help moisturize your furry friend’s skin and protect from further damage.^{[15]
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- Pick a balm or wax that is 100% natural and won’t harm your dog if they do lick it.
- Balms made of coconut oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil, and cocoa butter are great choices.^{[16]
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12

Visit a veterinarian if your dog continues to lick their paws.

There may be an underlying issue only a vet can solve. If your furry friend continues to lick their paws no matter what you do, don’t panic. Schedule a visit with your vet to get your pup checked out.^{[17]
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Cameron Thompsen
Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 31 March 2022.} They’ll be jumping around on those paws again in no time!^{[18]
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