Many owners notice this typical behavior in their dogs and question whether they should be concerned. Some dogs will gently but persistently lick one or both of their paws, while other dogs will even attempt to chew on their toes, which can be upsetting for any pet owner.
The short answer is yes. Always talk to your veterinarian about this behavior, especially if it develops quickly, lasts for a long time, or is accompanied by limping, bleeding, redness, swelling, odor, or other potential symptoms of pain or infection.
Although most dogs occasionally exhibit this behavior for unknown reasons, some are prone to excessively lick or chew their feet. When this occurs, the feet (especially those of light-colored dogs) frequently appear stained a pink or rusty color as a result of repeated exposure to the porphyrin pigments present in saliva.
Some final insights into the question, “Why do dogs chew their feet?”
Why do dogs chew on their feet? is difficult to answer simply. But just as there are numerous causes, there are numerous treatments as well.
“It really comes back to why it’s happening,” Dr. Pachel says. There may be several different treatments available for any one of these problems. The first step to at least minimizing some of these other issues is to prioritize basic health care. After that, it will be a matter of carefully monitoring your dog and deciding when to have him examined by a veterinarian. ”.
Why do dogs chew their feet? Allergies might be at play.
Allergies are a typical response to the question, “Why do dogs chew their feet?” A hint that an environmental allergen, such as pollen, mold, or mildew, may be the cause of the behavior is provided if it changes with the seasons. More long-term chewing could signal a food allergy. But determining the exact food ingredient is difficult and time-consuming. In order to determine what a dog is allergic to, it must be done through a process of trial and error, according to Dr. Pachel says.
A 12-week food-elimination trial offers the best chance of finding a specific culprit, says Rebecca Remillard, PhD, DVM, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. These involved trials start with feeding a simplified diet of foods the dog has never eaten.
Why do dogs chew their feet? Due to these diseases and illnesses.
What are some additional frequent responses to the question, “Why do dogs chew their feet?”? According to Dr. Remillard, who founded Veterinary Nutritional Consultations Inc. in Hollister, North Carolina. Additionally, foot biting may result from trauma or discomfort (such as that brought on by arthritis or hip dysplasia), autoimmune conditions, cysts, tumors, and cancer. Certain canines may gnaw on their digits as a result of skin infections brought on by hormonal imbalances, such as too much cortisol or not enough thyroid hormone.
Excessive paw chomping can be brought on by something as harmless as dry skin from the wintertime, an arid environment, or a lack of fatty acids in the diet. A cracked claw or even a corn (Greyhounds are known to be susceptible to corns) may be to blame. Possible foreign objects in or between the paw pads include thorns, pebbles, and other objects. The skin can become irritated by fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites, as well as by some soaps and shampoos, the salt used to treat snowy streets, and chemicals like harsh pesticides for the lawn and garden.
FAQ
Why is my dog chewing his own foot?
Like other dog behaviors, there are a variety of causes for dogs to lick or chew on their paws. These include wounds, skin conditions, allergies to certain foods, parasites, or the environment, as well as boredom or anxiety.
How can I get my dog to stop chewing on his paws?
Tips to Prevent Dogs from Licking and Chewing Their Paws Purchase new toys and enrichment games and activities to provide your pet with something to do. By reducing stressors, using pheromone sprays and diffusers, as well as calming treats, you can address any behavioral issues, such as noise anxiety.