Allergies, whether food-related or environmental, can lead to paw licking in dogs as they try to relieve itching and discomfort.
Pain or discomfort in the paws, caused by injuries, infections, or foreign objects, may prompt dogs to lick their paws for relief.
Boredom or anxiety can manifest in paw licking behavior, providing dogs with a self-soothing activity to alleviate stress.
Some dogs develop a habit of paw licking, which may start innocently but can become compulsive behavior over time.
Paw licking is a natural grooming behavior for dogs, helping them to clean their paws and remove dirt or debris.
Dryness or irritation of the paw pads, particularly in harsh weather conditions, may prompt dogs to lick their paws for relief.
Underlying infections, such as fungal or bacterial infections, can cause irritation and lead to excessive paw licking in dogs.