Why does my dog chew his Paws? Most dogs gnaw their claws. This behavior is completely normal – dogs engage in this practice to pay attention to their personal hygiene, to get rid of foreign particles collected during outdoor activities, to relieve minor itching, or when suffering from bouts of ennui. Are. Still, there are scenarios where a dog’s persistent claw gnawing can serve as a telltale sign of an underlying, potentially serious illness.
Therefore, it is essential to differentiate between routine behavior and possible signs of an urgent medical problem, ensuring that your faithful companion receives the care they need. We try to explain dog paw gnawing in this post. We’ll also discuss the best ways to treat allergies, anxiety, and infection, which can cause excessive paw-gnawing. This knowledge will help you care for your pet.
Also Check: How long a dog can go without eat: Important facts You Must Be Aware Of
Why does my dog chew his Paws?
Cleaning
Your dog may chew his paws to make them clean. This is good and normal, if he does not do it too much or too hard. Your dog may also lick his paws to make his face clean, like a cat. This is also good and normal.
Allergies
One of the primary factors that may lead your dog to indulge in paw-chewing is the presence of allergies. Your dog could be sensitized to various elements in his environment, such as pollen, dust, or chemicals. Additionally, he may exhibit hypersensitivity to certain dietary components like chicken, beef, or wheat. Allergies can provoke an uncomfortable itchiness on your dog’s skin, with his paws often being a focal point. To alleviate this itchiness, your dog may resort to chewing his paws.
If your dog is grappling with allergies, you might also observe other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, ear issues, or gastrointestinal disturbances. Addressing your dog’s allergies involves identifying the specific allergens and taking measures to minimize his exposure to them. In some cases, medication or specialized dietary adjustments may be necessary to mitigate the associated swelling and itching.
Pain or Injury
One more cause for your dog’s paw-chewing could be attributed to pain or injury. Your canine companion might have inadvertently injured his paw, possibly by treading upon a sharp object, fracturing a nail, or incurring a splinter. Alternatively, he may be afflicted by an unusual bump, such as a wart or a tumor, provoking discomfort. In an endeavor to alleviate the distress or remove the source of his discomfort, your dog may resort to chewing his paws.
Indications of pain or injury may manifest in various ways, including a limp, bleeding, swelling, or heightened sensitivity. To mitigate your dog’s pain or address his injury, it is imperative to thoroughly inspect his paw for any wounds or anomalies. If necessary, consult a veterinarian for a professional evaluation and guidance. Medication may also be necessary to facilitate your canine companion’s convalescence and alleviate his distress.
Also check: Bad breath in dogs: Is it a sign of illness?
Dry Skin
Dry skin can also incite your canine companion to nibble at his paws. The occurrence of dry skin is often attributed to insufficient humidity, particularly during the winter months. It can also arise from a dietary deficiency in beneficial fats. Dry skin may cause the paw pads of your dog to fissure and flake, resulting in discomfort and an irresistible urge to scratch.
In an attempt to alleviate the dryness, your dog may resort to chewing his paws. The presence of dry skin can manifest in other ways, such as flakiness, lackluster fur, or hair loss. To alleviate your dog’s dry skin, it is imperative to increase the humidity within your home environment and provide your canine companion with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil.
Anxiety
Sometimes, your dog may chew his paws because he is nervous or scared. Your dog may be nervous for different reasons, like being away from you, hearing loud noises, meeting new people or animals, or changing what he does every day. Nervousness can make your dog feel worried and restless, and he may chew his paws as a way of feeling better or calming himself down.
If your dog is nervous, you may see other things, like breathing fast, shaking, hiding, or barking. To help your dog with nervousness, you need to find out and stop what makes him nervous if you can and give him some love and fun things to do. You may also need to give your dog some medicine or natural things that make him feel calm.
Boredom
your canine companion may engage in paw chewing due to extreme jealousy. If your dog finds himself in a state of distress, it may be due to physical exertion, cognitive stimulation or a lack of your undivided attention. This prevalent feeling of boredom can create a feeling of dissatisfaction and restlessness in your loyal friend. In response, he may resort to paw-chewing as a whimsical pastime or as a sincere bid for your notice.
Signs of dog boredom can also manifest in other ways, such as digging holes in your garden, gnawing on furniture, or excessive barking. To reduce your dog’s sense of monotony, you should try to provide him with an enhanced diet of physical activities and intellectual challenges. This could include leisurely walks, interactive play sessions, learning new tricks, or providing stimulating toys and tricky puzzles.
These are some of the possible reasons why your dog chews his paws . Remember to talk to a vet for personal advice and to deal with any bad or worrying paw chewing behavior in your dog .
Also Check: Risks and Symptoms of Stroke in Dogs: How to Help a Dog Recover from Stroke?
Why does my dog chew his paws and how do I stop it?
The first thing you can do to stop your dog from chewing its paws is to keep the area clean. This will keep your dog’s paws clean and less likely to get infected. If they get dirty, your dog might want to chew on them.
If your dog has allergies, you might want to switch to a hypoallergenic food. Usually, they are made for dogs that are allergic to certain foods.
Make sure your dog can always get a range of toys. Because of this, they don’t chew as a way to pass the time or deal with worry.
If you think that splinters or thorns are hurting your dog’s paws, you should take it to the vet to be checked out.
