Why Dogs Lick and Bite Their Paws: Causes and Treatments (2024)

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Dogs lick and bite their paws for several reasons. Allergies can cause intense itching, leading dogs to lick and chew their paws to relieve the discomfort.

Injuries like burns, foreign objects, and nail problems also drive dogs to lick affected areas.

Infections, from bacteria to fungi, can make paws red and inflamed, spurring the licking behavior.

Stress and anxiety can manifest as obsessive paw licking or chewing as well.

While home remedies like apple cider vinegar offer some relief, addressing the underlying cause is key to resolving this common canine concern. To learn more about effective treatments and prevention methods, read on.

Why Do Dogs Lick and Bite Their Paws?

Dogs lick and bite their paws due to various reasons such as skin irritations, allergies, pain from injuries, or behavioral issues. These actions can indicate underlying health problems that may require veterinary attention for diagnosis and treatment.

Allergies

When your furry friend starts turning their paws into chew toys, it’s a red flag that something’s up. Often, the culprit is allergies. Think of it as their immune system throwing a tantrum, leading to itchy, inflamed skin, or what’s known as dermatitis.

From food allergies to seasonal foes like pollen, and even sneaky environmental allergens causing contact dermatitis, the triggers are many. Allergy testing can be a game-changer, pinpointing the exact foes.

Injuries

When dogs experience physical injuries, they often lick and chew at their paws to try and soothe the pain. Common types of injuries that can lead to this behavior include burns, objects stuck in paws, overgrown nails, toenail injuries, and frostbite.

Dogs Lick and Chew to Relieve Pain From Injuries

Dogs lick and chew their paws to relieve pain from injuries. Common injuries include burns from hot surfaces, objects stuck in paws, overgrown nails, toenail injuries, and frostbite.

To prevent these injuries, pet parents can take steps such as checking for foreign objects, keeping nails trimmed, and avoiding hot surfaces.

Treatment options for injuries include cleaning the wound, applying pressure to stop bleeding, and seeking veterinary care for serious injuries.

Common Injuries Include:

Dogs lick and chew their paws to alleviate pain from injuries. Common injuries encompass burns from hot surfaces, objects lodged in paws, excessive nail growth that curls and penetrates the paw, toenail injuries, and frostbite.

To avert these injuries, guarantee proper nail trimming and paw pad care. Chilly exposure can induce blisters, burns, and insect bites.

Incessantly inspect for embedded objects and seek veterinary attention for severe injuries.

Infections

Infections can develop due to underlying skin problems, such as allergies or injuries. Bacterial and yeast infections can cause inflammation and itching, leading to skin damage and potential infection. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can cause circular red lesions and itching.

Ticks and mites can also cause itching, soreness, and transmit diseases. Treatment options include bathing, medicated sprays, mousse application, and systemic antibiotics. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Stress and Behavioral Issues

Dogs lick and bite their paws for various reasons, and it’s crucial to comprehend the underlying causes to provide appropriate treatment. Stress, anxiety, boredom, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can all contribute to this behavior.

If your dog is licking its paws excessively, it could be a sign of stress or anxiety. Changes in environment, such as new pets or people, can cause stress, leading to paw licking as a form of self-soothing. Additionally, dogs may develop compulsive behaviors, such as paw licking, which can be a form of OCD.

Boredom is another common cause of paw licking. Dogs, especially working breeds like German Shepherds, may lick their paws when searching for something to do. In such cases, providing more walks, playtime, or toys can help alleviate boredom.

To address these behavioral issues, consider consulting a dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance on behavior modification techniques. Regular walks, playtime, and engaging toys can help distract your dog from excessive paw licking. If these methods are unsuccessful, a recheck with the veterinarian may be necessary to explore other causes or treatments.

Prevention and Treatment

With regards to addressing and treating the underlying causes of paw-licking and chewing, medicated sprays can effectively treat fungal or bacterial infections. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties render it a useful natural remedy for managing such skin conditions.

Medicated Sprays Can Treat Fungal or Bacterial Infections

When your furry companion can’t resist gnawing on their paws, it might be time to seek advice from a veterinary dermatologist regarding medicated sprays.

These sprays are effective against both fungal and bacterial infections, owing to their potent ingredients. The spray application method facilitates deep penetration, providing a rapid solution compared to certain natural alternatives.

Always contrast sprays to identify the optimal choice for your puppy’s unique requirements.

Apple Cider Vinegar Has Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties

Apple cider vinegar, a natural remedy, boasts antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This makes it an excellent addition to your dog’s paw care routine. Mix it with water and use it as a home treatment for itchy paws, helping to soothe and protect against health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)