Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?

8. Fleas and Ticks

Most areas have populations of fleas and ticks that your dog can pick up while on a walk, and these can cause a lot of irritation. You might notice your dog scratching excessively as well as licking his paws if this is the culprit, but in early stages of the infestation, it might not be that obvious. It's a good idea always to keep your dog on a flea and tick preventative to avoid this. If you do get an infestation, you'll need to groom your dog with special shampoos and tools, as well as to clean your home using flea-eradication techniques to kill any bugs living in the environment.