Your dog is chewing their paws due to allergies (food, environmental), pain (injury, arthritis, foreign object), parasites (fleas, mites, ticks), infections (yeast, bacteria), or behavioral issues like boredom, anxiety, or stress, often acting as a self-soothing mechanism for discomfort or frustration. It's crucial to see a vet if it's persistent, as it can lead to hot spots or infections, but check paws for cuts, thorns, or swelling first.
Every dog will lick or chew at his paws from time to time. It's normal canine behavior. But if your dog is constantly licking, chewing, or gnawing at his paws, there may be something wrong. Injuries, allergies, parasites, and stress can all be causes of paw chewing in dogs.
While occasional paw licking is normal, aggressive licking or chewing could indicate pain or injury. Signs of pain like limping, avoiding stairs, or decreased activity might also be present if your pet is experiencing pain from: Stings. Cuts.
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If you notice sudden licking from your pup accompanied by limping or sensitivity when the paw is touched, there may be an injury present. Whether it's an insect bite, splinter, wound from a sharp object, or a broken nail, any injury to the paw can lead to discomfort and prompt licking behavior.
This includes specialized itch-relief wipes for dogs, anti-itch sprays, and antihistamine creams to quickly soothe the discomfort and reduce inflammation. Your vet may also suggest washing your dog's itchy paws with an anti-itch shampoo to wash away any lingering irritants.
If your pet is licking or biting its paws obsessively, you should book an appointment with your vet to diagnose the issue. Not only can licking and biting paws make symptoms and conditions worsen quickly, but it can also lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
Skin Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can develop on a pet's paws, leading to itching and subsequent licking. Pain or Injury: Pets may lick their paws excessively if they have sustained an injury or have joint pain due to conditions like arthritis.
Two of the most common are bacterial and yeast infections which tend to be caused by the excess moisture that accumulates with obsessive mouthing of the paws. These can actually worsen the itchiness that your dog experiences and can cause problems such as swelling, pus, and pain.
The dry winter air can be tough on your pet's skin, causing dryness and irritation. Regularly check your dog's paws for cracked or bleeding paw pads, especially if they've been outside in icy conditions.
While occasional paw licking is normal, look for signs of excessive chewing, such as redness, swelling, open sores, or changes in your dog's walking or standing behavior. If these signs persist, it's time to seek professional help from a trusted local veterinarian—Brown Veterinary Hospital is always here for you.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Apoquel, Atopica, fatty acid supplements, prednisone, or other medications such as antihistamines can be very effective in reducing itching. Apoquel and Atopica are the only FDA-approved non-steroidal drugs for the management of canine atopic dermatitis.
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can irritate a pet's paws, causing them to lick excessively in response to the itching. Skin Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections can develop on a pet's paws, leading to itching and subsequent licking.
Some dogs develop compulsive behaviors, which include paw licking. To deal with boredom, try taking your dog for more walks or runs. Increase playtime with you and with other dogs to use up more mental and physical energy. Give your pet puzzle toys or safe chew toys to take their focus away from his paws.
There are certain breeds thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese Terrier, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell if your dog's infection is caused by either bacteria or yeast. Both can cause similar symptoms and appearance in your dog, but yeast infections often lead to more skin thickening, a greasy haircoat, and more odor.
The only home remedy for yeast infections in dogs that has any scientific data to support it is a vinegar rinse. A vinegar rinse is able to help change the pH of the skin to make it less desirable for yeast. The proper dilution is essential to avoid irritation.
Epsom salt soaks of the feet for about 5–10 minutes at least once a day can help wash off environmental allergens and contaminants. This also soothes the skin of the feet and helps the healing process. You can also use medicated wipes to help clean the paws and relieve some of the itching.
The feet and paws are often red (inflamed) and swollen. There may be nodules (bumps) or fungal lesions (kerions), ulcers, or discharge (pus) from the lesions. There is often hair loss and the dog may lick the feet constantly.
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar for your dog's paws if they're itchy, irritated, or inflamed. Diluted ACV may help soothe the skin, alleviate itching, and remove germs.
The common culprit tends to be allergies and dry skin, as both can leave your dog's paws feeling itchy, scratchy, inflamed, and pained. Whether it's from household chemicals, pollen, grass, or mold, their paws can be irritated, which will lead to the chewing to attempt to alleviate it.
Usually, treatment for yeast or fungal skin infection in dogs lasts for a minimum of a few weeks and is continued for at least seven to 10 days beyond an apparent cure, so it's vital that the medications are used as prescribed during this time, even if your dog looks normal.
Environmental allergies are the most common cause of excessive paw licking. Dogs absorb allergens through their skin and paws, unlike humans who typically react through inhalation. Seasonal pollen, grass, dust mites, and mold spores often trigger these reactions.