As a lifelong dog mom and pet writer, I’ve had many pet parents write to ask, “My dog bites his paws; what can I do?” Dogs bite and chew at their paws for many reasons. Sometimes it’s from a minor irritation; other times it can be more serious.
My first Cocker Spaniel, Brandy Noel, chewed and bit at her paws for a few months. Back then, in the 1990s, extensive allergy testing wasn’t available for dogs. We also didn’t have the awesome dog food choices available for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. That was then.
Today, veterinary medicine has a better understanding of why dogs chew their paws (and so do I). This comprehensive article will help you navigate the potential causes and solutions for paw biting in dogs, including real-life experiences.
My Dog Bites His Paws: Understanding Why
“Does anyone have any recommendations of something to use on dog paws when they are constantly licking and biting them ? My Cocker Spaniel is allergic to grass and trees and won’t leave her paws alone”, Lisa R. shared on my Club Cocker Facebook group recently.
Imagine if part of your body was itchy but you couldn’t reach the spot. That’s why dogs bite at their paws. Something is annoying them or irritating. Since dogs can’t use their nails to scratch the tops or bottoms of their feet, they bite or chew instead.
Sometimes, it’s completely normal for a dog to bite his paws. For example, they might be cleaning themselves, removing dirt or debris, scratching an insect bite, or they are simply bored.
Pro Tip: Take care of your dog’s paws with our professional tips and advice article.
Common Causes of Paw Biting in Dogs
My dogs have licked or chewed at their paws for different reasons. When it becomes ongoing, incessant, or harmful to your dog, you must act.
Here are the most common causes for dogs to bite their paws, many of which I or my friends’ dogs have experienced:
Allergies or Sensitivities
There’s a huge difference between being allergic to something and being sensitive to something. Even my dog’s veterinarian will sometimes say “allergies” when she means “food sensitivity.”
Food allergies reflect a more immediate immunological response, according to Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, who has spent more than five decades as a clinical research veterinarian.
Food allergies cause a more immediate response to the dog’s immune system. Dodds’ uses the example of a person with a food allergy who has an anaphylactic response to peanuts.
Dogs may bite or chew at their paws if something in their diet or the environment (or both) is irritating them.
Dodds says food sensitivities are at least 10 to 15 times more common than food allergies. A dog that scratches frequently or has chronic bowel problems is probably suffering from a food sensitivity rather than an allergy.
A food sensitivity or food intolerance builds up over time and does not produce an immunologic response in dogs.
Dogs can be allergic to fleas. Both fleas and ticks can cause dogs to chew their paws, among other symptoms. Dogs can develop allergies or sensitivities to various substances, including food ingredients, environmental factors like pollen or mold, and even certain ingredients in grooming products.
Here’s how to determine if your dog has a food allergy or food sensitivity.
Bacterial or Yeast Infection
Very common to Cocker Spaniels and millions of other dog breeds, a yeast infection makes paws smelly, red or orangeish, and itchy. The odor is often like moldy cheese or corn chips. Some people call it “Fritos feet,” but it can be very serious and irritating.
My dog’s veterinarian explained that all dogs have yeast and bacteria in the skin. However, when the growth gets too high, abnormal yeast starts growing. This can lead to a fungal infection on the skin or paws.
Yeast infections don’t just occur at random. It’s been my experience that yeast infections that may cause your dog to bite their paws can be from:
- An open or ongoing wound
- Skin cancer
- An autoimmune disease like IMT (which my Dexter had) or IMHA
- Hypothyroidism
- Food or environmental sensitivities or allergies (causes itchy skin)
Anxiety or Boredom
Dogs who are left alone too long, are going through stressful times – arguing, moving, new life situation, fear of sounds, etc – may bite or chew paws as a compulsive behavioral issue.
Anxiety is often associated with pacing, air licking, howling, agitation, whining, or even soiling inside.
If your dog fears the car, you can read our article about easing car anxiety in dogs. Some dogs get so upset with car rides that they may bite at their paws.
Get to the source of what is bothering your dog. If they are alone too long while you work, consider having a sitter come in or a neighbor or friend to walk them, etc.
It could even be something like canine dementia if your dog is older. Your veterinarian can help with that.
Pro Tip: Install a doggie cam in your home so you can monitor your dog in your absence with an app on your phone.
Something Is Stuck In Their Paw(s)
Cuts, scrapes, or foreign objects stuck in the paw pads can cause pain and lead to biting. Check your dog’s paws every day if possible, especially if they seem in distress.
While inspecting your dog’s paws after a walk, check for burrs, foxtails, bee stingers, rocks, allergens, and wash thoroughly. Spring and summer means more chemically treated lawns. You never know where someone applied a dangerous chemical.
Broken Nail or Nails Too Long
It’s very important to keep a dog’s nails trimmed to an appropriate length and not expose the quick. Long nails can cause a dog to limp, have an improper gait which can harm other body parts, and they can snag on things. Imagine trying to run around in high heels: That is partially what overgrown dog nails feel like.
Pro Tip: Here’s how to trim your dog’s nails at home like a pro.
Internal Pain
If your dog has a stomach ache, internal aches, or even arthritis, they may whimper, limp, seem withdrawn, or even lick and bite at their paws. If your dog breaks or fractures a bone, they may bite at the area in an attempt to ease the pain. Don’t wait to seek veterinary attention.
Skin Issue
Dogs with itchy skin may bite at the paws. I had a dog with a mast cell growth on his paw, and he would lick at it. We had it removed, it was a low grade, and he never bit or licked at his paw again.
