Why Do Dogs Lick and Chew Their Paws?

When a dog starts chewing and licking its paws more frequently, it can be concerning for pet owners. This behaviour can persist even when the owner tries to divert the dog’s attention with its name or favourite toy.

This increased licking and chewing can stem from various causes, such as fleas, allergies, or even injuries to the paws. Exploring these potential causes is key to finding proper treatments and keeping the dog comfortable and healthy.

Canine Behavior Explained

Dogs use their paws for various reasons, including communication and grooming. Specific actions, like licking and chewing, can indicate different things.

Communication Through Gestures

Dogs often use their paws to express themselves. Pawing can mean many things, such as seeking attention, signalling discomfort, or showing submission. When a dog paws at its owner, it might be asking for food, playtime, or simply wanting to be noticed.

Paw gestures are important cues. For example, a raised paw can be a sign of uncertainty or anxiety. Some dogs learn to shake paws as a trick, but this can also be a natural way of responding to human gestures. Understanding these actions helps in interpreting a dog’s needs and feelings.

Patterns of Paw Licking and Chewing

Paw licking and chewing are common actions in dogs. These behaviours might be linked to allergies, injuries, or even boredom. Environmental factors, like pollen or dust, can irritate a dog’s paws, leading to licking. Dogs might chew on their paws if they have a cut or bite that causes discomfort.

Excessive licking or chewing is often a sign that something is wrong. If a dog spends too much time on its paws, it’s important to check for signs of infection, irritation, or pain. In some cases, these actions might be due to stress or anxiety, and addressing the root cause is essential for the dog’s well-being.

Reasons Your Dog Keeps Licking Their Paws

Pain or Injuries

Sometimes, dogs lick their paws because they are hurt or feeling pain. If you notice your dog limping or avoiding stairs, they might have:

Cuts or scrapes
Stingers from insects
Ingrown or cracked nails
Fractured bones
Burns from hot pavements or chemicals

Dogs may lick or chew their paws if they have cuts, bruises, or splinters. These injuries can be painful and cause them to focus on the area. Observing the paws for any visible injuries is important.

Providing proper care and attention to injuries can prevent infections. Using protective footwear during walks can also minimize the risk of injury. Always monitor your dog for any signs of limping or discomfort.

Parasites like Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks can make dogs itchy. These pests can live in many places, including bedding, carpets, grass and wooden areas.

Parasites like fleas and mites can irritate a dog’s skin. Look for tiny moving bugs or black spots (flea dirt). Ticks often hide between the toes, under the legs, and behind the ears. Use tweezers close to the skin to remove ticks entirely.

It’s important to give your dog flea and tick prevention treatments. Your vet can recommend the best options. These pests lead to itching, causing dogs to lick and chew their paws. Infections such as fungal or bacterial can also be a cause.

Regular vet visits and proper grooming can help keep parasites at bay. Medications and treatments are available to eliminate these pests. It’s crucial to address any signs of infection promptly to avoid further complications.

Allergies

Dogs can have allergies to food, pollen, dust, chemicals, or flea bites. These allergies cause itching and irritation, making them lick and chew their paws. Common signs of allergies include red, swollen paws and frequent licking.

Other symptoms might be ear infections or itchy skin. It’s important to identify the allergen. A vet can help with allergy tests and recommend treatments like special diets or medications. Limiting exposure to allergens can reduce the problem.

Treating allergies may involve medications, special diets, or medicated shampoos. Your vet can help identify and treat the specific allergens.

Arthritis

Older dogs often suffer from arthritis, affecting various joints, including toes. This condition leads to pain and inflammation, as well as trouble using affected limbs.

Relief strategies include:

Home adjustments: Use rugs on slippery floors and provide orthopedic beds.
Dietary changes: Consult your vet for supplements or joint-healthy diets.
Weight management: Keeping your dog lean decreases stress on their joints.
Physical therapy: Low-impact exercises can help reduce pain.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relief injections approved by the vet can be beneficial.

Anxiety and Stress

When dogs experience anxiety, they may develop repetitive behaviours like licking and chewing their paws. This can become a way to cope with feelings of discomfort or fear.

Stressful situations, like loud noises or being left alone for long periods, can trigger this behaviour. Dogs may also react to changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet. These events can cause them to feel insecure and exhibit paw-licking as a form of self-soothing.

