It’s a common sight for dog owners: your furry friend incessantly licking or chewing their paws. While it might seem like a minor habit, persistent paw licking and chewing can be a sign of underlying issues, ranging from simple discomfort to more complex behavioral problems. The first and most crucial step when you notice this behavior is to consult your veterinarian. They can help systematically rule out various potential causes, ensuring your dog receives the appropriate care. You can read more about skin problems on our Hub.
Allergies and Parasites: The Itchy Culprits
Skin allergies are a very frequent cause of a dog’s discomfort, leading them to lick and chew their paws. These allergies can be triggered even if the paws haven’t directly contacted the allergen. However, sometimes direct contact is the issue. If your dog is excessively nibbling their paws, it’s a good practice to rinse them with cool, plain water after each walk to wash away potential irritants. Your vet is the best resource for advice and treatment options for allergies.
Parasites can also be the reason behind paw licking, especially during late summer and autumn. Harvest mites, which appear as tiny red dots on the skin, can be extremely irritating for dogs. Other types of mites, such as Sarcoptes (mange) or Demodex, can also cause significant itchiness. We’ve got some more information on mange on our Hub.
Fleas are another common cause of general itchiness in dogs. While they don’t typically reside on the feet, if a dog cannot easily scratch a flea bite elsewhere, they might turn to licking their paws as a distraction.
Soreness, Boredom, and Anxiety: Beyond the Itch
If your veterinarian rules out external irritants and allergies, they may explore other reasons for your dog’s paw licking. Sometimes, dogs lick or chew their feet or joints because they are stiff and sore, similar to how humans might rub an aching area.
Beyond physical discomfort, boredom and stress can manifest as excessive licking and biting of the front paws. This can stem from frustration and, over time, develop into a compulsive habit. Observing your dog closely can help identify specific triggers for this behavior. If the licking and biting occur spontaneously at home, affecting only one or two feet, and your vet finds no other medical cause, it might indicate a lack of mental stimulation.
To combat boredom, consider engaging your dog with interactive toys or creating a “destruction box” filled with safe items for them to tear apart. such as a destruction box. Puzzle feeders are also excellent for keeping their minds occupied. Additionally, increasing the frequency or duration of walks and playtime in the garden can make a significant difference. Read our free exercise guide to get a rough idea of how much your dog might need.
Anxiety can also lead some dogs to chew or lick their feet because it provides a self-soothing effect. In some instances, this behavior may have originated from itchy paws, and the comforting sensation led the dog to continue the habit even after the itch subsided. Breaking such habits can be challenging, and seeking advice from your vet or a certified dog behaviorist is recommended. They can assess your dog’s specific situation and recommend the best course of action. Look for behaviorists accredited by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) or the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), and don’t hesitate to ask your vet for a referral.
The good news is that early intervention significantly improves the chances of resolving paw nibbling habits, regardless of the cause. Your vet can treat parasites, offer guidance on managing allergies, and prescribe appropriate medications. For behavioral issues, your vet can discuss potential medications to manage discomfort, help devise behavior modification strategies, and you can support your dog by ensuring they have ample exercise and playtime to prevent boredom.
About PDSA Vets
We’ve compiled advice from our veterinary team across PDSA.
