Dogs chew on their feet because it makes them feel good and is the perfect illustration of compulsive behaviour that many dogs demonstrate in times of anxiety. The behaviour is undesirable because when a dog chews on their own feet they can hurt or injure themselves and can lead to the bigger problem of a dog becoming reliant on the behaviour as a method of self-soothing when they feel stressed.
In this guide well explore the most common reasons why dogs chew on their feet, establish an understanding of interventions that we can take to eliminate or minimise the behaviour and also outline some of the early warning signs of the specific health problems that can cause a dog to seek comfort from chewing on their own feet and legs.
Ever caught your furry friend in a weird contortion gnawing away at his paw like it’s a chew toy? You’re not alone! As a pet owner, I’ve definitely had those moments where I’m like “Buddy, what are you DOING?” It’s both funny and concerning at the same time.
But here’s the thing – when dogs start biting their feet obsessively, it’s usually their way of telling us something’s up. And it’s our job as responsible pet parents to figure out what’s going on.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Occasionally Bite Their Feet?
Before we dive into the concerning stuff, let’s clear something up: occasional, brief paw grooming is totally normal dog behavior. Just like how we might pick at something stuck between our toes, dogs use their teeth to:
- Remove dirt and debris
- Get rid of loose fur between their toes
- Keep their paws clean after walks
Normal paw grooming is:
- Quick (just a minute or two)
- Gentle (not aggressive or frantic)
- Infrequent (not an all-day activity)
- Not causing any visible irritation
But when that casual nibble turns into a foot-biting obsession, that’s when we need to pay attention!
7 Common Reasons Why Your Dog Is Biting His Foot
1. Allergies – The #1 Culprit!
Allergies are super common in dogs and often show up as itchy paws. Just like us humans might get itchy eyes or sneezy, dogs often get itchy feet!
Your dog could be allergic to:
- Environmental triggers (pollen, grass, dust mites, mold)
- Food ingredients (beef, chicken, dairy, wheat)
- Flea saliva (even from just one tiny flea bite!)
My Experience: My golden retriever would chew his paws like crazy every spring until we figured out he was allergic to certain pollens. Once we started him on the right meds, the paw-chewing dropped dramatically!
2. Parasites – Tiny Troublemakers
Those creepy crawlies can drive your pup to distraction! Fleas, ticks, and especially mites can cause intense itching that leads to foot biting.
Parasites to watch for:
- Fleas (check between toes and around nail beds)
- Ticks (can attach between toes or paw pads)
- Mites like Demodex or Sarcoptes (cause mange and intense itching)
3. Infections – Bacterial or Fungal
Your dog’s paws are constantly touching the ground, which makes them prone to infections. Both bacterial and fungal infections can make paws itchy, red, and uncomfortable.
Signs of paw infections
- Redness and swelling
- Unusual odor (yeasty or foul)
- Discharge or pus
- Warm to the touch
This condition actually has a name – pododermatitis (inflammation of the paws). Your vet might need to do skin scrapings or cultures to figure out the specific cause.
4. Injuries and Foreign Objects
Sometimes the answer is super simple – something’s stuck in there! Dogs can get all sorts of things lodged in their paws:
- Thorns or splinters
- Grass seeds or foxtails
- Small pebbles
- Glass shards
- Even ice balls in winter!
A careful inspection of the paw might reveal the problem. Look between the toes, around the pads, and check for any cuts or punctures.
5. Anxiety and Stress – The Emotional Component
Yep, dogs can develop nervous habits too! Anxiety can manifest as obsessive behaviors like foot chewing. This is especially common if:
- Your dog is experiencing separation anxiety
- There’s been a major change in the household
- Your dog is bored or under-stimulated
- There are scary triggers (thunderstorms, fireworks)
What’s interesting is that foot biting often starts for a physical reason (like allergies) but then becomes a habitual behavior that continues even after the initial problem is solved. Kinda like how some people bite their nails when stressed!
6. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Older dogs especially might bite at their paws due to joint pain. The discomfort radiates down their legs, making their paws a focus point. If your dog is:
- Older
- Having trouble with stairs or jumping
- Stiff in the mornings
- Biting at multiple paws
…arthritis might be the culprit. This is definitely a vet-check situation!
7. Grooming Issues
Sometimes the problem is simply:
- Overgrown nails that are uncomfortable
- Matted fur between toe pads
- Cracked or dry paw pads
- Hair that’s grown too long between the toes
Regular grooming can prevent these issues from developing in the first place.
How to Stop Your Dog from Biting His Feet
When to See the Vet
I always recommend a vet visit if your dog’s foot biting is:
- Sudden and intense
- Causing visible damage to the skin
- Accompanied by other symptoms like limping
- Not improving with home care
- Disrupting normal activities or sleep
Your vet has the diagnostic tools to identify the underlying cause, whether it’s allergies, infections, or something else entirely.