Consulting with a veterinarian or a specialist in animal behaviour can help address these underlying problems.

Boredom or Lack of Stimulation

Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. Without enough activities or interaction, they can become bored. This boredom can lead them to lick and chew their paws as a way to pass the time.

Providing toys, regular walks, and playtime can help keep a dog engaged. Puzzle toys and training sessions can also offer mental challenges. Dogs that are left alone for long periods should have access to activities that can keep them occupied and prevent boredom-related behaviours.

Dry Skin and Irritations

Dry skin can make a dog’s paws itchy. This can be due to weather changes, low humidity, or allergies. Shampoos and soaps might also cause irritations and dryness.

Keeping your dog’s skin moisturised helps. Using dog-friendly lotions and avoiding harsh chemicals can reduce dryness. Ensuring proper hydration by providing plenty of water is also beneficial.

Environmental Influences

Dogs often lick and chew their paws due to various environmental factors that can cause discomfort or irritation. These include changes in weather and exposure to household chemicals.

Weather and Climate Effects

The weather has a big impact on a dog’s paw health. In the winter, cold snow, ice, and salt can lead to dry, cracked paws. Dogs may lick their paws to soothe the discomfort.

Hot pavement in the summer can burn and irritate their paw pads. Humid conditions can also lead to fungal infections. Dogs may lick and chew their paws to try to relieve the irritation caused by these environmental factors.

Key signs of weather-related paw issues include redness, cracking, and blisters. Keeping an eye on these symptoms is crucial to ensure your dog’s comfort and health.

Household Chemicals and Irritants

Household chemicals can also irritate a dog’s paws. Cleaners, detergents, and even some floor polishes can cause allergic reactions. When dogs walk on these surfaces, they may develop itching and irritation.

Please use pet-safe cleaning products to minimise these risks. If a dog continues to lick and chew its paws after cleaning, it might be reacting to those chemicals. Wash your dog’s paws after they come into contact with any potentially harmful substances to reduce irritation.

To help avoid issues, maintain a clean, irritant-free environment and pay attention to how your dog reacts to different household products.

Nutritional Contributions

Dogs might lick and chew their paws due to dietary issues like imbalances or food allergies. These problems can cause discomfort and lead to paw licking as a way to relieve it.

Dietary Imbalances

A dog’s diet needs to stay balanced to support their health. If they don’t get the right nutrients, it can lead to skin issues. For example, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids might make their skin dry or itchy. Vitamins and minerals like zinc and vitamins A and E are also vital.

Owners should aim to provide a well-balanced diet. Sometimes, dogs can even face problems if they eat too much or too little of certain nutrients. Inconsistent feeding schedules can also cause an imbalance. Paying attention to food labels and recommended daily intakes helps to keep a dog’s diet balanced and their paws healthy.

Food Allergies

Food allergies might cause a dog to lick and chew their paws. Common allergens include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. When a dog eats something they are allergic to, their immune system reacts, causing itchiness or rashes.

Signs of food allergies include redness, swelling, and frequent licking. An elimination diet can help pinpoint the allergen. This method involves removing potential allergens from the dog’s diet and reintroducing them one by one. Consulting a veterinarian is advisable to manage food allergies effectively. They can suggest hypoallergenic foods or specific diets to relieve symptoms.

Preventive Measures

To stop dogs from licking and chewing their paws, you can take several steps. These steps include keeping the paws clean, protecting them, and making changes in the environment.

Regular Grooming

Regular grooming helps keep a dog’s paws clean and free of irritants. Trim the fur around the paws to prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck. Check the paws frequently for signs of injury or infection.

A weekly paw check includes looking for cuts, redness, or swelling. It’s also a good idea to clip the dog’s nails regularly. Long nails can cause discomfort and lead to more licking and chewing.

Bathing the dog with a mild shampoo can help as well. Make sure to dry their paws thoroughly after baths or walks, especially in wet conditions. Moist paws can develop fungal infections.

Paw Protection

Protecting the paws involves using dog boots or paw wax. Dog boots can be very helpful in harsh weather conditions like snow or hot pavement. They protect against rough terrains and chemicals used to melt ice.

Applying paw wax forms a protective barrier against salt, ice, or rough surfaces. Use the wax before taking the dog on walks. These products can prevent cracking and other issues that may make a dog lick or chew its paws.

