Puppy Chewing on Paws? Causes and Remedies
While all dogs, both adults and babies, lick their paws often, I haven’t had to deal first-hand with the curious issue of a puppy chewing on paws. But I did see it up close with a friend’s 4-month-old Beagle who was going to town on his paws. The grating sound as he gnawed and nibbled on his paws was disconcerting enough, to make matters worse, he was whimpering as he went about his chewing business. Despite being in pain, it seemed like he was unable to stop.
My friend, obviously, was worried sick with the question, “Why is my dog chewing his paws raw?” As it turned out, it was a fungal infection that made his paws so itchy that he couldn’t stop nibbling on them. Once the issue was addressed, the habit was resolved too. While the issue of puppy biting feet can usually be resolved if the underlying trigger has been identified, it can be unsettling while it lasts.
If that’s what you’ve been dealing with, I’m here to offer answers. Let’s that a look at the reasons behind puppies chewing their paws, when it becomes a cause for concern, and what you can do to remedy it.
7 Reasons Behind Puppy Chewing on Paws
The tendency of a puppy chewing on paws is usually triggered by an underlying cause. Here are some common ones:
1. Allergies (atopic dermatitis, food allergies)
Skin allergies such as atopic dermatitis caused by environmental factors as well as food allergies affect a dog’s skin. One common symptom of such allergies is extreme itchiness that can leave a puppy biting feet till they’re sore.
2. Parasites
Parasites such as fleas and mites on your pet’s body can make them extremely uncomfortable and cause dry skin, itching, and irritation. These parasites may invade the crevices of your pet’s paw, which is why they could be chewing on their paws. Or it could be a mechanism to alleviate the overall discomfort caused by these pesky pests. Puppies chewing their paws could be a sign you need to focus on preventing fleas, mites, and other parasite infestations.
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3. Infections
As I’ve mentioned, in my friend’s case, the answer to, “Why is my dog chewing his paws raw?”, turned out to be a fungal infection. Likewise, bacterial and yeast infections can make paws itchy, causing your puppy to chew on them.
4. Injuries
Cuts, scrapes, broken or ingrown nails, and dry, cracked paws can all be a source of great discomfort to your pet. A puppy chewing on paws could be doing so to alleviate the discomfort.
5. Separation anxiety
If you notice your puppy biting feet when they realize they’re about to be left alone or you come home to find your puppy chewing on paws, you could be dealing with separation anxiety. Dogs typically don’t do well when they’re left alone. This need for human companionship is even higher in puppies, since they’re still finding their way in the world and depend on their humans for survival.
6. Stress or boredom
A puppy biting paws and tail relentlessly can also be a result of stress or boredom. The act of chewing could be their way to distract themselves, much like some humans resort to biting nails in stressful situations or when they’re bored.
7. Teething
Why is my dog chewing his paws raw, you wonder? Well, in the case of puppies, teething can be a common cause of paw biting. When puppies begin teething, their gums and teeth become immensely sore. Paw chewing could be a way to relieve some of those sore sensations or distract themselves from the pain and pressure.
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When is Puppy Chewing on Paws a Cause for Concern?
A dog or puppy biting paws and tail is a common sight. Usually, it is not something you need to pay attention to or intervene to stop. However, a puppy chewing on paws excessively could be an indicator that something is amiss. Here are a few tell-tale signs that paw-chewing is a cause for concern:
- Your puppy has chewed their paws sore
- They have trouble walking because of the excessive paw-checking
- You notice your puppy chews their paws at certain times or in specific situations
- Your pup cannot stop chewing on their paws even if it causes them visible discomfort or pain
How to Stop Puppy Biting Feet
If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my dog chewing his paws raw?”, it’s a sign you need to interject and remedy the situation. Here are some tips on how to stop puppy biting feet:
1. Identify the root cause
As we have seen, there can be many reasons behind puppies chewing their paws. The only way you can remedy this problem is by getting to the root of what’s causing it. Only then can you arrive at an appropriate course of action.
The first order of business is to examine your pet’s paws and body thoroughly to check for parasites, injuries, and signs of infection. If these are not the cause, pay attention to behavioral issues such as separation anxiety. Or check whether your puppy chewing on paws is triggered by teething.
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2. Consult a vet
Now, not all underlying reasons behind your puppy chewing on paws can be detected at home. And even if you do zero in on a potential cause, such as parasites or an infection, you’d still need to get your pet medical attention to remedy it. So, if puppy biting feet has become problematic or chronic, a visit to the vet is warranted.
Your vet will be able to guide you on the right course of treatment after assessing your pet for allergies, any underlying conditions, parasite infestation, injuries, signs of infection, or whatever else might be the cause.
3. Try home remedies to stop dog from chewing paws
In the interim, you can try home remedies to stop dog from chewing paws such as,
- Applying coconut oil (use sparingly, as too much oil can make it hard for your pet to walk)
- Soaking their paws in apple cider vinegar or an oatmeal bath
- Giving them a chamomile bath
- Apply a paw balm made with all-natural ingredients such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and Vit E.
4. Behavioral issues may need a different approach
If your puppy chewing on paws is not a result of an underlying medical condition, you may need to tackle it differently. Here are some things you can try
- If your puppy is chewing on paws to alleviate the discomfort of teething, offer appropriate chew toys
- If it’s out of boredom, provide them with engaging, interactive toys to keep them busy while they’re on their own
- If it’s stress-related or an outcome of separation anxiety, you have to work toward recalibrating your pup’s response toward the trigger. Doing so on your own may be challenging. Consider working with a certified and experienced canine behaviorist
With timely and correct intervention, you can get a puppy to stop their paw-biting habit. But it’s also equally important to be able to discern whether you need to. I hope the next time you see your puppy chewing on paws, you will be better equipped to make that call and come up with an effective course of action.
FAQ
1. Do puppies chew paws when teething?
Yes, a teething puppy may chew on paws as a way to seek relief from the soreness and pressure they feel in their gums and teeth or to take their mind off it. This issue can be addressed by offering them appropriate and interesting chew toys instead.
