If your Maltese is licking his paws raw, you’re likely worried and frustrated. The direct answer: it’s usually due to allergies (food or environmental), anxiety or boredom, or secondary skin infections. But the good news is that with a methodical approach and veterinary guidance, you can help your dog find relief. Let’s break down the likely causes and what you can do about it.
Allergies: The Most Common Culprit
Maltese dogs are prone to allergies, which often manifest as itchy paws. Allergies can be environmental (pollen, dust mites, grass) or food-related (typically proteins like chicken or beef, or grains). When your Maltese licks his paws, he’s trying to soothe the itch. But licking leads to moisture and irritation, which can cause a secondary bacterial or yeast infection , making the itch even worse.
What to look for: Redness between the toes, brownish staining from saliva, a yeasty smell, or hair loss on the paws. If the licking is seasonal, it points to environmental allergies. If it’s year-round and accompanied by ear infections or anal gland issues, food allergies are more likely.
First step: Visit your veterinarian. They can rule out other causes and may recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial (8-12 weeks) or allergy testing. In the meantime, wipe your dog’s paws after walks with a damp cloth to remove allergens, and consider using paw wipes designed for sensitive skin. Never use human products , they can be toxic.
Anxiety or Boredom: The Behavioral Side
Maltese dogs are companion animals that thrive on attention. If they’re left alone for long periods, lack mental stimulation, or feel stressed (changes in routine, new pets, loud noises), they may develop compulsive licking. Licking releases endorphins, which can be self-soothing, but it quickly becomes a destructive habit.
Signs of anxiety-related licking: The licking happens more when you’re about to leave, during storms, or when he’s in his crate. He might also pace, pant, or whine.
What you can do: Increase exercise and enrichment. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and short training sessions can keep his mind busy. If you suspect separation anxiety, work with a certified dog behaviorist. Your vet can also discuss temporary anti-anxiety medications or pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil) to help during the transition.
Skin Infections: The Vicious Cycle
Once a Maltese starts licking, moisture and bacteria create a perfect storm for infections. Bacterial and yeast infections are common in the moist, warm environment between paw pads. The infection then causes more itching, more licking, and the cycle continues.
Symptoms: Red, inflamed skin; pustules or bumps; a greasy or crusty appearance; and a foul odor. Your vet can take a skin cytology to determine if it’s bacterial or yeast, and prescribe appropriate treatment (antibiotics, antifungals, or medicated wipes). Do not try to treat infections at home without a vet , you might make them worse.
Preventive care: Keep paws clean and dry. After baths, dry thoroughly between the toes. Use a cone or inflatable collar if your dog won’t stop licking, at least until you see the vet. For ongoing maintenance, some owners find success with paw balms that create a barrier, but only use products labeled for dogs.
Medical Conditions to Rule Out
Less common but important causes include:
– Fleas or mites: Check for fleas, flea dirt, or hair loss on other body parts.
– Injuries: A burr, cut, or foreign object (like a grass seed) lodged between toes can cause obsessive licking.
– Arthritis or joint pain: Older Maltese may lick a sore joint or paw.
– Hormonal imbalances: Hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can cause skin issues.
Your vet will perform a thorough exam to rule these out. If the cause isn’t obvious, they may recommend bloodwork or X-rays.
Practical Steps to Stop the Licking Now
While you wait for a vet appointment, here’s what you can do:
- Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or inflatable donut to prevent licking. This will break the cycle and allow the skin to heal. Use it during unsupervised times and at night.
- Clean paws gently with a veterinary-recommended antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine wipes) once or twice daily. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Distract and redirect with a favorite toy, a frozen Kong, or a chew session when you see him licking.
- Check for environmental triggers , change walking routes if certain grasses seem to cause issues.
- Consider a hypoallergenic diet trial only under your vet’s guidance. Do not switch foods abruptly.
Remember, raw paws can quickly become infected and painful. Persistent licking is a sign that your Maltese needs medical attention. A veterinary visit is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
By addressing both the physical and emotional triggers, you can help your Maltese stop licking his paws raw and get back to being a happy, healthy companion.
Key Takeaway
Persistent paw licking in Maltese is a sign of an underlying issue; consult your vet to diagnose allergies, infection, or anxiety, and use protective measures to break the lick-itch cycle.