Keeping an eye on where the dog walks can also be part of paw protection. Avoid paths with sharp objects or hot pavements, especially during summer.

Environmental Modifications

Changing the environment can greatly reduce the need for dogs to lick or chew their paws. Start by cleaning surfaces the dog frequently walks on. Use pet-safe cleaning products to avoid allergic reactions.

Remove any plants that could cause allergies. Ensure the dog’s living area is free from pests such as fleas and ticks. Use flea treatments and regular vet check-ups as preventive measures.

If the area has a lot of grass or pollen, rinse the dog’s paws after outdoor activities. An air purifier indoors can also help reduce allergens. Small changes in the dog’s environment can make a big difference.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When a dog licks and chews its paws, understanding the cause is key. Treatments range from seeing a vet to using medications, topicals, and alternative therapies.

Veterinary Examination

A visit to the vet is essential for pinpointing the problem. The vet will check for allergies, infections, or injuries. They may take skin scrapings or blood tests. Signs of infection to their paws include redness, swelling, and the presence of pus if a wound is present.

Allergies might require further allergy tests. Injuries often need X-rays. It’s crucial to find the root cause for the right treatment.

Medications and Topicals

Based on the diagnosis, the vet may prescribe medications or topicals. Antibiotics and antifungals treat infections, and steroids help with inflammation and allergies. Topical treatments like creams and sprays are also used. Always follow the vet’s advice for dosing and application.

Alternative Therapies

Sometimes, vet-recommended alternative therapies can help. Diet changes address food allergies, and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids boost skin health.

Options include:

Acupuncture: May reduce pain and inflammation.
Hydrotherapy: Aids in healing injuries.

Natural solutions, when used properly, can support traditional treatments. Always consult with a vet before starting any new therapy.

Home Care Strategies

Taking care of your dog’s paws at home can help prevent infection and soothe discomfort. Cleaning the paws and using homemade remedies are effective strategies.

Cleaning and Bandaging

Regular cleaning is key. Use mild soap and warm water to wash your dog’s paws. This will remove dirt and irritants. Dry the paws thoroughly to prevent fungal growth. If there are cuts or sores, use antiseptic wipes to clean them.

For deeper wounds, consider bandaging. Wrap the paw with a sterile bandage and secure it. Make sure it’s not too tight. Monitor the paw daily to check for signs of infection like redness or swelling.

Tools Needed:

Mild soap
Warm water
Antiseptic wipes
Sterile bandages

Steps:

Wash paws with soap and water.
Dry thoroughly.
Clean cuts with antiseptic wipes.
Bandage if necessary.

Homemade Remedies

Soothing soaks can help relieve itching and discomfort. Epsom salt baths are good. Add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to warm water and let your dog soak its paws for a few minutes. This can reduce swelling and clean bacteria.

Oatmeal paste is another option. Mix oatmeal with water to create a paste. Apply it to the paws and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. This can reduce itching and irritation.

Ingredients Needed:

Epsom salt
Oatmeal
Warm water

Methods:

Epsom salt bath: soak paws for a few minutes.
Oatmeal paste: apply and let sit, then rinse.

Understanding Compulsive Behaviours

Dogs often develop repetitive habits, which can become problematic if not properly addressed.

Identifying Obsessive Actions

Compulsive behaviours in dogs can include constant licking or chewing of their paws. They may lick a single spot until it’s raw or chew their nails excessively. These actions might seem harmless but can lead to infections or injuries.

Other signs include agitation, restlessness, and difficulty focusing. Keep an eye out for patterns. Does the behaviour happen during certain times of the day? Does it worsen with stress or boredom?

Identifying these patterns helps in understanding the root cause. Veterinarians can also provide guidance on whether the actions are linked to medical issues like allergies or skin conditions.

Patterns of Paw Licking and Chewing

Working With Your Veterinarian To Treat the Issue

If your dog is licking its paws and exhibits signs like bleeding, swelling, limping, or discharge such as pus, contact your vet. Symptoms like whimpering or crying when touched may also signal a serious problem.

Steps to take:

Consult your vet: They will help find out why your dog is licking its paws.
Diagnosis: Your vet might check for infections like pododermatitis.
Treatment plan: Follow the vet’s advice to address the root cause.

Early action can make treatment easier and prevent the issue from escalating. Working with your veterinarian ensures your dog receives the care needed to avoid complications.