When a dog licks his paws, it can be normal grooming or a sign something is bothering him. The meaning depends on how often he does it and what else you see.
Normal reasons
Occasional paw licking is often just self-grooming, especially after walks when there may be dirt, salt, or debris on the feet. It can also be a mild self-soothing behavior, since licking can feel calming for dogs.
Medical causes
Frequent or intense licking can mean the paws are itchy, painful, or irritated, such as from allergies, dry or cracked pads, cuts, stings, or a foreign object stuck between the toes. If only one paw is licked a lot, it more often suggests a specific injury or sore spot in that paw rather than a whole-body issue.
Skin and allergy issues
Environmental allergies (like grass, pollen, dust, or household cleaners) and sometimes food allergies commonly cause itchy paws, leading to repeated licking and chewing. Over time this can cause redness, staining of the fur, swelling, or even skin infection between the toes.
Behavior and stress
Some dogs lick their paws out of anxiety, boredom, or stress, using it as a coping habit similar to nail-biting in humans. This can become a compulsive behavior if the dog is often under-stimulated or frequently anxious.
When to see a vet and what to do
See a vet promptly if you notice redness, swelling, odor, discharge, limping, bleeding, raw skin, or if the dog licks so much you cannot easily distract him. As a first step at home, gently check between the toes and pads for splinters, burrs, cuts, or burns, keep paws clean and dry, and increase mental and physical exercise; but if licking continues or worsens, a veterinary exam is needed to find and treat the underlying cause.