Spring Is Coming: Why Now Is the Best Time to Stop Your Dog's Paw Licking Before Allergy Season Hits
Persistent paw licking is one of the earliest warning signs of allergies, with many veterinary experts stating now is the time to investigate before spring allergens make the problem significantly worse.
With grass pollens, weeds and tree pollens set to increase over the coming weeks, Pet Insurance Australia is encouraging owners not to dismiss excessive paw licking as “just a habit”, warning it is often the first sign of an underlying medical condition. With allergies the top reason for vet visits and claims, catching symptoms early is paramount.
“While an occasional lick after a walk or before settling down to sleep is perfectly normal, frequent or intense licking usually tells pet parents that something is bothering the feet,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.
Experts agree that allergies are by far the most common reason they see dogs with ongoing paw licking.
The biggest culprit is environmental allergy, where dogs can become allergic to airborne components like grass pollens, tree pollens, weeds, house dust mites or moulds. These dogs can have itchy feet year-round or during particular seasons.
Food allergy can also cause itchy paws, and is diagnosed with a strict elimination diet trial.
Allergic paws can also develop secondary yeast or bacterial infections, which can significantly worsen itching and irritation. Treating the infection can provide relief, but if the underlying allergy is not identified and appropriately managed, the problem may continue to recur.
Many pet owners may not seek veterinary advice until spring, by which time seasonal allergy symptoms can already be well established and more difficult to manage.
Some dogs may show subtle signs of paw irritation during winter, including occasional licking or chewing, before symptoms become more noticeable as spring arrives and exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen increases.
By the time pet owners notice persistent chewing, redness or brown staining around the paws, the skin may already be inflamed or affected by a secondary infection. Early veterinary assessment can help identify the underlying cause and prevent discomfort from becoming an ongoing problem.
Unlike humans, dogs come into direct contact with allergens every time they head outside.
“A dog’s paws are in direct contact with the environment every day, picking up potential irritants from grass, weeds, soil and other outdoor surfaces. For dogs already showing signs of paw licking or irritation during winter, the arrival of spring and increased exposure to seasonal allergens may cause symptoms to become more noticeable or persistent.”
Allergies are the number one reason many dogs in Australia visit the vet, with the average cost ranging from $600+ to an eye-watering $21,000+ in severe cases*.
Paw licking can become a concern when it is frequent, repetitive or difficult to interrupt. Signs to watch for include:
- Paw licking that is difficult to distract or interrupt
- Licking paws every day
- Waking during the night to lick feet
- Chewing between the toes
- Red or swollen paws
- Brown saliva staining
- A bad smell from the feet
- Limping
- Bleeding, discharge or lumps between the toes
Persistent paw licking may indicate irritation, discomfort or an underlying issue. If you notice these behaviours, it’s worth investigating the cause and booking a check-up with your local vet.
Pet Insurance Australia is encouraging owners to book a veterinary appointment before peak allergy season if they notice persistent paw licking, recurring ear infections, redness between the toes or brown saliva staining.
Occasional paw licking can be a normal part of grooming, but persistent or repetitive licking may indicate that something is causing irritation or discomfort. Itching, pain, inflammation or other underlying issues can all lead dogs to repeatedly lick or chew their feet.
“Spring should mean more adventures with your dog, not more scratching, chewing and discomfort. If your dog has already started licking their paws, now is the perfect time to have them checked before allergy season reaches its peak.”
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Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.
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