Why does my dog lick his paws after coming inside from walks?

Usually because something on the walk is irritating or bothering his paws.

Common causes:

• Allergens: grass, pollen, mold, or weed spores stuck to the paws
• Irritants: lawn chemicals, fertilizer, pesticide, winter salt, or de-icers
• Debris or injury: dirt, burrs, pebbles, thorns, a torn nail, a scrape, or a sting
• Wet/muddy paws: some dogs lick to dry or clean them

What to do:

• Wipe his paws after every walk, especially between the toes
• Check for redness, swelling, cuts, or anything stuck there
• Try booties or a pet-safe paw balm if the problem keeps happening
• See a vet if the licking is frequent, the skin gets raw, or he starts limping

If it happens mostly after certain routes or seasons, allergies or chemical exposure are especially likely.