Why Do Dogs Lick or Chew Their Paws?
How to Stop or Control Paw Licking and Chewing?
The Role of Diet in Preventing Paw Licking.
FAQs
Have you ever caught your dog obsessively licking or chewing its paws? You are not alone - many pet parents find themselves puzzled by this behaviour and wonder if it’s just a bit of harmless grooming or something that needs attention. The fact is, there’s often more to this habit than meets the eye! Itchy paws can result from various causes including allergies, orthopaedic issues and behavioural quirks. Identifying the underlying causes, and addressing them early is essential for maintaining your pet’s well-being.
In this article, we will explore the most common reasons for paw licking and foot chewing and suggest steps you can take to manage, and perhaps even prevent it. Additionally, we will discuss why a healthy, balanced diet is essential for resolving many of these concerns.
Why Do Dogs Lick or Chew Their Paws?
Let’s get to the root of the problem and see what causes itchy paws:
· Pododermatitis: Redness, swelling, and excessive licking may indicate pododermatitis or inflammation of the paw's skin, which can be caused by various factors such as allergies, injuries, or foreign objects lodged between the toes. The ensuing discomfort drives dogs to lick or chew their feet to stop the itching and pain.
· Allergies to food and environmental factors like pollen, grass, dust mites, and flea saliva often manifest as itchy skin, leading dogs to lick their paws in an attempt to relieve discomfort. While any dog can be affected by allergies, certain breeds like Australian Kelpies, Cavoodles,
Retrievers, Boxers, Collies, and Boston Terriers are more prone to skin-related issues. In fact, almost 20 to 25% of dogs suffer from allergies at some point in their lives.1 So, as a first step, try to eliminate possible allergens - this could mean keeping pets away from grass or plants and ensuring a clean house to prevent dust mites. Importantly, switch to a hypoallergenic diet specifically formulated to address their dietary needs. Avoid common allergens like wheat, soy, eggs and corn and look for high-quality hydrolysed protein options.
· Dietary Factors: A poor diet – one that is low in fiber or packed with carbs, fats and sugars can affect gut health and compromise your fur baby’s intestinal lining, causing 'leaky gut syndrome,' where toxins and undigested particles enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that leads to itchy skin and paws.
· Injuries or Arthritis: If a dog has hurt its paw, whether from a cut, sting, or foreign object - it may lick the affected area due to pain or irritation. Older dogs may lick their paws to soothe pain caused by arthritis or deterioration of the soft tissue or bones of the paw – something that may not be visible through an external examination. Regular checks of your dog's paws can help identify these issues early on.
· Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can develop on a dog’s paws, particularly if they remain frequently moist due to licking. Yeast infections thrive in warm, damp environments, and continuous licking can aggravate the problem by creating small tears in the skin that allow pathogens to enter.
· Behavioural Issues: Anxiety and boredom can lead to compulsive behaviours in dogs, including excessive paw licking. Dogs may lick their paws as a self-soothing mechanism or may chew their feet when they feel stressed or anxious.
How to Stop or Control Paw Licking and Chewing
If your dog is excessively licking or chewing its paws, consider these steps to address the issue:
1. The first step in managing this behaviour is to consult your veterinarian. They can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, whether it’s allergy management, injuries, or dietary concerns.
2. Ensure that you wipe your dog’s paws after outdoor activities to remove potential environmental allergens. Also, use booties or a pet-safe moisturiser or virgin coconut oil to prevent dry skin, particularly during Australia’s hot or dry seasons.
3. The best diet to help eliminate or manage allergies in dogs is typically one that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and sugars. Meals from Brunswick Fur Food are a good option as they are made using fresh, high-quality, human-grade ingredients without harmful additives or preservatives.
4. Provide mental stimulation and sufficient exercise to keep your pets from feeling bored or anxious. If this does not work, try applying a bitter-tasting, pet-safe, topical product to discourage licking, and if this too doesn’t deter your pets, using a physical restraint like a cone could be considered.
5. Ensure that your dog’s nails are not split or torn. Keep the nails trimmed and healthy to avoid accidental scratches or injuries. Additionally, a great home remedy for itchy paws is soaking them for 10 minutes in a tub of warm water to which plain powdered oats have been added. This helps soothe irritation.2
The Role of Diet in Preventing Paw Licking
Research shows that 70-90% of a dog’s immune system resides in their gut.3 That is why a healthy diet is foundational to your dog’s overall well-being and can significantly reduce paw-related issues. Vet recommended, preservative-free, and locally sourced diets ensure a rich supply of probiotics and prebiotics. This improves gut health and supports immunity. Moreover, nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil or hemp seeds, help reduce inflammation. Ensuring that your dog’s diet includes easily digestible proteins can also help.
Paw licking or chewing might seem harmless at first, but it can be a sign of a deeper issue. As a pet parent, you have the power to address the root cause through attentive care, increased focus on hygiene, regular vet visits, and a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
References:
1. https://total.vet/dog-allergies/
2. https://www.petvethospitals.com/blog/300164-your-dogs-itchy-skin-try-oatmeal
FAQs
When should I be concerned about my dog licking?
Occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, but excessive or persistent licking can indicate an underlying issue. Here’s when you should be concerned:
🚨 Signs of a Problem:
🔹 Red, swollen, or bleeding paws – Could indicate irritation, infection, or allergies.
🔹 Constant licking or chewing – May be due to pain, anxiety, or an underlying condition.
🔹 Limping or avoiding walking – Could signal injury or something stuck in the paw.
🔹 Bad odor or discharge – Might be a sign of infection (bacterial or fungal).
🔹 Hair loss or sores – Often caused by excessive licking due to allergies, parasites, or stress.
Does dog licking paws mean allergies?
Yes, red, swollen, or bleeding paws could indicate irritation, infection, or allergies.
Can I give my dog antihistamines?
Yes, dogs can take certain antihistamines, but it’s important to do so under a vet’s
guidance to ensure safety and proper dosage.
Is it good or bad for dogs to lick their paws?
Occasional paw licking is normal for dogs, but excessive or persistent licking can
indicate an underlying issue.
What food kills yeast in dogs?
If your dog suffers from yeast overgrowth (often seen as itchy skin, ear infections, or smelly paws), feeding the right diet can help combat the problem.
🥩 Best Foods to Fight Yeast in Dogs
These foods help eliminate yeast by reducing sugar intake, supporting gut health, and strengthening the immune system.
✅ Anti-Yeast Foods:
✔ Lean Proteins – Fresh, high-quality meats like turkey, beef, and fish (avoid processed kibble with fillers).
✔ Coconut Oil – Contains lauric acid, which has antifungal properties.
✔ Bone Broth – Supports gut health and helps with inflammation.
✔ Leafy Greens & Non-Starchy Vegetables – Spinach, kale, zucchini, and broccoli help detox the body.
✔ Probiotic Foods – Kefir, plain unsweetened yogurt, or probiotic supplements boost good bacteria.
✔ Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Helps balance pH and fights yeast (add a small amount to water or food).
✔ Turmeric – Natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
❌ Foods to AVOID (Feed Yeast)
🚫 Carbohydrates & Sugars – Yeast thrives on sugar! Avoid:
- High-carb kibble (check for potato, corn, rice, wheat, or soy fillers)
- Fruits high in sugar (bananas, apples, mango)
- Starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, peas)
🚫 Dairy – Can contribute to inflammation and yeast growth.
🚫 Processed Dog Treats & Grains – Many contain hidden sugars and fillers that feed yeast.
