My dog has had problems with his paws. He keeps licking and biting them, and sometimes when we walk he starts limping after a while

It's really easy to see why you're concerned — watching Moose lick and bite at his paws constantly, and then start limping on walks, is uncomfortable to witness and clearly uncomfortable for him too. The good news is that paw issues are very common in dogs, and there are some useful things you can look for right now.

What might be going on

Persistent paw licking and biting is often linked to one of a few things:

• Allergies — environmental allergens (like grass, pollen, or mold) or food sensitivities commonly cause dogs to chew at their feet. The paws are one of the first places allergy-related irritation shows up.
• Something stuck or irritating the paw — a small stone, thorn, piece of glass, or even a grass seed (called a "foxtail" in some regions) can work its way between the toes and cause exactly this kind of behavior.
• Irritated or cracked paw pads — hot pavement, rough terrain, or dry weather can cause the pads to crack or become sore, which worsens with walking.
• Infection — prolonged licking creates a warm, moist environment that can lead to a yeast or bacterial infection between the toes. This often shows up as redness, a brownish discoloration of the fur, or a slightly musty smell.
• Joint or structural discomfort — the limping after walking is worth paying attention to separately. It could be related to the paw itself, or it could point to something higher up, like a joint issue.

Things you can do at home right now

• Gently inspect each paw — look between the toes, along the pads, and at the nails for anything visible like redness, swelling, cuts, or foreign objects.
• Rinse his paws with plain, lukewarm water after walks, especially if he's been on grass or pavement.
• Try to keep him from licking — excessive licking makes irritation worse. A soft cone or paw booties can help short-term.
• Note when the limping happens — which leg, how far into the walk, and whether it improves with rest.

When to see your vet:

Given that Moose is showing two symptoms — the licking/biting and limping — a vet visit is a good idea soon, ideally within the next few days rather than waiting it out. Specifically, go sooner (or right away) if you notice:

• Swelling, bleeding, or an obvious wound on any paw
• A foul smell or discharge between the toes
• The limping is getting worse or he's limping at rest, not just after walks
• He's reluctant to put weight on a leg at all
• He seems generally tired, off his food, or not himself

A vet can check whether this is an allergy, an infection, a structural issue, or something else entirely — and get Moose back to his comfortable, happy self.