Home Remedies and Solutions
While waiting for that vet appointment, there are some things you can try:
1. Paw Soaks
A gentle Epsom salt soak can provide relief from inflammation:
- Add 1⁄2 cup Epsom salt to a basin of warm water
- Soak the affected paw for 5-10 minutes
- Gently dry thoroughly afterward
2. Distraction Techniques
Sometimes breaking the cycle is key:
- Offer puzzle toys or long-lasting chews
- Increase exercise (if there’s no injury)
- Try training sessions to engage their mind
3. Temporary Barriers
To prevent further damage while you address the cause:
- Dog booties (if your dog will tolerate them)
- An Elizabethan collar (the “cone of shame”)
- Bitter apple spray (deters chewing)
4. Environment Management
If allergies are suspected:
- Wipe paws after walks
- Consider using hypoallergenic laundry detergent
- Vacuum frequently to reduce allergens
Prevention: Keeping Your Dog’s Feet Healthy
Regular Grooming Routine
Establish a good paw care routine:
- Check paws weekly for any issues
- Trim nails regularly (every 3-4 weeks)
- Keep the hair between toe pads trimmed
- Moisturize paw pads if they seem dry
Parasite Prevention
Stay on top of parasite control:
- Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives
- Check paws after walks in wooded areas
- Consider year-round protection (parasites don’t just disappear in winter!)
Balanced Diet
Diet plays a huge role in skin health:
- High-quality protein sources
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin health
- Consider probiotics for gut health (which affects allergies)
Mental and Physical Exercise
A tired dog is less likely to develop obsessive behaviors:
- Daily walks appropriate for your dog’s age and breed
- Interactive play sessions
- Mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys
Our Experience
When my dog started obsessively chewing his paws, I initially thought it was just a weird habit. But after the fur started turning reddish-brown (a sign of chronic licking) and he developed a hot spot, I knew something was wrong.
Turned out he had both environmental allergies AND a secondary yeast infection that developed because of the constant moisture from licking. Our vet prescribed:
- An antihistamine for the allergies
- Antifungal medication for the yeast
- Special medicated wipes for after walks
- A cone of shame for two weeks (he was NOT happy about this one!)
Within about 10 days, his paws looked so much better, and the biting behavior decreased dramatically. Now we keep the medicated wipes on hand for allergy season, and I’m much more vigilant about checking his paws regularly.
FAQs About Dogs Biting Their Feet
Why is my dog suddenly biting his feet?
Sudden foot biting often indicates an acute issue like an injury, a new allergy, or a parasite bite. Check for visible wounds, foreign objects, or recent environmental changes. If nothing obvious appears, a vet visit is recommended as soon as possible.
Is foot biting always a problem?
Not always! Brief, occasional grooming is normal dog behavior. It becomes concerning when it’s persistent, aggressive, or causing visible irritation or injury to the paw.
Can anxiety cause my dog to bite his feet?
Absolutely! Anxiety can manifest as obsessive behaviors like foot chewing. This is especially common with separation anxiety or during stressful events like thunderstorms. Addressing the underlying anxiety through training, environmental management, and sometimes medication can help reduce the behavior.
Should I use a cone to stop my dog from biting his feet?
A cone (Elizabethan collar) can be helpful as a temporary measure to prevent further damage while addressing the underlying cause. However, it doesn’t solve the root problem. If an infection is present, preventing licking is essential for healing, so a cone might be necessary during treatment.
Can diet affect foot biting?
Yes! Food allergies can cause itchy skin that leads to foot biting. Additionally, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain healthy skin and reduce inflammation. Some dogs benefit from specialized diets that eliminate common allergens.
Bottom Line
If your dog is biting his foot, it’s his way of telling you something’s wrong. While occasional, brief paw grooming is normal, persistent or intense biting warrants investigation. The cause could range from allergies and parasites to anxiety or injuries.
Don’t ignore this behavior – address it promptly to prevent secondary infections and chronic issues. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most dogs can find relief from whatever is causing their discomfort, and you can both get back to more important things… like belly rubs and squirrel-watching!
Have you ever dealt with a paw-biting pup? What worked for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Understanding Why Dogs Chew On Their Feet
When it comes to establishing the underlying cause of why dogs sometimes seek relief by chewing their feet, its important to acknowledge that the problem is not uncommon. If youre reading this because your dog chews his or her feet or if youre simply curious as to the reasons why dogs chew their own feet, seek solace in the fact that the behaviour is widely seen and is curable.
But first, we need to look at the most common root causes for unwanted feet chewing by most dogs.
Dogs chew their feet for a variety of reasons.
Some dogs tend to lick themselves obsessively to alleviate itching whilst others chew their feet or obsessively lick as a result of a behavioural pattern. Conditions such as separation anxiety, canine compulsive disorder (CCD) or simple boredom or stress can be primary causes of feet chewing in dogs too.
Its important to intervene if your dog is chewing their own feet as they can cause themselves significant physical damage, which can lead to infection, but more pertinently a dog chewing their own paws is demonstrating an undesirable behavioural pattern, the underlying cause of which we should be committed to solving.Useful Resource:
How Do I Stop My Dog Chewing Their Own Feet?
Having established the primary cause of why the dog is chewing their own feet, you can begin to work on the solutions.
If boredom is the cause, work hard to fill the dogs day with interesting tasks and challenges. Interactive dog games such as hide and seek, fetch or simply training the dog to learn new behaviours is both mentally and physically stimulating.
Separation anxiety: If separation anxiety is the cause of your dog chewing their own feet, you need to address the problem head on. Separation anxiety i dogs is increasingly common. Read K9 Magazines guide to dealing with separation anxiety for advice on how to cure it.
Food allergies: If your dog has an allergy that is causing them to gnaw and chew their feet, you should get a professional diagnosis from a vet or nutritionist. Switching food will normally be the first change to make when treating allergies.
If your dog is causing damage to their feet, see a vet without delay. Dogs are capable of inflicting serious injuries upon themselves either through scratching or chewing themselves. These wounds can become infected and can develop in to much more serious problems.