It’s a common and often concerning sight for dog owners: their beloved pet obsessively licking or chewing their paws. This behavior can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from simple irritations to more complex medical or behavioral problems. The first and most crucial step when noticing your dog repeatedly chewing their paws is to contact your veterinarian. Early intervention is key to identifying the underlying cause and implementing the most effective treatment, ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being. Your vet can provide expert guidance on a wide range of health concerns.
Allergies and Parasites: Common Culprits
Skin allergies are a frequent cause of itchy paws, and sometimes a dog can react to an allergen even if their paws haven’t directly come into contact with it. However, in other cases, the paws themselves might be the source of irritation. If your dog is excessively nibbling at their feet, it’s advisable to rinse their paws with cool, plain water after each walk to wash away potential irritants. Your veterinarian can offer comprehensive advice and treatment options for allergies, so reaching out to them promptly is recommended.
Parasites can also be a significant factor, particularly during late summer and autumn. Tiny red dots on the skin, known as harvest mites, can be extremely irritating for dogs. Other types of mites, such as Sarcoptes (mange) or Demodex, can also lead to intense itching. While fleas are a more general cause of itchiness in dogs, they don’t typically reside on the feet. However, if a dog cannot easily scratch a flea bite elsewhere on their body, they might resort to licking their paws as a distraction or a way to relieve the itch.
Soreness, Boredom, and Stress
If your veterinarian rules out itchy feet as the cause, they may explore other reasons for your dog’s paw licking. Dogs sometimes lick or chew their paws or joints because they are experiencing stiffness or soreness, much like humans might rub an aching spot.
Beyond physical discomfort, boredom and stress can also manifest as compulsive paw licking and biting due to frustration. This behavior can then develop into a habit. Closely observe your dog to identify any specific triggers for this licking and biting. If the behavior appears seemingly out of the blue at home, affecting only one or two paws, and your vet finds no other medical cause, it could indicate that a lack of mental stimulation is the culprit.
To combat boredom-induced paw licking, consider engaging your dog with interactive toys, such as a “destruction box” filled with treats or safe items to tear apart. Puzzle feeders are also excellent for keeping a dog’s mind occupied. You might also find that increasing the duration or frequency of walks, or incorporating more playtime in the garden, helps to alleviate their restlessness. Consulting a guide on appropriate exercise levels can be beneficial.
Anxiety can also lead some dogs to chew or lick their feet because it provides them with a sense of comfort. In some instances, this behavior may have started as a response to itchy paws, and because it offered relief, the dog continued the habit even after the itching subsided. Breaking such a habit can be challenging. Therefore, seeking advice from your veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist is highly recommended. They can assess your dog’s specific situation and determine the best course of action. It’s advisable to look for a behaviorist accredited by organizations such as the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) or the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). Your veterinarian can also provide recommendations for qualified professionals.
Finding a Solution
The good news is that addressing the cause of your dog’s paw-chewing habit early on significantly increases the chances of a successful resolution. Parasites can be effectively treated by your vet, who can also offer guidance on managing allergies and prescribe appropriate medications. For behavioral issues related to licking and biting, your vet can discuss potential medication to help manage discomfort, strategies for behavior modification, and how you can support your dog by ensuring they receive ample exercise and playtime to prevent boredom. Understanding compulsive licking disorder in dogs can also provide valuable insights.
This article was compiled with advice from the veterinary team at PDSA.
