True or False? Paw licking is often caused by itchiness.

Answer: True

While paw licking can have a few different causes, including injury or behavioral issues, one of the most common reasons that pets lick their paws is itchiness. And two common causes of itchiness in pets are parasites and allergies. 

Parasites such as fleas or ticks can cause the paws to be very itchy, but using year-round flea and tick preventives can eliminate and prevent fleas and ticks, relieving the itch. The most common cause of paw licking, however, is allergies. Itching occurs because your pet’s immune system overreacts to an airborne allergen that gains entry to their skin due to a defective skin barrier. 

Other causes of allergies include certain dietary ingredients and direct contact with certain substances. Once the itching starts it can start a vicious cycle where bacteria, fungi or yeasts can invade broken skin causing more itching.

If your pet is licking their paws, contact your veterinarian who can help determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.