While puppy kisses can symbolize your dog’s love, it’s worth remembering that a dog’s mouth is home to over 600 types of bacteria.

Unlike humans, who don’t express affection by licking, dogs have distinct ways of communication. They excel in their abilities to smell and hear things.

Have you ever pondered what your dog is trying to convey when they lick their feet, your skin, or any random item in your home? Let’s explore expert insights on this behavior.

Why do dogs lick your feet?

Dogs lick your feet or hands out of curiosity – they want to gather more information about you. Even though dogs have fewer taste buds, their tongues act as effective tools for exploring the world around them. When they lick areas of your body rich in scent glands, it assists them in understanding you better, according to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a veterinary medical advisor for Rover.

Additionally, licking is a way to show affection: “This is a natural part of how dogs communicate and bond with humans,” Greenstein explains.

Each individual carries a unique scent influenced by various biological aspects such as health, hygiene, and having pets.

“All these factors provide valuable information to dogs,” Greenstein adds. “Some people are particularly interesting to them, while others may not attract much attention.”

Thus, licking is a completely normal and even healthy way for dogs to bond with humans. There’s no need for concern.

If your dog, however, is excessively licking various items, surfaces, or themselves, it could indicate an issue. Persistent licking of surfaces may suggest dental problems or digestive issues, warranting a discussion with your veterinarian.

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Dogs often lick their paws to groom or remove dirt and other debris. However, excessive licking may signal that something is wrong. Here are the typical reasons:

Physical ailment

If something is irritating their paws or stuck in them, dogs will often lick to alleviate the discomfort or let you know they need help.

It might also indicate the presence of mites, especially in younger dogs, which can infest their feet causing redness, itchiness, and possibly even hair loss.

Greenstein suggests checking your dog’s paws thoroughly for signs such as dirt, cuts, swelling, discharge, blood, or unusual odors, which may indicate an infection.

However, physical issues aren’t the only reasons for paw licking; they aren’t even the most common. “In my experience, many pet owners assume a physical issue exists instead of considering other possibilities,” Greenstein comments.

Allergies

If there’s nothing visibly wrong with your dog’s paws, allergies could be another reason – excessive licking of one or multiple paws can be a sign, reveals Greenstein.

The allergy might be related to environmental triggers like pollen or dust, or it could be due to food sensitivities.

“A dog doesn’t need to have direct contact with an allergen for this behavior to occur, which often eludes many pet owners,” Greenstein adds.

Behavioral

Paw licking can also serve as a self-soothing mechanism. It can feel comforting for dogs and might transform into a habitual or anxious compulsion. Dogs are capable of suffering from anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (known as canine compulsive disorder), which may manifest through excessive paw licking.

This behavior can become problematic when it leads to skin damage or affects their fur, which signals a need to consult a veterinarian.

“Before we reprimand our pets for excessive licking, we should first investigate if there is a medical reason behind it, and if so, we aim to diagnose and treat that. If licking persists post-treatment, we should look into ways to reduce the likelihood of the behavior,” Greenstein says. “This could include the use of the well-known ‘cone of shame’ or dog booties to cover their paws, or redirecting their attention to items such as toys, lick pads, or puzzles.”

When should I be concerned about my dog licking their paws?

The concern lies in how often and how severely this behavior occurs, according to Greenstein. Initially, check their paws for any items like a stuck thorn or pine needle.

“If you observe that they are persistently licking and causing injury, swelling is present, or this behavior extends to all their paws.

“If your dog is experiencing itchiness in different areas or is limping, it might be necessary to visit your family veterinarian,” states Greenstein.

Consulting a vet can assist in identifying the problem and providing treatment. It’s critical to prevent infections, which dogs might exacerbate by licking affected areas for relief from pain and itchiness.