Why Does My Dog Chew Its Paws? 🐶🐾

If you’ve noticed your dog licking, biting, or chewing at their paws, you might be wondering whether it’s just a harmless habit or a sign of something more serious. Occasional paw chewing is normal, but if it happens frequently or obsessively, it could indicate an underlying issue.

Let’s explore the common reasons why dogs chew their paws and what you can do about it.

1️⃣ It’s Just Grooming! 🧼

Dogs naturally lick and chew their paws to keep them clean. After a walk, they might nibble at their paws to remove dirt, mud, or small debris like grass seeds or thorns.

🐾 If your dog does it occasionally and doesn’t seem irritated, it’s likely just normal grooming.

2️⃣ Allergies (Most Common Cause!) 🤧

Paw chewing is one of the biggest signs of allergies in dogs. Dogs can develop allergies to:🐾 Grass, pollen, or dust (environmental allergies)🐾 Food ingredients like chicken, beef, or grains (food allergies)🐾 Household chemicals, cleaning products, or carpets (contact allergies)

📌 How to tell? If your dog licks their paws excessively after walks or at certain times of the year, it may be due to seasonal allergies. If the paw chewing happens all year round, it could be a food-related issue.

🐾 What to do? A vet can help identify allergies, and you may need to switch to a hypoallergenic diet or wipe their paws after walks.

3️⃣ Dry Skin or Irritation 🌿

Just like humans, dogs can get dry, itchy skin, which leads them to lick or chew their paws. This can be caused by:🐾 Cold weather (causing dry, cracked paw pads)🐾 Walking on hot pavement or salted roads in winter🐾 Frequent bathing stripping natural oils from their skin

🐾 What to do? Use a paw balm or coconut oil to keep their paws moisturised, and avoid over-bathing.

4️⃣ Pain or Injury 🩹

If your dog suddenly starts chewing one specific paw, they might have:🐾 A cut, splinter, thorn, or stuck debris🐾 A bee sting or insect bite🐾 A cracked or injured nail

📌 How to tell? Check their paw for redness, swelling, or tenderness. If they limp or flinch when you touch it, they may need a vet visit.

5️⃣ Anxiety or Boredom 😟

Dogs may chew their paws as a self-soothing behaviour, similar to how some humans bite their nails. This can be due to:🐾 Separation anxiety🐾 Boredom from lack of mental stimulation🐾 Stressful environments (loud noises, changes in routine, etc.)

🐾 What to do? Ensure your dog gets enough exercise, interactive toys, and attention to prevent stress-related behaviours.

6️⃣ Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, or Mites) 🦠

Fleas, mites, and ticks can cause intense itching, leading dogs to chew their paws aggressively.

📌 How to tell? Check for redness, hair loss, or tiny black specks (flea dirt) between their toes.

🐾 What to do? Keep up with regular flea and tick treatments and consult a vet if the itching persists.

Should You Be Concerned?

✅ Occasional paw chewing is normal and part of grooming.⚠️ If it’s excessive, obsessive, or causing redness, swelling, or hair loss, it may need medical attention.

How to Help Your Dog Stop Chewing Their Paws?

🐾 Check for injuries or foreign objects – Look between their toes for anything stuck.🐾 Address allergies – Try a grain-free or hypoallergenic diet and wipe their paws after walks.🐾 Provide mental stimulation – Puzzle toys and playtime can reduce anxiety-related chewing.🐾 Use paw balm or anti-itch sprays – To relieve dryness or irritation.🐾 See a vet if it’s persistent! – If paw chewing is extreme, it’s best to get a professional opinion.

Final Thoughts

Paw chewing is one of the most common dog behaviours, but when it becomes excessive or obsessive, it can indicate allergies, anxiety, or underlying health issues. Paying attention to when and how often your dog does it can help you find the cause and keep their paws happy and healthy!

🐾 Does your dog chew their paws? What worked best for stopping it? Let us know in the comments! 🐶🐾💕