5 Reasons Why Dogs Chew Their Paws

Dogs chew their paws for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's because they're in pain, and sometimes they're trying to communicate something to humans.

By understanding why a dog chews its paws, a person can help it cope with the problem.

If your pet is constantly chewing on his paws or if he seems to be in pain, it is important to talk to your veterinarian. He will determine the cause of the problem and prescribe treatment.

Experts have listed common reasons why dogs chew their paws.

Allergy

Allergies are a fairly common reason why dogs chew their paws. They can be caused by a variety of things, such as pollen, grass, household cleaners, and even the food they eat.

When a dog constantly licks and chews its paws, it is most likely trying to relieve the itching caused by an allergic reaction. In some cases, allergies may be seasonal and only occur at certain times of the year.

If allergies persist year-round, it is important to take your dog to the vet to get some help. Allergies can be extremely difficult to manage on your own, and your vet may be able to offer treatments that can make your pet's life a little easier.

Dry skin

When the weather is dry outside, it affects your dog's skin as it loses a lot of moisture, causing it to feel rough, irritated, and even sore. The natural oils that help keep the skin supple and hydrated are also reduced, making the skin more prone to cracking and bleeding.

In response to this discomfort, dogs often lick their paw pads excessively or chew on them, which can lead to open sores. If your dog is chewing his paws more than usual, take a closer look at his skin.

If it looks dry or cracked, consult your vet. They may recommend a balm or cream to help soothe the sore paws.

Dog parasites

Dog parasites can be extremely annoying and unfortunately often affect dog paws. The most common type of dog parasite is fleas. These can cause dogs to constantly chew and scratch their paws.

In addition to discomfort, this can also lead to secondary infections. Ticks are another type of parasite that can attach to a dog's paw and cause irritation.

If your dog is allergic to the tick's saliva, he may begin to lick his paw excessively, which can again lead to secondary infections. Dog parasites can be extremely annoying, but fortunately there are several effective treatments, so talk to your vet.

Pain

Pain is one of the most common reasons dogs chew their paws. Dogs can develop paw pain for a variety of reasons, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, and bone cancer.

In some cases, pain may be caused by an injury or infection. If pain is the cause, your dog will lick or chew on his paw more often than usual. He may also whine when holding his paw, and may be reluctant to go for walks or play.

If your dog is experiencing pain in his paws, it is important to take him to the vet for an examination. The pain can be treated with medication, physical therapy, and other treatments.

Anxiety or depression

Anxiety disorder is common in dogs and is usually caused by being left alone for long periods of time. This anxiety can be alleviated through training or medication.

Generalized anxiety is another type of anxiety that is characterized by fear of people or other animals. One of the best ways to treat this is through exposure therapy. If your dog is chewing his paws because of generalized anxiety, this should help.

Depression, although not as common as anxiety, can also cause dogs to bite their paws. They can become depressed due to changes in routine, the loss of a loved one, or even just a lack of attention from their owner.

Depression is usually accompanied by other behaviors, such as excessive barking or loss of interest in normal activities.

If you think your dog may be biting his paws due to anxiety or depression, it is important to talk to your veterinarian so they can develop a plan to address the problem.

• Related news:
• dogs
• pets
• behavior
• problems
• reasons
• 5 January 2023

---