2024-09-06
As dog owners, we know that sometimes our canines groom themselves by licking and nibbling on their legs. When is that a cause for concern though? Whether your furry friend is exhibiting occasional nibbling or persistent chewing, understanding the underlying reasons is crucial for their health and well-being.
There are several potential factors that may lead to paw biting in dogs, each requiring careful consideration and attention. We will be talking about potential allergies, chemicals in the environment, food, stress episodes, and infections as causes that can trigger potentially harmful biting behavior. We aim to provide insight and practical guidance to help you better care for your canine companion.
Your lovely canine may be dealing with an allergic response to something they touched with their paws. This could be some type of plant matter, a particular type of floor surface, contaminated water, or even poor-quality food. If you have recently switched your paw partner’s food to another brand their body might not be handling that well. Additionally, the shampoo you are using may include ingredients that do not agree with your dog’s skin so you should stay vigilant.
Common allergic responses include: itching, redness, and inflammation, especially around the paws, face, ears, and belly. It is common for dogs to also lick, chew, or scratch these areas excessively. If you notice any redness, or your dog scratching themselves frequently and chewing their paws—visit your veterinarian for a full physical checkup and let them know about any changes in your canine’s diet, routine, or recent outings you had.
As mentioned above, your furry friend may have touched potentially harmful substances. These could include: a floor cleaning agent, mechanical grease, acid spills, contaminated water, dangerous sand particles (especially sharp sand particles are very dangerous), pesticides, and insecticides. It is no secret that dogs love to explore and sometimes their adventures may lead them to unsafe areas. This is why we advise against letting your dog run around unsupervised.
Potentially harmful substances may be stuck in your dog’s paws causing them to nip and bite at their paws to clean them when they arrive home. Needless to say, your dog might accidentally ingest harmful particles which can easily lead to diarrhea, upset stomach, and lack of appetite. Make sure to check your canine’s paws when you return home from a long walk and properly clean them with wipes, soapy water, and a towel.
As inconspicuous as it may sound, your dog will sometimes bite their paws if they believe there are food particles between their toes. If your dog is a voracious eater and the food bowl is low enough, they may often step in their food. They are likely to try to clean their paws at some point and may be overly energetic doing so. Needless to say, you do not have to worry too much if they are biting their legs as long as that is not causing any injury.
Speaking of injuries, your loved canine partner may try to cope with pain and stress by nibbling or chewing on their paws. This is a normal behavior but you should still check their paws for cuts, redness, and any irregularities. If your dog has recently had surgery they may nibble on their feet to self-soothe.
Additionally, canines experiencing anxiety and boredom will occasionally bite their paws. This is very similar to how humans play with their hair, tap with their fingers, or generally fidget. Make sure your paw friend has plenty of toys, goes out on walks regularly, and has healthy feet so they don’t have too many reasons to bite their paws.
If you are a pet parent who makes their furry baby wear shoes and socks then they might not appreciate the feeling after you remove the “offending” gear. Ill-fitting shoes can actually cause mobility and health problems for your furry friend. Poorly fitted footwear can cause blisters, sores, and other painful injuries. Use the right footwear for the different types of environments. Boots need to be waterproof and they are great for rough forested terrain and wet surfaces. Opt for more lightweight shoes with non-slip soles for pavement and city environment.
Bacterial and yeast infections can be dangerous if left untreated so monitor your dog’s paws for redness, foul smell, and cuts. Do not skip on cleaning the space between your dog’s toes and keep their fur trimmed so you have a better view of their skin in the area. Additionally, infections are often symptoms of a more severe problem so make sure to consult your veterinarian. Sometimes poorly trimmed nails, fur, and foreign objects stuck in your canine’s paw can open the way for infections. Most often infections appear due to an untreated cut so be cautious.
It is pretty simple – keep your dog’s paws clean, and their nails and fur trimmed. There are various gadgets you can buy online and at your local pet supplies stores to help you stay on top of your canine’s hygiene. These are often cup-shaped and allow you to wash the lower portion of the legs completely. Of course, do not forget to pay attention to the toes individually. Balms and salves are a nice addition to your dog’s grooming tools but you should not use them as remedies for injuries. Consult your veterinarian on the best way to treat paw injuries, dry skin, and allergies.
