My dog keeps licking cracked paw pads - what could be causing it? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog keeps licking cracked paw pads, it usually means the paws are sore, dry, irritated or picking up something uncomfortable. Common causes include rough ground, dry weather, mud, salt, cleaning products, allergies or a small cut, but licking can also happen when the pad is already painful.

Things To Check

1. Notice when the licking happens, such as after walks, on certain surfaces, after grooming or more at night.

2. Look closely at the paw pads for cracks, cuts, redness, swelling, scabs or discharge.

3. Check between the toes for grit, grass seeds, mud, trapped hair or signs of irritation.

4. Feel the paws gently for heat, tenderness or one area your dog seems to mind more than the others.

5. Think about recent changes, including longer walks, hot pavements, colder weather, de-icing salt, new cleaning products or more time on hard ground.

6. Watch for any other signs, such as limping, chewing at one foot, bad odour or your dog avoiding walks.

7. Check whether all paws are affected or just one, as that can help narrow down whether it’s an irritation or a local injury.

Common Causes

Dry or weathered paw pads are a very common reason, especially after hot, cold or abrasive conditions. Rough surfaces, pavement, gravel and repetitive wear can also dry the pads and make them crack.

Irritation from mud, salt, lawn treatments or household cleaning products can make dogs lick their feet more, particularly after being outside or after the floor has been cleaned.

Allergies or skin sensitivity can cause paws to feel itchy or uncomfortable, and licking is often one of the first signs owners notice.

Less commonly, a small cut, embedded thorn, foreign body or infection can lead to persistent licking, especially if one paw is affected more than the others.

What To Do

Start by rinsing the paws gently with lukewarm water after walks if they’ve picked up dirt, salt or other irritants, then dry them well, especially between the toes.

Try to reduce exposure to obvious triggers where you can, such as very rough ground, very hot pavements or areas treated with chemicals.

Keep an eye on the cracks over the next day or two. If they stay the same, that’s useful to note. If they worsen, become redder, start oozing or your dog seems more sore, it’s sensible to get them checked.

Try to discourage repeated licking, as it can make the skin more irritated and delay settling. If needed, ask your vet for advice on safe ways to protect the area while it heals.

Products That May Help

For dogs with paw licking, routine washing or grooming around the feet can sometimes make it easier to remove dirt and debris after walks and keep the area cleaner between checks.

Pet Care

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