What's going on when a dog chews its paws?

A dog chewing its paws indicates pain or itching, which can be caused by various reasons such as injured or contaminated paws, parasites, bacteria, fungal infections, and allergies. When discovering that your dog is chewing its paws, it is recommended to take it to a pet hospital for a thorough examination and treatment of the entire paw skin and hair. After ruling out itching or pain caused by diseases, consider whether the behavior problem is due to boredom. In this case, correctional measures should be taken under the guidance of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Boredom

If a dog is often left alone at home with no toys to play with, it may start chewing its paws out of boredom. To prevent this, dog owners can provide more toys for their pets. When the dog is alone at home, it can expend energy by playing with toys. Additionally, taking the dog for a walk daily can fulfill its basic exercise needs.

Injured or contaminated paws

If a dog is chewing one of its paws, it's likely due to an injury or foreign object penetration, causing pain in the paw. The dog will continuously lick and chew its paw to alleviate the discomfort. In this case, owners should check for visible injuries or foreign objects and handle them promptly. Apply antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent secondary infections.

Parasites, bacteria, and fungal infections

If a dog's paw is infected with bacteria, fungi, or parasites, it can cause skin diseases and itching. The dog will consequently chew its paw frequently. This condition is usually accompanied by hair loss and redness of the skin. Owners should immediately fit their dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent further chewing and consult a pet doctor for medication.

Allergies

If a dog suddenly starts chewing its paws frequently, consider the possibility of allergies, such as to certain foods, herbicides in lawns, floor cleaners, and weeds. In this case, take the dog to a pet hospital for examination and treatment. If conditions permit, perform a blood test to identify allergens and address the root cause of the problem.