How to Prevent a Dog From Chewing on Its Paws

Most dogs will occasionally lick or chew on their paws. Such behavior can quickly become a problem, however, when it is done often and leads to other ailments including hair loss, hot spots, enflamed skin, or even skin breakage. It is very important to address this behavior before it becomes a habit.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog soap
• Chew toys

1. Rule out a medical cause. If your dog begins chewing on his paws out of the blue and begins to do so continuously, take him to the vet and have him checked out. He may be experiencing an allergic reaction, a rash, an ant bite, fleas, mites, or another symptom. Your vet will be able to tell you if there is a problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. If your pet is prescribed an ointment of some kind, be sure to not let him lick it off after it is applied so that he does not accidentally ingest it.

2. Clean your dog’s paws regularly with dog soap and water and dry them thoroughly. This will help keep them clear of dirt and bacteria that can breed between the toes. Additionally, keep the hair between his toes very trim so that it does not cause itchiness or irritation.

3. Make sure your dog gets plenty of attention and exercise. He may be starting a bad habit like chewing his paws to alleviate frustration from boredom or lack of attention or even pent-up energy; this can be especially true if he is left in a crate for extended amounts of time. Dogs require a moderate amount of time and attention. If you do not have it to offer, consider hiring a dog walker to walk and spend time with your dog.

4. Offer your dog a variety of chew toys. Dogs and especially puppies need to chew to cope with their new teeth coming in and their baby teeth falling out. If you do not provide appropriate toys he will seek out something else to chew and that could mean his paws. Nylabones and Kongs are good choices for chew toys and available at most pet stores.

5. Interrupt your dog when he begins to chew on his paws. Dogs can create new habits fairly easily. You do not want an itchy mosquito bite to turn into a paw chewing habit. If there is no irritation on his paw, you can spray it with bitter apple spray to make chewing on it less appealing. However, it is important to consult with your vet before spraying it to be on the safe side.