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Why Is Your Dog Chewing on Paws? Causes and Solutions
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It can be alarming when your dog won't stop chewing its paws. This is especially true if your pet does this so often that its paws become red and inflamed or, worse, start bleeding. Occasional paw chewing or licking is a relatively common canine behavior and is no cause for alarm. However, if you find your dog chewing its paws excessively, this may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs attention.
This article will explore the common causes of why your dog is chewing its paws and provide some solutions that will help discourage your furry friend from this problematic behavior. Let's get started.
Table of Content
Causes of Paw Chewing in Dogs Allergies Skin infections Parasites Anxiety or stress Dry or cracked paws Injuries or foreign objects Solutions to Stop Paw Chewing Visit a veterinarian Address allergies Treat infections or parasites Provide mental and physical stimulation Use protective footwear or balms Keep paws clean and moisturized Preventive Measures for Future Chewing Regular grooming Maintaining a healthy diet Stress management FAQs Why is my dog chewing its paws at night? What are some home remedies for dog paw chewing? How do I stop my dog's paw chewing? Conclusion Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
Causes of Paw Chewing in Dogs
Your dog chewing its paws too much can be distressing for pet parents. Dogs chew their paws for a plethora of reasons. These include allergies, skin infections, parasitic infestation, anxiety, boredom, stress, and injuries. We will explore each cause of excessive paw chewing in more detail below.
Allergies
Dogs, much like people, are prone to allergies which can lead to severe health complications like chronic skin inflammation and respiratory problems if left untreated. Your pet can develop an allergy to various substances like dust mites, mold spores, and certain food ingredients like beef, dairy products, and eggs. Besides this, insect bite or parasite salivary secretion (particularly flea saliva) can lead to irritation that escalates to paw biting. Common dog allergy symptoms include paw redness, sneezing, and paw licking.
Skin infections
Certain bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can also make your dog chew its paws. Skin infections can also be secondary to reduced barrier function due to some allergies. Bacterial and yeast infections can affect all areas of the skin, including your pet's feet. This results in itchy and inflamed paws, which your pet may then begin licking to soothe the itch. Look out for symptoms of skin infections like paw redness and discharge that smells bad if you notice your pet engaging in abnormal dog paw chewing.
Parasites
The presence of parasites like fleas, mites, or ticks may also explain your pet's persistent chewing. These critters cause itchy paws! Look closely at your dog's hair and skin to spot any visible parasites. Fleas appear as tiny brown bugs moving within a dog's coat. Additionally, you may find flea dirt (small black specks), eggs (tiny white dots), or small round bumps (indicating the presence of ticks) on your dog's skin. Feet are also vulnerable to harvest mites.
Anxiety or stress
Distress or tension is another cause of dogs chewing their paws. Loud noises, adopting a new pet, or even making changes to your dog's environment can cause anxiety and stress. In some cases, dogs chew their paws because they have an itch and continue to do so even after the itch resolves because they find it soothing such as in cases of separation anxiety.
Dry or cracked paws
Dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, environmental conditions (cold dry winters or hot summers), and contact with chemicals can dry out your pet's paws, causing dryness and discomfort. You may also spot matted hair in longer-haired breeds.
Signs of dry paws include cracks, redness, bleeding, and paw chewing.
Injuries or foreign objects
Injuries like cuts and splinters, or foreign objects like small stones stuck under the paws can cause irritation and result in persistent paw biting, particularly of one paw only. It is advisable to regularly inspect your dog's paws for physical injuries to prevent your dog from chewing its paws.
Solutions to Stop Paw Chewing
Now you know the various reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws. Next, it is essential to identify the specific underlying cause of your dog's recent paw-biting habit to put a stop to it. Here are a few pointers to guide you.
Visit a veterinarian
First, consult your veterinarian to help uncover the cause of your dog's chewing. This will help prevent complications like bleeding and superimposed infections. Your vet may prescribe medicated shampoos, allergy or parasite control medications to help manage the problem, depending on the cause.
Address allergies
If your dog is allergy-prone, remember to rinse their paws after walks. Also, getting your pet some allergy medications, and adopting a hypoallergenic diet should help stop the excessive chewing. Vets may also suggest a hypoallergenic diet.
Treat infections or parasites
Dog chewing on paws resulting from skin infections can be managed with topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal treatments, pain medications, or antiparasitic products.
Provide mental and physical stimulation
Engage your pet in regular exercise, provide chew toys, and maintain a consistent routine. This will help reduce stress and boredom.
Use protective footwear or balms
To avoid dry skin and cracked paws, purchase dog boots, paw pads, or paw balms to protect your pet from harsh environments.
Keep paws clean and moisturized
Clean your dog's paws regularly with gentle wipes or by rinsing in plain water after walks. Additionally, keep their paws moisturized by applying paw balm to prevent dryness.
Preventive Measures for Future Chewing
Here are a few helpful tips to help prevent paw licking or chewing in your dog.
Regular grooming
Grooming your pet regularly has both aesthetic and health benefits. It helps to keep your pet clean and makes early detection of parasites and injuries easier. It ensures your dog's skin stays healthy and prevents conditions that push dogs to lick their paws.
Maintaining a healthy diet
Providing your dog with a well-balanced diet enhances their well-being by promoting skin health and reducing allergic reactions and deficiencies. Additionally, take care to avoid ingredients your pet is allergic to.
Stress management
Preventing anxiety, boredom, and stress can also help to prevent abnormal paw licking or chewing. Consider adopting stress-relieving measures like consistent routines and regular exercise to help your dog relax.
FAQs
Why is my dog chewing its paws at night?
This is probably due to an allergic reaction to something your pet came in contact with during an afternoon walk. In this case, rinsing your pet's paws with water after every walk should help. House dust mites can also cause dogs to chew their paws at night. Clean the house thoroughly.
What are some home remedies for dog paw chewing?
Home remedies for excessive paw chewing include regular grooming, applying a vet-approved paw balm, soaking your pet's paws in diluted apple cider vinegar for about a minute, and avoiding foods your pet is allergic to.
How do I stop my dog's paw chewing?
Consult your veterinarian to help identify the cause. Then, ensure your pet takes the prescribed medication. Finally, adopt stress-relieving techniques to help curb this habit.
Conclusion
- Sometimes, you may notice your dog chewing its paws, this is not something you should fret about but you do need to find the reason if it becomes an ongoing behavior.
- Persistent paw-biting usually has an underlying cause, ranging from allergies to skin infections. To help your dog feel better, it is important to consult your veterinarian to identify the reason for your pet's paw chewing.
- Additionally, adopting a special low-allergy diet, regular grooming routine, and environmental enrichment are key ways to enhance your pet's health and prevent your dog from chewing its paws excessively.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
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