How To Stop Dog From Licking Paws? – Home Remedies

Quick Answer: 1 cup of Nettle Leaf or green Tea 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar 10 drops of lavender essential oil Soak paw 2-3 times a day for 5minutes 7-10 days.

I remember the first time I noticed my dog, Max, constantly licking his paws. At first, it seemed harmless, like a quirky little habit. But as days passed, it became clear something was wrong. His once fluffy paws started looking red and irritated.

I knew I had to act fast to find some dog licking paws remedies that would actually work. After some trial and error—and lots of research—I discovered a few home remedies that helped Max stop chewing his paws.

Why Dogs Lick Their Paws and What It Means

Understanding why your dog always licks their paws is crucial. For Max, it turned out to be a combination of allergies and boredom. But there are other possible reasons, too, and identifying the cause is the first step in choosing an effective dog chewing paws remedy.

Allergies and Irritants

Dogs can develop allergies just like us. Food, pollen, or even the chemicals we use to clean our floors can trigger reactions. Max had a mild food allergy, and once I changed his diet, things improved. You might notice your dog licking their paws more after walks, especially if they’re allergic to grass or pollen.

Anxiety and Boredom

Just like people bite their nails when stressed, dogs may lick their paws to cope with anxiety. Max had separation anxiety, and licking became his way of self-soothing. Keeping him mentally stimulated reduced the licking significantly.

Skin Infections or Injuries

A small cut or scrape can cause your dog to focus on licking that spot. Sometimes, bacterial or yeast infections can also lead to obsessive paw licking. If the licking persists despite trying home remedies, a vet visit may be necessary.

Natural Dog Licking Paws Remedies That Work

Over the years, I’ve tried various home remedies to stop dog from chewing paws. Some worked wonders for Max, while others were less effective. Here are the top ones that made a real difference.

Apple Cider Vinegar Paw Soak : Dog Chewing Paws Remedy

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fantastic natural remedy for itchy paws. I often mixed a cup of ACV with two cups of warm water and let Max’s paws soak for about five minutes. This helped reduce itching and kill bacteria. Just be sure not to use it if there’s an open wound—it can sting!

Another tip: I wiped his paws with a diluted ACV solution after walks. This not only soothed his skin but also acted as a barrier against allergens.

Coconut Oil Magic : Easy Solutions for Itchy Dog Paws

Coconut oil is another powerful tool. I massaged a small amount onto Max’s paws before bedtime. It’s anti-inflammatory and moisturizing, which helped soothe his irritated skin. Plus, it’s safe if licked.

You can also add a teaspoon of coconut oil to your dog’s food. It promotes healthy skin from the inside out. Just be careful with the dosage, as too much can cause an upset stomach.

Epsom Salt Soak : Quick Fix for Itchy Paws

For times when Max’s paws looked particularly sore, an Epsom salt soak worked wonders. Dissolving a handful of Epsom salt in warm water and soaking his paws for about 10 minutes helped reduce swelling and discomfort.

I followed this with a thorough rinse to ensure no salt residue was left, as licking too much salt can be harmful.

Home Remedies to Stop Dog from Chewing Paws Due to Allergies

Dealing with allergies is tricky but manageable. I had to make some changes to Max’s environment and diet to tackle his allergic reactions.

Changing Their Diet

Switching to a grain-free, hypoallergenic diet was a game-changer. I noticed Max licking his paws less within two weeks. If your dog is always licking paws, consider consulting your vet about a diet change.

Look for high-quality dog food with limited ingredients. You can also try adding omega-3 supplements, which promote healthy skin.

Paw Balm

Homemade paw balms can be very effective. I whipped up a simple balm using beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. Applying it once a day not only soothed Max’s paws but also acted as a protective layer against allergens.

This was especially useful during winter when salt and ice-melting chemicals could irritate his skin.

Regular Paw Cleaning

Wiping Max’s paws with hypoallergenic pet wipes after every walk became part of our routine. This simple habit helped remove allergens and dirt, reducing the need for him to lick.

