Why does my dog keep licking his paws?

Constant paw licking is most often caused by allergies (environmental or food). Other causes are a splinter or cut, yeast or bacterial infection between the toes, anxiety or boredom, and in winter, road salt irritation.

Check the paws: look between the toes for redness, swelling, a foreign object or a cut. Red-brown staining of the fur is a sign of long-term licking.

See a vet if: licking lasts more than a few days, the skin is red, swollen, smelly or bleeding, or your dog limps. Rinse paws with water after winter walks.