Dogs chew their paws for several reasons, including allergies, injuries, infections, pain, grooming issues, or behavioral causes such as anxiety and boredom. Paw chewing can be a sign of underlying problems like inflammation (pododermatitis), allergies (food, environmental, or flea-related), pain from cuts or arthritis, or anxiety-related compulsive behavior. Key reasons include:
- Injuries or pain (cuts, growths, arthritis, foreign objects stuck in paws)
- Allergies causing itching and irritation (food allergies, environmental allergens, flea allergy)
- Infections or inflammation (bacterial, yeast infections causing redness and swelling)
- Grooming issues such as torn or overgrown nails and matted fur
- Anxiety or stress prompting compulsive chewing as self-soothing behavior
- Behavioral issues like boredom or repetitive habits
If a dog is chewing paws excessively, it is important to check for visible injuries or signs of infection and consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may involve medications, allergy management, wound care, or behavioral therapy depending on the cause.
