Accepted Answer

Hello,
I am sorry to hear about the licking. If she is also doing this in the bed, than I don't believe the carpet itself has anything to do with it. So, when dogs licking or chew on multiple feet, this can be strongly suggestive of an underlying allergy problem. Food allergies and environmental allergies (pollen, weeds, grass, trees) being the most common. If she is only licking one paw, this could be behavioral. I would recommend a veterinary examination so a veterinarian can assess the paws to ensure there is not a moist pododermatitis already present that needs antibiotics or other topical therapy. Next, I would do a trial with some steroids and/or antihistamines to see if the feet licking resolves. Definitely, do these treatments BEFORE considering any behavioral medications.
You may be pleasantly surprised that the feet licking stops with the steroids. Definitely, do not scold her. There is no point and she will not understand why you are doing it.
Good Luck
Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Expert:	Dr. Andy
Pos. Feedback:	99.8 %
Accepts:	1798
Answered:	12/24/2008

Veterinarian

UC Davis Graduate / Interests: Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pain Control, Emergency , Geriatrics