Some final insights into the question, “Why do dogs chew their feet?”
The short answer to “Why do dogs chew their feet?” It’s complicated. But just as there are lots of causes, there also are lots of treatments.
“It really comes back to why it’s happening,” Dr. Pachel says. “For any one of these issues, there might be multiple treatment options. Focusing on basic health care is a great start to at least minimizing some of these other issues. Then it’s a matter of watching your dog carefully and making that educated decision about when to have him evaluated by a veterinarian.”
What to do if your Dog is Biting Her Feet
If you notice your dog is sudden biting her feet you should inspect them for her. It is possible your dog may have a foreign object, like a stick, stone, or burr lodged in per paw. Always consult your veterinarian when in doubt of the best way to remove objects from your dogs paw and if you find a scratch or an open wound, take caution to clean it and watch it for infection. Sometimes, the wound may be too large, or you may feel you do not have enough expertise to clean and dress your dogs wounds. In these cases, bring your dog to the veterinarians office for assistance. Always bring your dog to the vet if you suspect she is developing an infection.
If your dogs foot biting is a chronic occurrence, you should seek medical assistance. Your veterinarian will determine the underlying cause of your dogs paw biting. Your vet will perform a complete physical examination and ask about your dogs medical history as well as when she first started chewing her feet.
Intradermal allergy testing may be ordered if your veterinarian suspects your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies. During this test, common allergens are injected in your dog just below the surface of her skin. Testing is usually conducted on the abdomen, and your dogs belly will be shaved for the test.
If food allergies are suspected, your dog will undergo food trials over the course of 6 to 12 weeks to determine possible allergies by adding and removing proteins and recording reactions. Saliva testing may also be used, but this type of test is usually designated for discovering sensitivities and intolerances, not allergic reactions.
Dermatitis due to a flea allergy is easy to diagnose because fleas accompany the condition. Your veterinarian will prescribe a flea medication, either an oral or topical treatment to rid your dog of her fleas and help relieve her itchy skin. You may also have to use a flea shampoo and comb to deal with live infestations as well as treat your home. It is crucial only to use flea medications designed for your dog on your companion. If you have other pets at home, like cats or small animals, you will need to treat them with a lower dose medication.
If your dog’s incessant biting of her feet is related to an obsessive compulsive behavior due to stress or anxiety, your veterinarian may suggest a dog behaviorist and additional training may be necessary to stop her from biting at her feet.
You may be unable to prevent your dog from getting objects, such as burr and stones, lodged in her paws but you can help her to remove them. Removing foreign objects and assisting your dog with regular grooming may help prevent her from excessively licking or biting her feet.
Providing a safe and secure home with access to food, water, and opportunities to eliminate waste are crucial for a dog’s well-being. If you are not meeting your dog’s basic life needs, she may develop stress and anxiety, which could lead to biting her feet. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Extra weight on a dog can cause unwanted pressure on the spinal column and lead to lumbosacral syndrome and possible self-mutilating behaviors.
The only way to prevent an allergic reaction that may cause your dog to chew at her paws is to avoid allergens. Once you are aware of her allergies, you must do your best to remove anything that causes a reaction. This may mean changing food, removing a household plant from your dog’s reach, and avoiding certain plants outside as best you can. If you live in a humid climate where fleas thrive, you should consult with your veterinarian on the best flea prevention methods for your dog.
The cost of treating foot biting depends on the underlying cause of your dog’s behavior. For example, it costs around $500 to treat a yeast infection whereas the expense for testing and treating food allergies can be around $1,500.
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Why do dogs chew their feet? Allergies might be at play.
One of the common answers to, “Why do dogs chew their feet?” Allergies. If the behavior coincides with a change of seasons, that offers a clue that an environmental allergen, such as pollen, mold or mildew, might be triggering the behavior. More long-term chewing could signal a food allergy. But determining the exact food ingredient is difficult and time-consuming. “It is a process of trial and error, and it’s impossible to predict just by looking at the dog just what they are allergic to,” Dr. Pachel says.
A 12-week food-elimination trial offers the best chance of finding a specific culprit, says Rebecca Remillard, PhD, DVM, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. These involved trials start with feeding a simplified diet of foods the dog has never eaten.