When our beloved dog starts changing its habits or behaving unusually, an attentive owner notices it right away. But it can be difficult to understand what exactly is bothering our furry friend. One of the most common questions is: why does my dog chew on its paws? Let's figure out together when this behavior is normal and when it's cause for concern and urgent help for your pet.
When is there no need to worry?
Often after a walk, dogs will thoroughly lick or lightly bite their limbs. And this is completely natural! This is how our four-legged friend cleans their fur of dust, dirt, small thorns, or other particles that may have stuck to it outside. It is a kind of hygiene ritual and should not cause concern for the owner.
When does paw biting signal a problem?
If a puppy or adult dog persistently and forcefully bites its limbs, looks distressed, and this behavior is repeated constantly, this is a warning sign. Most often, the cause is itching or pain. These, in turn, can be caused by both external irritants and internal diseases.
Possible causes without serious illness
Sometimes the explanation is quite simple:
- Not washing the paws after a walk. In the city, asphalt and lawns are often treated with chemicals, especially in winter. These substances irritate the skin and can cause poisoning.
- Ice, snow, or dirt between the toes. Such accumulations rub the delicate skin of the paws and cause discomfort.
- Too long claws. They can injure the pads, causing itching and the desire to chew.
- Ingrown claws. With improper care, this causes severe pain.
- Lack of vitamins and nutrients. This leads to dry skin and causes itching.
Therefore, if your dog exhibits anxious behavior by chewing on its paws, it is important to pay close attention to possible external irritants and your pet's health.
Diseases that may be the cause
In most cases, diseases can be prevented with regular care, proper hygiene, and a balanced diet. However, sometimes the problem is deeper. Diseases that cause a dog to chew its paws may include the following:
- Mechanical damage. Cuts, abrasions, burns on hot asphalt or gravel.
- Splinters, foreign objects. Splinters or shards can get stuck in the paw pads.
- Ticks. A single contact can cause inflammation.
- Insect bites. After wasps, bees, or horseflies bite, the skin becomes very itchy.
- Demodicosis. Subcutaneous mites cause unpleasant itching.
- Fleas. Their bites can cause allergic reactions.
- Fungal infections. They often affect the paws, causing redness and flaking.
- Papillomas. They cause discomfort to the pet.
- Bacterial infections. They are easily transmitted through scratching.
- Joint problems. Pain from arthritis or arthrosis causes the animal to lick its limbs.
- Circulatory disorders. A tingling or numbness sensation may prompt the desire to chew on the limbs.
- Hormonal imbalances. These are often accompanied by a deterioration in skin condition.
- Allergies. To household chemicals, pollen, and other irritants.
- Stress, anxiety. Lack of attention, boredom, and moving can cause compulsive habits.
It is worth highlighting the case when a dog chews its hind paws — this may indicate spinal trauma. Additional alarming symptoms include unsteady gait, loss of orientation, and problems with urinary control.
How to distinguish between normal and pathological behavior?
If your dog calmly licks its paws after a walk, there is no need to worry. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, does not respond to food or toys, growls or becomes aggressive when you try to distract it, this is a clear sign that your pet is in pain or discomfort and needs urgent help.
What to do if your dog chews its paws?
Prolonged chewing can lead to bald spots, skin damage, and secondary infections. In severe cases, purulent inflammation and blood poisoning are possible.
In addition, if not addressed in time, this habit can become ingrained and develop into an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What you can do yourself:
- Carefully examine the paws (for wounds, splinters, redness, cracks).
- Check the length of the claws.
- Assess the condition of the skin between the toes.
If the cause is obvious (e.g., dirt, grass), you can fix it yourself: wash the limb with warm water, carefully remove the foreign body, treat it with an antiseptic, and trim the claws.
But if there are no visible injuries, the paw is swollen, the dog continues to suffer, or additional symptoms appear, don't delay! Seeing a veterinarian is the best course of action. Only a specialist can accurately identify the cause and prescribe treatment that will quickly restore your furry friend's health and happiness.
Take care of your four-legged friends: care, love, and attention are the best medicine you can give them!
