Pet Gnawing: Why Do Dogs Chew On Their Feet?

The answer to this question may surprise you. In fact, dogs don’t always chew their paws or even their nails. They also chew on other parts of their body, such as their ears, tails, and even their genitals. This behavior is called self-grooming.

Dogs groom themselves because they want to remove dead skin cells and dirt from their fur. If you look closely at your pet’s feet, you’ll notice that they have a rough surface. This roughness helps them clean themselves better.

Pet Gnawing Why Do Dogs Chew On Their Feet (1)

Dogs do not like the feeling of having dirty fur. When they feel itchy, they will try to get rid of the problem by scratching. Scratching can cause cuts and sores in the area where they’re scratching. To avoid these difficulties, they need to keep their fur clean.

If your dog has been chewing his feet for some time, he might be trying to relieve an itch. It could also mean that he wants to play with something.

For example, if your dog chews his foot while playing with a toy, he might be trying out different positions to see which one feels best.

If you find your dog chewing his feet, there are several things you should know. First, make sure that your dog isn’t allergic to any type of food. Allergies can cause him to scratch himself more than usual.

Second, make sure that he doesn’t have fleas or ticks. These parasites can cause itching. Third, make sure that he hasn’t eaten anything poisonous. Poisonous substances can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Fourth, make sure that he isn’t suffering from any medical conditions. Some health issues can lead to excessive grooming. Finally, talk to your veterinarian about what else you can do to stop your dog from chewing his feet.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing His Foot?

1. Keep your Dog Away from Sharp Objects

Sharp objects can hurt your dog when he tries to use them to scratch his foot. Make sure that all items around your house are safe for your dog. You can put up signs warning your dog about dangerous objects.

2. Use a Nail Clipper

A nail clipper can help you prevent your dog from chewing his feet. Nail clippers come in many shapes and sizes. The most common ones are made of plastic or metal.

Metal clippers tend to be safer because they won’t bend easily. Plastic clippers are less expensive, but they can break easily.

3. Put Down the Toys

Your dog might be chewing his feet because he wants to play with a toy. Toys can distract him from chewing his feet. Try putting down a few toys in your home so that your dog can choose one to play with.

4. Get a Muzzle

Your dog might be chewing his foot because he wants to bite someone. A muzzle can protect people from being bitten by your dog. Muzzles come in many styles and prices.

Most muzzles are designed to fit over your dog’s nose and mouth. However, some muzzles cover only the top half of your dog’s face.

5. Give your Dog a Bath

Bathing your dog regularly can help him stay cleaner. Bathe your dog once every week or two. Bathing is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.

6. Cut Off the Toenails

Toes are very sensitive areas on dogs’ feet. They can become infected if they aren’t properly cared for. If your dog has long toenails, cut them off. This will make it easier for your dog to walk without hurting his toes.

7. Clean your Dog’s Paws

Wet your hands and rub them together. Then wipe your dog’s paws clean. Don’t use soap or shampoo. Instead, wash your dog’s paws with warm water and dry them gently. Using a towel instead of rubbing your dog’s paws against each other helps keep his feet soft.

8. Buy a New Pair of Shoes

If your dog keeps chewing his feet, try buying him a new pair of shoes. New shoes can help your dog avoid injury. Also, new shoes may give your dog a better sense of balance.

9. Change your Dog’s Diet

Dogs usually chew their feet because they want to eat something. To stop your dog from eating his feet, feed him a different kind of food. Feeding your dog a variety of foods will ensure that he gets enough nutrients.

10. Talk to your Vet

If none of these tips work, visit your vet. Your vet can prescribe medication to treat your dog’s foot problem. He can also recommend ways to help your dog stop chewing his foot.

11. Take your Dog to the Groomer

If your dog has been chewing his feet for a while, take him to the groomer. Grooming services can remove dead skin cells from your dog’s feet.

