Dog Chewing Paws: The Meaning Behind This Hidden Symptom

Dogs typically lick their paws as a regular part of their grooming behavior. However, if dogs frequently or intensely chew on their paws, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.

Excessive paw licking or chewing may arise from several factors, including allergies (such as flea allergy dermatitis), physical discomfort, anxiety, or infections. 

Pet parents must recognize these signs and understand the potential reasons behind their dog’s behavior. This article aims to assist pet owners in identifying the causes of paw chewing and offers guidance on how to stop dogs from chewing paws. 

Why Is My Dog Chewing His Paws? 

Pet parents often wonder, “What causes dogs to chew their paws?” To understand this behavior, they must examine their dog’s paws closely. Various factors can contribute to this issue, including the following common causes: 

Allergies

Dogs experience allergic reactions to various environmental factors, such as pollen and grass, and food sensitivities. These allergies often lead to itchiness, which results in excessive paw licking. 

Skin Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections affect a dog’s skin, causing symptoms like itchiness, swelling, and redness. These often prompt the dog to chew or lick the infected areas to soothe the irritation. 

Parasites

Parasites such as fleas, mites, or ticks irritate a dog’s skin, leading to discomfort that manifests as paw chewing or licking. 

Pain or Injury

Physical injuries, such as cuts or thorns, or conditions, such as arthritis, cause pain, prompting a dog to chew its paws to alleviate discomfort. 

Anxiety or Stress

Some dogs use excessive paw licking as a self-soothing mechanism when feeling anxious or stressed. 

Dry Skin

Harsh weather conditions, frequent bathing, or nutritional deficiencies lead to dry, itchy skin. This discomfort often leads a dog to lick or chew its paws. 

Identifying the specific reason behind a dog biting paws is crucial for determining how to stop this behavior and prevent potential dog paw infection.

How to Determine the Cause of Paw Chewing

To identify the root cause of a dog chewing paws, pet owners can take the following steps: 

• Check for Physical Signs. Examine the dog’s paws for redness, swelling, sores, or visible parasites. These symptoms provide valuable insights into problems such as dog paw allergies, infections, or infestations. 
• Observe When It Happens. Pay attention to when a dog starts licking its paws excessively. If the behavior intensifies during specific seasons, it may indicate environmental allergies. Chewing right after meals could suggest food sensitivities, while discomfort following walks might indicate irritation caused by contact with surfaces. 
• Monitor Behavior. Notice if the dog tends to chew more when alone, which may suggest anxiety, or if it happens after physical activity, as this could indicate pain or injury. 
• Consult a Veterinarian. If the cause of these behaviors remains unclear or symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. A professional accurately diagnoses and recommends appropriate treatments to address the underlying issues effectively. 

Understanding the specific triggers behind a dog biting paws is crucial for determining how to stop a dog from chewing paws and preventing potential complications like a dog paw infection. 

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing His Paws 

To effectively manage a dog that chews on his paws, it is essential to identify and address the underlying cause of the behavior. 

Allergies

Implementing a hypoallergenic diet is beneficial if allergies are suspected. Additionally, it’s advisable to wipe your dog’s paws after walks to remove allergens. Consulting a veterinarian about antihistamines also helps alleviate symptoms. 

Skin Infections

Dogs suffering from skin infections must seek veterinary care for appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatments. 

Parasites

It is essential to protect your dog from parasites. Utilizing veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives such as Nexgard Plus, Bravecto, Credelio, and Frontline Shield significantly reduces the incidence of parasitic infestations. 

Pain or Injury

Inspect the paws closely for wounds. If injuries are present, suitable protection must also be provided. 

Anxiety

Consider offering interactive toys to engage your dog mentally. Increasing physical activity also helps reduce anxiety levels. Furthermore, calming supplements may assist in managing their stress. 

Dry Skin

Pet-safe moisturizers offer relief for dogs with dry skin. To promote skin health, it is also recommended that the dog’s diet be adjusted to include omega fatty acids. 

Pet parents effectively manage how to stop dogs from chewing paws by tailoring interventions to the specific cause of the behaviors.

Preventing Paw Chewing in Dogs 

Preventing excessive paw chewing in dogs involves proactive care and attention. Key strategies include: 

• Maintain Regular Grooming. Regularly trim the fur between your dog’s paw pads and keep their nails short to reduce irritation and prevent matting, which can lead to a dog chewing paws. 
• Provide Proper Nutrition. Ensure dogs receive a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies cause skin issues, leading to behaviors like dogs licking their paws excessively. 
• Use Paw Balms. Pet-safe moisturizers prevent dryness and cracking, reducing the likelihood of a dog biting its paws due to discomfort. 
• Minimize Allergens. Keep your home clean, use air purifiers, and wash your dog’s bedding frequently to reduce exposure to allergens. This is particularly important for dogs prone to paw allergies, as environmental factors trigger excessive licking and chewing. 
• Engage Your Dog. Provide ample mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys, regular exercise, and training sessions. Boredom or anxiety leads to behaviors like chewing paws, so keeping your dog engaged helps prevent such issues. 

By implementing these preventive measures, pet owners can address potential causes of paw chewing before they escalate, ensuring their dogs remain healthy and comfortable. 

When to See a Veterinarian 

Pet owners should consider seeking veterinary care if they notice their dog licking paws excessively to the point of causing raw, bleeding, or infected areas. These symptoms indicate a serious underlying issue that necessitates professional treatment. 

If chewing continues despite home remedies, it suggests an underlying problem that requires medical evaluation. Other warning signs include limping, fever, or hair loss, which may signal systemic conditions or significant infections. 

If you suspect food or environmental allergies and cannot manage them effectively at home, consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.

Understanding why dogs chew their paws and promptly addressing dog paw allergies prevents complications and ensures the pet’s well-being. 

Dog Biting Paws: The Bottom Line 

Occasional paw licking in dogs is expected behavior; however, when a dog is chewing or biting paws excessively, it signals an underlying issue that requires attention. Many pet parents ask, “Why does my dog chew his paws?” Determining the underlying problem—allergies in dog paws, infections, parasites, injuries, anxiety, or dry skin—is crucial for effective treatment. 

Understanding the root cause enables pet owners and veterinarians to implement appropriate solutions for the dog’s health and well-being. Preventative measures, including regular grooming, proper nutrition, and routine veterinary visits, play a vital role in maintaining healthy paws. 

If you’re uncertain about the cause or notice persistent symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is crucial to rule out serious health concerns and receive appropriate guidance on stopping dogs from chewing paws.