If your dog is constantly biting their paws, they may be trying to relieve itching, irritation, or discomfort caused by allergies, dry skin, or other underlying issues. While occasional licking is normal, frequent paw chewing is often a sign that something needs attention. The good news is that a few simple changes can help soothe irritated paws, support healthier skin, and keep your dog feeling more comfortable.
Why Do Dogs Chew On Their Feet?
There are several reasons a dog may chew their paws. If your dog can’t seem to stop licking his paws, he may be dealing with any of the following issues.
- Dry skin and wounds can lead dogs to paw chewing, causing further tissue damage.
- Skin growths, like cysts, lipomas, and warts, can cause discomfort on paws.
- Irritants like burrs or ticks lead dogs to lick until the offending item is removed.
- Anxiety in dogs can cause obsessive chewing issues.
- Allergic skin disease can affect not only paws but the entire body.
Whatever the cause of the irritation, paw-chewing can lead to pain, limping, and secondary yeast or bacterial infections. It is important to consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet, lifestyle, and environment so that he or she can determine the best treatment plan. Plus, the sooner you talk with the vet, the better. A dog with sore feet certainly wants relief!
Only a professional can treat serious veterinary issues like lick granulomas, tumors of the paw, skin infections, and chronic allergies. But there are things you can do at home to reduce paw licking caused by dry skin or contact dermatitis.
Tips to Stop Your Dog From Chewing His Paws
Wipe Your Pup’s Paws
Every time your pooch walks outside, he or she comes in contact with potential allergens and irritants like pollen and lawn chemicals. If you have a paw-chewer in your household, try cleaning their feet with grooming wipes after each walk or romp in the yard. Be sure to choose non-toxic wipes if your dog chews on her feet.
Reduce Allergen Exposure
In addition to outdoor allergens that travel inside on our clothes and shoes, several indoor substances can also aggravate your dog’s skin. Potential household irritants include dust mites, pet dander, cleaning chemicals, and cigarette smoke. And these are just a few of the allergens that affect dogs. While there is no way to eliminate certain molecules, keeping the dirt and dust to a minimum will help. Frequently laundering your dog’s bedding can work wonders too. Regular bathing and brushing can soothe itchy dogs as well.
Weather-Proof Your Home
Hot, moist weather can be particularly difficult for dogs with dermatitis, but winter’s utter lack of humidity can wreak havoc on dry-skinned pups too. Keep your home soothingly air-conditioned to beat the summer heat. And try out a humidifier to reduce irritation in dry winter conditions.
Choose a Healthy Diet
The more wholesome your pup’s diet, the better equipped their systems will be to fight off allergens and external irritants. If your dog has food sensitivities, be sure to check labels carefully. Ensure you are feeding your dog an allergen-free diet. Consult your vet about whether a limited ingredient, grain-free diet is right for your pooch.
Add an Omega Fatty Acid Supplement
Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids are derived from fish oils and plant-based sources. They benefit your dog’s skin by helping to keep their own natural oils at healthy levels and acting as anti-inflammatories to reduce the intensity of allergens. Sounds like relief!
Honey Guard™ – Allergy & Itch Omega 3-6-9 Powder is an excellent source of omega fatty acids and has been recently revamped to contain krill meal rather than the salmon oil commonly used by other brands. Krill meal packs a significantly more concentrated and pure source of omega fatty acids. This makes it the superior choice to help your dog’s paw chewing problems.
The new formula was also designed to allow pups with food sensitivities to reap the skin-nourishing benefits of omega fatty acids. All these benefits without the risk of irritation. These delicious treats are now 100% gluten-free, grain-free, and soy-free!
Learn More About Our Honey Guard™ – Allergy & Itch Omega 3-6-9 Powder with Pure Antarctic Krill Oil To Help Your Dog Stop Chewing His Paws
Give Your Dog Relief From Paw Biting
Helping your dog stop biting their paws starts with identifying the cause and supporting their skin and paw health every day. Whether the issue is related to allergies, environmental irritants, or dryness, consistent care can make a noticeable difference. With the right approach, your dog can enjoy healthier paws, greater comfort, and more time focused on the things they love instead of constant itching and chewing.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional.
Toledo, United States.