7 Reasons Behind Dogs Chewing And Licking Their Paws

Skin irritation is one of the common reasons for why dog chewing paws excessively. Just like humans, dogs can experience itching and discomfort due to various factors such as allergies, fungal or bacterial infections, and environmental irritants.

This can lead your pup to instinctively lick or chew at its paws in an attempt to soothe the discomfort. This behavior can sometimes exacerbate the issue and lead to a cycle of irritation and licking.

Common types of skin irritations include:

Infections

Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections can all affect a dog's skin, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, hair loss and a foul odor. These infections can occur due to factors like poor grooming.

Hot spots

Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are areas of inflamed, infected skin that develop rapidly due to factors like scratching, licking, or moisture accumulation. They are often painful and may appear as red, moist patches on the skin.

Contact Dermatitis

This problem may occur when a dog's skin comes into direct contact with irritating substances such as chemicals, harmful plants to dogs or certain grooming products. This can lead to redness, itching and sometimes blistering.

Allergies can indeed be a common reason for dogs biting on paws excessively. Our furry companions can experience allergic reactions to various substances like pollen, mold, dust mites or certain foods.

When the canines come into contact with an allergen, their immune system may overreact, leading to symptoms like itching and irritation. Their paws are one of the areas most affected by contact with allergens so they can lick excessively to soothe the pain.

Types of Allergies Your Pup Might Endure:

Environmental Allergies

• Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, this allergy is caused as a response to substances like pollen, mold, dust mites and grass.

Food Allergies

• This is a reaction to specific ingredients in the diet such as beef, chicken, wheat, soy or certain additives.

Contact Allergies

• Reactions resulting from direct contact with irritating substances like plants, chemicals or materials.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

• This is a sensitivity to flea saliva which leads to intense itching and skin irritation even with a single flea bite.

Medication Allergies

• This is a result of adverse reactions to certain medications or treatments.

Whether it is a cut, scrape or something more serious like a sprain, your pup may instinctively lick the affected area as a way to clean it and alleviate pain. Licking releases endorphins, which can temporarily relieve discomfort, similar to how humans might rub a sore spot.

Injuries can definitely lead to dogs chewing at paws, however, excessive licking can also exacerbate the injury or lead to infections. Pet owners need to monitor their furry friends' licking habits and seek veterinary care if they suspect an injury.

Injuries Your Pup Might Sustain:

Cuts and scrapes

• Dogs can get cuts or scrapes from sharp objects, rough surfaces or even during playtime with other animals.

Abrasions

• These are superficial injuries where the skin is scraped or rubbed off, often resulting from friction against rough surfaces.

Burns

• Dogs can suffer burns from hot surfaces, chemicals or even exposure to extreme temperatures.

Insect bites or stings

• Insects like bees, wasps, ants or ticks can bite or sting dogs, causing irritation and discomfort.

Foreign objects

• Dogs may step on sharp objects like glass or thorns, leading to puncture wounds or embedded foreign bodies.

Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, are a common reason why dog bites paws excessively. These pesky critters can cause irritation and discomfort, leading dogs to lick and chew at their paws in an attempt to alleviate the itching sensation.

Additionally, some parasites can transmit diseases, further motivating dogs to groom themselves excessively. Prevention through regular parasite control such as flea and tick treatments, is crucial in ensuring your furry friend's comfort.

Types of Parasites That Affect Dogs

1. Fleas

These usual suspects are tiny insects that feed on the blood of animals, causing itching, irritation and allergic reactions in dogs.

2. Ticks

Arachnids that attach to the skin and feed on blood, potentially transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

3. Mites

These are microscopic parasites that can cause mange, ear infections and other skin conditions in dogs.

4. Sarcoptes Scabiei (Scabies Mites)

These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, hair loss and skin irritation in dogs.

The behavioral problems can lead to dog chewing on paws excessively as a coping mechanism. Dogs may lick their paws excessively due to stress, anxiety, boredom or even as a habit formed from past experiences.

