Why Does My Pet Have Itchy Feet? Causes and Solutions

The Common Issue of Itchy Paws

If your pet is constantly licking, chewing, or biting at its paws, it’s a sign that something is irritating them. While the occasional lick is normal, persistent itchy feet can indicate allergies, infections, or other underlying issues. Understanding the cause is the first step in finding relief for your pet.

What causes itchy feet?

There are many potential causes for itchy paws, and to complicate matters further, multiple factors can be involved simultaneously. Not all paws are built the same, and some dogs are more prone to problems than others. Below are some of the most common reasons why dogs develop itchy feet.

Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis) 🌿

One of the most common causes of persistently itchy feet is atopic dermatitis, a reaction to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold.

• Since paws have high exposure to environmental allergens, they are often the first area to show signs of irritation.
• Symptoms include redness, excessive licking, and inflammation between the toes.

Food Allergies 🥩🌾

Unlike environmental allergies, which often cause widespread itchiness, food allergies typically affect specific areas such as the paws, ears, and face.

• Common triggers include chicken, beef, dairy, soy, and grains.
• Food trials (elimination diets) are often needed to diagnose food allergies.

Infections (Yeast & Bacterial) 🦠

Constant paw licking creates moisture, which can lead to yeast or bacterial infections. These infections are often secondary to an underlying cause.

• Symptoms include red, swollen, smelly paws and brownish discoloration of the fur around the toes.
• Yeast infections are particularly common in dogs with folded skin or allergies.

Parasites (Mites & Ticks) 🕷️

• Demodex or Sarcoptes mites can burrow into the skin and cause intense itching.
• Unlike flea allergy dermatitis (which typically affects the lower back and tail base), mites often cause paw and face irritation.

Dry, Cracked Skin ❄️

• Cold weather, hot pavements, and harsh chemicals (like de-icers or cleaning products) can dry out the paw pads.
• This can lead to cracking, peeling, and discomfort.

Underlying Medical Conditions 🏥

• Hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can lead to recurrent infections and chronic paw inflammation.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus foliaceus, can also contribute to this issue.

Foreign Bodies 🌿

• If only one paw is affected, a foreign body like a grass seed or a splinter could be the cause of irritation.

Contact Dermatitis (Irritant or Allergic) 🧪

• True contact dermatitis (from grass, chemicals, floor cleaners, etc.) can cause localized itching of the paws where the skin touches the irritant.
• Symptoms include redness, swelling, and lesions mainly on the hairless areas of the paws and between the toes.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If your pet’s itchy paws come with any of these signs, it’s time for a vet visit:
✔️ Persistent licking or chewing that causes redness or hair loss.
✔️ Swelling, sores, or discharge between the toes.
✔️ Foul odor (a sign of infection).
✔️ Limping or avoiding walking on certain surfaces.

How to Help Your Pet with Itchy Paws

Before helping your pet, knowing what causes the problem is the main task, however, keeping the paws clean and dry, and checking for material that should’t be there, is a good first approach.

Manage Allergies

• Environmental allergies: Wipe paws after walks, use vet-recommended anti-itch sprays, and consider allergy medications.
• Food allergies: Try an elimination diet to identify potential triggers. (More on allergies in future posts!)

Improve Paw Hygiene

• Rinse paws with lukewarm water after outdoor walks and dry thoroughly.
• Use pet-safe paw balms to keep pads moisturized when dry pads are a problem.

Treat Infections

• Yeast or bacterial infections require vet-prescribed antifungal or antibiotic treatments.
• Keeping paws clean and dry can help prevent recurrence.

Parasite Control

• Monthly flea, tick, and mite prevention can help stop itching before it starts.

Veterinary Check-up

• If itching persists, a vet may recommend allergy testing, skin scrapings, or diet trials to find the root cause.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Pet’s Paws Healthy

Itchy paws can be frustrating for both pets and owners, but the right approach—whether it’s allergy management, infection treatment, or better paw care—can bring relief. If your pet is constantly licking its paws, don’t ignore it! Early intervention can prevent discomfort and long-term issues.

I will keep adding to this website and will write about many of the underlying causes in the future. In the meantime, let me know what you would like to hear more about in the comments.

References and Further Reading:

• White, S. D. (1989). Pododermatitis. Veterinary Dermatology, 1(1), 1-18.
• Kennis, R. (n.d.). Distribution patterns and differential diagnoses of pruritus in dogs. Auburn University CVM.
• Nuttall, T. (2019). Chronic pododermatitis and interdigital furunculosis in dogs. Companion Animal, 24(4), 194-200.
• Bajwa, J. (2016). Canine pododermatitis. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 57(9), 991.