Why Do Dogs Chew on Their Feet?

If your dog chews his paws, it’s likely a part of his grooming routine. Chewing on feet is a normal behavior for dogs, just like rolling in the grass. However, if the chewing of feet is excessive or persistent, it could mean something more serious. You should see the vet in this case, especially if the paw chewing is accompanied by other symptoms. Read on to find out more.

What does it mean when your dog chews his feet?

When your dog chews his feet, it is usually normal grooming behavior. Dogs chew their feet to clean up and remove debris or dirt picked up outdoors. Some dogs chew their feet to scratch an itch. And sometimes the paw chewing behavior is simply done out of boredom.

Do I need to see a vet if my dog chews or bites his paws?

In some cases, a dog chewing his paws is a sign of a more serious underlying condition like allergies, infection, injury, pain, or anxiety.

Here are some clues that something else is going on and your dog needs to be evaluated by the vet.

• Check for other signs and symptoms of allergies such as a red nose or eyes and itching in other areas like the ears and abdomen.
• Examine your dog’s paws for any signs of injury. For example, a torn nail or a thorn stuck in the paw. If it’s something minor, you can remove it at home. Otherwise, a visit to the vet may be warranted to remove the foreign body.
• If the licking and biting is due to pain from a strained muscle or tendon, check for signs like whimpering or limping.
• The presence of oozing, redness, or swelling in the paw can indicate inflammation or infection. Get your dog checked out by the vet to rule out a bacterial or yeast infection.
• Biting and chewing of the feet in dogs can be a sign of anxiety. Try to note the times when your dog does this behavior. Is it when you’re about to leave her alone? Are there other signs like whining or pacing that tell you she’s upset? This will give you clues that anxiety may be playing a role in your dog’s feet chewing behavior.

What will happen if my dog keeps chewing his feet?

If your dog chewing his feet is aggressive or persistent, it can lead to injuries to the paws. Bacteria from your dog’s mouth can be transferred to the tissues of the paws. That’s why it’s important to stop the feet chewing if it is excessive. If you’re not sure what’s going on, consider making a video of your dog chewing his feet to show to the vet.

How do I stop my dog from chewing his paws?

As mentioned, in most cases, dogs chewing on their paws is a harmless and normal behavior. Indeed, many dogs not only like to lick their own paws but also love licking human feet.

But if your dog is chewing on their feet due to a medical condition, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

The veterinarian can prescribe medications for environmental allergies or recommend substitutes if your dog has a food allergy. If an injury is causing the paw chewing, it can be treated by the vet with cleaning and bandaging. Infections can likewise be treated with medication. Anxiety in dogs can be treated with behavior modification, and medication, if needed.

It's important to take your dog into the vet for a professional evaluation if he or she chews her feet excessively. The vet will be able to determine what exactly is causing your dog to chew on their feet and treat it accordingly.

05 December, 2022