12. Clip your Dog’s Nails

Nails grow out of your dog’s paw pads. When your dog chews his feet, he can get cuts and scrapes. Cutting your dog’s nails short can help prevent injuries.

13. Keep your Dog Away from Sharp Objects

Sharp objects can hurt your dog’s feet. Make sure your dog doesn’t chew anything that could harm him. You should also put up signs around your house warning your dog not to chew things.

14. Use an Antibacterial Spray

Use-an-Antibacterial-Spray

Spray your dog’s paws with an antibacterial solution before you let him outside. Antibacterial sprays kill bacteria that cause infections.

15. Treat your Dog’s Feet

After you’ve tried all of the above methods, talk to your vet about treating your dog’s foot problems. Some medications can relieve pain and itching caused by your dog’s foot condition.

16. Put your Dog in a Crate

If your dog likes to chew his feet, place him in a crate when you’re not home. Crates offer your dog a safe space where he won’t have access to dangerous items like scissors or knives.

17. Get Rid of your Dog’s Toys

Toys can pose a danger to your dog’s feet. Check any toys your dog plays with daily to make sure they don’t contain sharp objects.

18. Give your Dog a Bath

Bathing your dog weekly or biweekly will help him stay clean. It’s best to bathe your dog at night so that he isn’t exposed to sunlight during the day.

19. Use Rubber Bands

Rubber bands can be used as a way to stop your dog from chewing his feet. Wrap one band around each of your dog’s front legs. Tie it securely to prevent your dog from getting loose.

20. Keep your Dog on a Leash

20. Keep your Dog on a Leash

Leashing your dog is important if your dog likes to chew on his feet. A leash will also protect your dog from running into traffic or other hazards.

21. Clean your Dog’s Ears Regularly

Your dog’s ears are sensitive areas. If your dog chews them, they’ll become sore and infected. Keeping them clean will reduce the risk of infection.

22. Stop your Dog from Licking Himself

Licking your dog’s feet may seem like a good idea to your pet, but it actually causes more damage than good. Licking your dog’s feet can irritate his skin and lead to sores.

23. Provide your Dog with Plenty of Exercise

Exercise helps dogs feel better physically and mentally. Exercise stimulates blood flow throughout your dog’s body. This keeps his muscles healthy and strong.

24. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can burn your dog’s paws. Instead, try using mild soap and water to wash your dog’s feet. You can also apply moisturizing lotions to keep your dog’s feet soft.

25. Keep your Dog’s Nails Trimmed

25. Keep your Dog's Nails Trimmed

Trimming your dog’s nails reduces the risk of injury. Your vet can trim your dog’s nails for you.

26. Pay Attention to your Dog’s Behavior

Sometimes, your dog might start chewing his feet because he’s bored or lonely. Take note of your dog’s behavior and pay close attention to what he does while you’re away from home.

27. Talk to your Veterinarian

You shouldn’t hesitate to contact your vet if your dog starts chewing his feet. Your vet can recommend ways to treat your dog’s problem.

28. Consider Surgery

If none of these tips work, consider having your dog undergo surgery to remove some of his teeth. Surgery should only be considered after you’ve exhausted all other options.

29. Try Natural Remedies

Some people swear by certain herbs and oils that they claim can heal their dog’s foot issues. These products aren’t regulated by the FDA, so you need to do your own research before trying them out.

30. Buy a New Pair of Shoes

If your dog continues to chew his feet even after following all of the above steps, then you might want to buy him a new pair of shoes. Shoes that fit properly are easier for your dog to walk in and can help him avoid painful injuries.

Conclusion

To conclude, your dog may be chewing their feet for numerous reasons. Some dogs have inherited this habit from their ancestors, while others simply don’t know any better.

Regardless of why your dog has started chewing his feet, there are many things you can do to solve the problem. By taking the time to read through this article, hopefully, you’ll learn how to stop your dog from chewing his feet.

Megan Turner