Factors like boredom or lack of mental stimulation can lead to compulsive behaviors like paw licking to fill the void. Understanding and addressing the root cause of the behavioral problem is essential to help alleviate the dog's need to lick their paws excessively.

Possible Factors of Behavioral Problems:

Lack of socialization

Insufficient exposure to different people, animals and environments during critical developmental stages can result in fearfulness, aggression or other behavioral issues.

Inadequate training

Dogs require consistent training and clear boundaries to learn appropriate behaviors. Lack of training or inconsistent reinforcement can lead to disobedience and behavioral problems.

Stress and anxiety

Events such as changes in routine, loud noises, or being left alone for extended periods can cause stress and anxiety in dogs, leading to behaviors like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or aggression.

Medical conditions

Underlying health issues such as pain, hormonal imbalances or neurological disorders can manifest as behavioral problems in dogs. It is essential to rule out medical causes for unusual behavior.

Environmental factors

Living in a stressful or chaotic environment such as a noisy household or crowded living conditions, can contribute to behavioral problems in dogs.

When dogs experience inflammation, whether it is due to allergies, infections or autoimmune disorders, they may lick their paws as a way to soothe the discomfort. The licking provides temporary relief by releasing endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.

However, this paw chewing in dogs can become compulsive, leading to further irritation and even injury to the paw pads. Furthermore, excessive licking can introduce bacteria and fungi, exacerbating the inflammation and potentially leading to secondary infections.

Possible Causes of Inflammation

Autoimmune disorders

Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia can cause the immune system to attack the body's tissues, leading to inflammation.

Chronic conditions

Diseases like pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic kidney disease can cause ongoing inflammation within the affected organs.

Obesity

Excess body fat can release inflammatory substances, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation throughout the body.

Trauma

Injuries such as cuts, burns or blunt force trauma can trigger an inflammatory response as the body attempts to heal the damaged tissues.

Dry skin is one of the common culprits behind why dogs lick their paws. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dry skin due to various factors such as weather conditions, allergies or underlying health issues.

When a dog's skin becomes dry, it can feel itchy and uncomfortable, prompting them to lick their paws excessively in an attempt to alleviate the irritation. However, this excessive licking can further exacerbate the issue by removing natural oils from the skin and potentially leading to inflammation.

Common Causes of Dry Skin

Weather Conditions

Just like humans, dogs can experience dry skin due to cold, dry air in the winter months or excessive heat in the summer, leading to dehydration of the skin.

Poor Nutrition

A diet lacking in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can result in dry skin and a dull coat in dogs. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and fur.

Overbathing

Bathing your dog too frequently or using harsh shampoos can strip their skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Infections

Bacterial or fungal infections such as dermatitis or yeast infections can cause dry, flaky skin in dogs.

Excessive licking of paws in dogs can lead to several consequences, both physical and behavioral. Therefore, it is crucial to address the root cause of the licking to prevent further complications and ensure the well-being of the furry friend.

Here are some useful tips to help your pup overcome this problem:

Maintain Cleanliness

Keep your dog's paws clean and dry to prevent irritation and itchiness and regularly check for foreign objects or wounds. You can also wipe their paws with a damp cloth after walks or outdoor play sessions to prevent dirt buildup.

Provide Distractions

Engage your dog in activities to divert its attention from licking such as interactive toys, puzzles or games. This is an effective way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active.

Use Dog-Safe Products

Consider using bitter-tasting sprays or creams on your dog's paws to deter licking. Ensure these products are safe for pets and do not cause any harm. Look for products made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and vitamin E.

Exercise

Ensure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation through regular walks, playtime and training sessions to reduce anxiety and boredom. Exercise promotes circulation and strengthens muscles, which can aid in preventing injuries and reducing discomfort

Training

Train your dog to stop licking on dog commands using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. By redirecting their attention towards these commands, you are providing them with a constructive outlet for their energy.

Consider Medical Treatment

In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe medication or recommend specialized treatments to alleviate underlying issues causing excessive paw licking. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings or allergy testing, to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.