Why Is My Dog Chewing His Paws
My dog kept chewing and licking his paws more than usual. I tried to distract him by calling his name or giving a favorite toy, but it kept happening. A veterinarian once explains that there are many reasons behind this common behavior.
Sometimes it is simple exploration or self-soothing, like trying to clean muck after a walk. In many dogs, licking paws is normal, but aggressive chewing may indicate pain, injury, or other issues.
Common Causes and What I Noticed
I learned that allergies, fleas, and injuries are big causes. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can itch, so dogs lick and bite their skin. You may see bugs, black spots, or flea dirt on the skin.
Ticks can burrow between toes, near ears, or legs, and must be removed with tweezers from the base.
Allergies can come from:
- Food like chicken, meat, pork, or eggs
- Environment like grass, pollen, or detergents
These can cause infections, hot spots, itchiness, and even ear infections.
I once saw redness, swelling, and cracked paw pads after my dog walked on hot surfaces. Small things like cuts, stings, broken nails, or ingrown nails can also lead to pain, limping, and decreased activity.
Also read: How Long Do Golden Retrievers Teeth?
When It Becomes Serious and What to Do
If your dog keeps chewing and biting, check the paw thoroughly.
Look for:
- Gravel, grass seeds, thorns, glass
- Foreign bodies stuck between the toes
- Redness, heat, swelling, or oozing from the nail base
I usually rinse and bathe the paw to remove mud and hidden cuts.
Keep it dry and clean, and use a cone collar, cotton sock, or boot to protect it.
Exercise and play also help reduce boredom, stress, and anxiety, which can turn into a habit or even obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In some cases, I noticed arthritis in older dogs, where joints, hips, and toes cause pain and inflammation, making them lick for relief.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
You should seek help from a vet if there is:
- Bleeding
- Swollen paws
- Pus
- Whimpering, crying, or wincing when touched
Left untreated, it can lead to bacterial infections like pododermatitis, which are painful and hard to treat.
A vet may suggest treatment like:
- Medications
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
Sometimes injections, sprays, or tablets are needed.
In rare cases, procedures like removing foreign bodies, stitching wounds, or even laser care may be used.
I also learned that things like thermal burns, fungal infections, hookworms, or even cancer can be hidden causes. Even a small itch can turn into chronic skin disease if ignored, so early diagnosis and the right treatment matter a lot.
Also read: Should I Let My Puppy Chew on Sticks?
Conclusion
Dog chewing and licking paws can start from simple irritation or behavior, but it can also point to deeper issues. Checking early signs and understanding the causes helps prevent pain, infections, and long-term problems.
