A dog biting his foot is a normal behavior but it can sometimes raise eyebrows if it becomes severe. Besides, the reason dogs bite their feet and how to stop it are well known. So, why is my dog biting his foot?
Your dog is biting his foot for the following ten reasons:
1. Insect Bites
Insect bites are one of the causes of irritation that leads to your dog biting his foot. Usually, insect bites cause itchiness, especially when they bite and stick to the skin. Infestation of the insects can also lead to further damage that can pave the way for bacteria, hence causing infection. Therefore, it is crucial immediately spray to stop dogs from chewing their paws
2. Allergies
Allergies are chemical reactions that can result from ingesting certain foods, a change in climate or even a rise in hormonal levels. If your dog is allergic to its skin, it will likely bite its foot to relieve the irritation. Sometimes, you may notice your dog chewing his paws at night.
3. Boredom
A lonely female dog biting her paws is a sign of boredom. Similarly, boredom can result from a lack of mental stimulation, such as a lack of toys to play with, a lack of a partner, etc. Therefore, your dog will probably release its boredom by biting its foot. This is also another way of entertaining itself.
4. Dandruff
Dandruff arises all over the dog’s body since it is fur-covered. Dandruff is, as a result, poor grooming. Also, dandruff is a fungal infection that sometimes causes itchiness, leading to a dog biting his foot. Hence, to eradicate dandruff from your dog’s body, ensure you regularly wash your dog with antiseptic soap for proper grooming.
5. Cyst
Cysts occur due to hair, cells, and sweat trapped beneath the skin. In most cases, a cyst causes a swelling that you can sometimes feel like bursting yourself. Primarily, cysts are painful; hence, you will notice your dog is disturbed. In this scenario, have your vet check on the dog and advise on removing the cyst without causing any harm.
6. Blisters
Blisters are usually sore and painful. Blisters can even make your dog limp or fail to walk entirely. In most cases, you will notice your dog biting the affected foot to calm the itchiness and pain. Nevertheless, it is essential to offer prescribed medication from a certified veterinarian for treatment.
7. Foot Injuries
Injuries to dogs’ feet cause discomfort that leads to biting and licking. Dogs use the biting technique to ease their pain and comfort them. Some injuries can be internal and some external, depending on the cause of the injury.
8. Overgrown Nails
Overgrown nails in dogs can lead to pain and discomfort, as sometimes they curl and grow back into the paw. The ingrown nails can also lead to dogs chewing paws and nails until they are bleeding, causing further infections and deformations.
9. Objects Stuck in Their Paws
When your dog walks, it might come across tiny objects like stones, soil, bones, and thorns that might get stuck between pawns. When this incident occurs, your dog will try to remove the stuck objects between their pawns; hence, you will notice frequent biting of their foot.
10. Bacterial and Yeast Infection
Bacterial and yeast infections are usually secondary to an underlying problem. These infections can cause some clumpy growths on the skin and sometimes lead to painful cracks on the pawns. Bacterial and yeast infections should be immediately treated before they cause further illness.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Chewing His Feet?
Here are six home remedies to stop dogs from chewing their paws:
1. Buying Toys for Your Dog
Toys are well known for stimulating your dog’s brains and keeping them active and distracted. Toys kill boredom, anxiety, and stress; the dog will forget to chew his feet. However, ensure the toys are not sharp and toxic to your dog’s health.
2. Offer Your Dog a Chew Treat
Sometimes, if your dog chews his paws raw, it can signify hunger. In this case, select a chew treat that can fit in your dog’s mouth, such as cheese chews, trachea chews, and tendon chews, as they have the minimum risk of hurting your dog’s mouth.
3. Adopt a Puzzle Feeder
A puzzle feeder is one of the best ways to keep your dog entertained and happy. Also, it makes your dog somehow intelligent as it sharpens its brain.
4. Spend Quality Time with Your Dog
Dogs enjoy their owner’s company; hence, once neglected, they get bored and start chewing their feet. Therefore, scheduling at least an hour a day to play and train your dog is essential. This kills boredom by making your dog active and happy.
5. Apply a Paw Balm
Applying a soothing medical paw balm reduces irritation and itchiness; hence, your dog will stop chewing his feet. Also, it prevents yeast and bacterialinfectionsn. Ensure you use balm made of natural ingredients like sunflower oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter.
6. Washing Your Dog Regularly
Dogs like being innovative and prefer being washed to remove dandruff and other ectoparasites. You can use a soft material to clean their fur and an antiseptic soap to disinfect their bodies.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for Itching?
Yes, Benadryl is the best reliever for itchiness. Nonetheless, it is essential to have guidelines before you give your dog Benadryl, as it can have some medical effects if not properly presented. In addition, Benadryl is the best at easing mild allergic reactions in your dog.
Will Benadryl Stop My Dog From Chewing His Paws?
Yes, Benadryl will stop your dog from chewing his paws. Usually, it relieves your dog from itchiness; hence, his body will be calm. Ensure you refrain from overdosing your dog with Benadryl to maintain a healthy status.
How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog for Licking His Paws?
Giving 2 to 5 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of weight is best. In most cases, this drug is usually administered three times a day but can sometimes vary with the severity of the illness. Ensure the vet well prescribes the drugs before offering them to your dog.
Related Articles
Why Is My Puppy Biting His Leg? Dog Chewing on Its Legs? (Solved!)
Why Do Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws? (10 Possible Reasons)
Why Don’t Dogs Like Their Paws Touched? (7 Reasons Why)
How Do I Sedate My Dog to Cut His Nails? 6 Proven Methods
What Does It Mean When a Dog’s Stomach Gurgles? Should I Be Worried?