It is not uncommon to observe a dog lying quietly chewing on his paws. While this may not seem like a big deal, it may actually be a sign of a more or less serious problem. So why is your dog doing this? What are the possible causes of this behavior and how to deal with it?
Why is your dog biting his paws?
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He is suffering from physical pain
A dog that bites its paws incessantly can attest to a discomfort felt in this area, such as pain, itching, etc. There are many reasons for this behavior. The ones that come up most often are these:
A joint problem or osteoarthritis that makes your dog suffer at this level.
The presence of a foreign body that has been introduced inside a pad or between his fingers and that bothers him. This can be a splinter, a piece of glass, etc.
An insect sting (bee, wasp, etc.)
An allergy, both food and contact, or atopic dermatitis.
The development of parasites or fungus on the skin of the paws, which can cause itching.
The development of a mass on one of its paws.
He suffers from psychic pain
A dog that chews its paws is not necessarily suffering physically. In fact, this behavior is regularly observed in dogs that suffer from boredom. It can also be the consequence of a more important problem such as an obsessive-compulsive disorder which is often linked to stress, anxiety and boredom in dogs.
What should you do if you see your dog biting his paws?
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If your dog is biting his paws on a regular basis, you should pay a visit to your veterinarian. The vet will be able to determine if your dog is in physical pain, in which case he will be able to act accordingly. For example, he can bandage an injured dog, give him an antihistamine if he has an allergy, or administer an antiparasitic, antibiotic or antifungal medication. Your veterinarian can also safely remove a foreign body and put a collar on your pet to prevent it from maiming itself until the wound is healed.
If your veterinarian can't find anything physical, then you'll have to consider the idea that your dog is suffering psychologically. Your veterinarian will most likely ask you about your dog's habits. In this way, he or she can advise you on how to optimize them to try to improve your dog's life. For example, you can try to increase the time or frequency of walks. Make sure your dog gets a good workout! At home, also make time for him to play and cuddle. When he's home alone, leave plenty of toys for him to play with so he can escape boredom.
If, despite your best efforts, the problem persists, you can call a canine behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist. They will help you find the cause of the problem so that you and your dog can get back to normal!
A dog that bites its paws on a regular basis is self-mutilating and can end up hurting itself. That's why it's important to consult before this happens. Indeed, the painful injury will reinforce this behavior and your dog will enter a vicious circle.