Why Dogs Limp Their Paws. How long will a dog limp with a sprained leg? Ten reasons why dogs lick their paws.

However, stress, anxiety, and boredom are certainly common concerns that often lead to compulsive behaviors like paw licking. One of them is a sprain or dislocation. Dogs lick their paws to relieve the discomfort caused by their immune system overreacting to allergens.