If you dog is stung by a bee or other insect, this can also cause itchy skin. Dogs experience sunburn just like people, and this can cause itchy skin.
Pro Tip: Here are our favorite dog shampoos for itchy, dry skin.
Identifying Symptoms of Dog Paw Biting
Watch your dog for these symptoms that they may be biting their paws, perhaps even when you aren’t around:
• Redness and Swelling: Inflamed paws are a clear indication that something is wrong.
• Discoloration: Brown or reddish stains on the paws can be a result of excessive licking, biting, and chewing.
• Odor: Unpleasant smells coming from your dog’s paws may signal an infection.
• Hair Loss: Bald patches around the paws are often due to constant biting or another issue.
• Bleeding or Discharge: Open wounds or discharge can indicate a more severe issue.
When To Get Veterinary Help For Paw Biting
Never second guess if if you feel your dog is in distress. Imagine being in pain and not being able to express yourself.
If the paw biting happens frequently, there are signs of infection (odor, pus, irritation), your dog appears uncomfortable, or you need help with the cause, seek veterinary help.
Seek The Services Of Veterinary Dermatologist If Needed
A veterinary dermatologist specializes in helping dogs with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, ears, hair, and nails.
For dogs with more than one allergy, success comes in identifying the offenders and then eliminating them from the dog’s life.
Working with a dermatologist from the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) is a good place to start in finding a specialist.
A holistic veterinarian is also a fabulous option for those who want to try supplements, herbs, and nutraceuticals as tools in solving a dog’s allergies.
Make sure all treating specialists are on the same page so your dog’s health isn’t compromised.
Products We Like For Dog Paw Biting
Here are some tips and products we’ve used with success for paw biting – both the cause and the solution, or at least some relief for your dog.
At-Home Pet Food Intolerance and Sensitivity Test
Discover your dog’s food sensitivities
I am a fan of the Nutriscan test for dogs because it can be done at home, uses saliva, and is tested by famed Dr. Dodd’s lab. It helped two of my Cocker Spaniels with their food sensitivities. It will not help with environmental allergies.
Topical Spot Treatment
Relieve itchy paws on the spot
Food allergies in dogs can manifest in many ways, including itchiness and skin issues. For everything from hot spots to itchy skin conditions, I use Zymox Topical Spray and Zymox Topical Cream contain 0.5% hydrocortisone. There are no antibiotics in these products yet they work on bacteria, yeast, and fungi, which flare up in Cockers Spaniels.
Manuka Honey
Called nature’s miracle product
A little bit of Manuka honey may help your itchy dog depending on the cause. Like people, each dog may have a different reaction to Manuka honey. However, if used properly and in conjunction with your veterinarian’s approval, it can be beneficial and safe.
CBD for Dogs
Oil and treats
As always, check with your dog’s veterinarian before adding any supplements. I’ve been using Pet Releaf products with my Cocker Spaniels for years. I use the Stress Releaf and the Edibites. Here’s what to know and where to purchase:
Zymox LP3 Enzyme System Leave-On Conditioner
Your dog can be an athlete, too!
This is one product I am NEVER without because it’s really helped my Cocker Spaniel’s seasonal itching. Used best if applied after Zymox enzymatic shampoo, lightly rinse or leave on your dog’s skin to dry for optimal results.
Allergy and Immune Chewables
Easy-to-administer chewables for itch
If sensitive skin or seasonal allergies give your dog problems, you may consider Zesty Paws’ bites. They contain a variety of ingredients like salmon fish oil, colostrum, astragalus root, and apple cider vinegar. We like the choice of flavors, too.
Paw Pad Balm
Ideal for wounds, cuts, scrapes, and hot spots
I am never without a high-quality paw balm, not only for itchy skin, but for softer paw pads. One tin lasts months at a time, as a little goes a long way. FDA registered and NASC preferred, so we like this product a lot.
Air Purifier
Multicolor three pack for lots of summer fun
We are never without an air purifier in several rooms of our home. My favorite air purifier is the Rabbit Air A3, which gets five stars for thousands of reviews.
What Dog Parents Are Doing For Dogs With Paw Biting
Here are a statements from actual pet parents who dealt with dogs who bite their paws:
Kathy Devine: Our two Cockers have food and environmental allergies (they were tested) and permanently on custom allergy serum every day.
Linda Wright: Work from the inside out. Poultry is a common allergen. Yeast causes itching. Yeast thrives on starch, and potatoes are in a lot of foods.
Switch to a fish-based food & add Zesty Paws Aller-Immune chews. The extra Omegas are excellent for the skin & coat. Also, don’t vaccinate yearly. It overloads the immune system. Do titers instead. I’ve done all this, and my boy who used to scratch frequently, never does. His skin & coat are amazing.
Paulette Canam: Stop using anything that is scented in your home like candles, detergents, etc. Use as much as you can that is hypoallergenic.
Wipe complete body especially the face with pet wipes. Bathe once or twice a month. Keep your house dust free. Do the same as you would for yourself if you had environmental allergies. Make sure you wash any blankets or beds that the dog uses weekly. Also stop all pesticide spot on treatments and vaccines. Build up the immune system. The immune system is what controls allergy symptoms.
Jen Hasian: Oatmeal baths!! And flea preventative injections just in case she might have an allergy to them. Our baby was so allergic to flea bites that she would turn red and loose hair. Never had an itch again. Vet said all it takes is one flea.
In conclusion, if your dog bites his paws, consider a multifactorial approach. Your pup depends on you to help them live a happy, healthy, irritation-free life.