I also made sure to check for small cuts or thorns that might have gone unnoticed during our walks.

How to Handle Anxiety-Induced Paw Licking

When anxiety is the root cause, remedies need to focus on calming your dog’s mind. This was crucial for Max, as his paw licking often spiked during stressful times.

Puzzle Toys and Mental Stimulation

Keeping Max engaged with puzzle toys and interactive games reduced his boredom and anxiety. These activities kept his mind busy, so he wasn’t as focused on licking.

I also rotated his toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

Calming Supplements

I tried natural calming supplements, like those containing chamomile and valerian root. These helped take the edge off during particularly stressful times.

CBD oil is another option that worked well for Max. It’s worth discussing this with your vet to find the right dose.

Creating a Safe Space

Max had a designated corner with his bed, blankets, and a few favorite toys. This space became his sanctuary, helping him feel secure and reducing anxiety-related licking.

I also used a white noise machine to drown out sudden noises that might startle him.

The Best 7 Home Remedies for Dog Paw Licking

Here’s a handy table summarizing the most effective home remedies for dog paw licking. Each remedy includes instructions on how to apply it and its key benefits.

Remedy	How to Apply	Benefits
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak	Mix 1 cup of ACV with 2 cups of warm water. Soak paws for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.	Antibacterial, antifungal, and soothing for itchy paws. Prevents infections.
Coconut Oil	Massage a small amount onto your dog’s paws before bedtime. Can also be added to food (1 tsp/day).	Moisturizes dry skin, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Safe if ingested.
Epsom Salt Soak	Dissolve ½ cup of Epsom salt in a basin of warm water. Soak paws for 10 minutes, then rinse well.	Reduces swelling, soothes sore paws, and helps heal small cuts or scrapes.
Homemade Paw Balm	Mix melted beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. Let cool, then apply a thin layer daily.	Protects paws from allergens and harsh weather. Moisturizes and soothes irritation.
Oatmeal Paste	Mix ground oatmeal with water to form a paste. Apply to paws, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.	Relieves itching and irritation. Helps soothe allergic reactions.
Chamomile Tea Rinse	Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a rinse or soak for paws. No need to rinse off afterward.	Reduces inflammation, soothes irritation, and provides a calming effect.
Aloe Vera Gel	Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected paws. Ensure it’s safe for dogs (no added chemicals).	Cools and soothes irritated skin. Promotes faster healing of minor wounds.

These remedies are simple, effective, and safe. Each has its unique benefits, helping you tackle paw licking from various angles. Be sure to monitor your dog’s progress and consult a vet if symptoms persist.

Preventing Recurrences of Paw Licking

Once you’ve found an effective dog chewing paws remedy, the next step is preventing future issues. Consistency and maintenance are key.

Regular Grooming

Keeping Max’s nails trimmed and fur between his paw pads short made a big difference. It reduced the chance of debris getting stuck and causing irritation.

Regular grooming also gave me a chance to spot any early signs of problems.

Seasonal Paw Care

During winter, I used dog booties to protect Max’s paws from salt and cold. In summer, I checked for hot pavement and avoided walks during peak heat hours.

These small changes helped keep his paws healthy year-round.

Vet Check-Ups

If your dog always licks paws despite trying home remedies, it’s time to consult a vet. Persistent licking can signal underlying health issues that need professional attention.

These tried-and-tested remedies can provide significant relief for paw licking, but it’s essential to monitor your dog’s progress. If the licking continues or worsens despite your efforts, consult your veterinarian to check for any underlying health issues.

In my experience, finding the right combination of home remedies for dog licking paws takes patience. But with a little trial and error—and lots of love—you’ll find what works for your furry friend. Whether it’s an apple cider vinegar soak or calming puzzle toys, the key is understanding your dog’s needs and being consistent.

Max’s paw-licking days are behind us now, thanks to these simple yet effective solutions. If your pup is dealing with a similar issue, I hope these tips help you find relief as they did for us.