Dogs naturally lick their paws as it is a way to clean themselves. But, when dogs are constantly licking and chewing on their paws it can lead to sores, infection and that distinctive corn-chip odor. Here are some reasons dogs chew constantly on their paws and what you can do to help:
- Injury – Your dog may have something stuck between the pads of their paws, a cut or torn nail. Check for a foreign object and clean the area to try to relieve the irritation.
- Parasites – Fleas and/or ticks can cause your pup to lick and chew their paws. Your dog’s veterinarian can help determine what flea and tick prevention treatments may be helpful in your area.
- Behavior – Boredom and anxiety can lead to compulsive behaviors such as pacing, crying and biting or chewing on their paws. Providing plenty of exercise and using puzzle toys can help to alleviate behavior problems. Using natural calming drops, like PSYstabil or Happy Paws, can help to provide long-term relief.
- Food Allergies – Many dogs are allergic to common food proteins like poultry and beef. Their body reacts with inflammation in the digestive tract and skin irritation. Feeding a hypoallergenic novel protein diet can help.
- Grass Allergies or Chemicals In The Grass - Some dogs chew their paws after coming back from a walk. Wipe their paws with a little mild shampoo and be sure to dry thoroughly.
- Skin Condition – Does your dog smell like Fritos? That yeasty smell is a tell-tale sign of a yeast infection. Yeast thrives in moist, humid environments, so the paws are the perfect host environment. Yeast can cause redness, swelling, irritation, constant licking and chewing, head shaking and ear discharge. Diets that are high in starchy carbohydrates (grains, potatoes, rice, etc.) can promote yeast overgrowth. Raw frozen novel protein diets can provide a great deal of relief for your dog when combined with natural yeast-fighting supplements. K9 Yeast Defense is a blend of natural antifungals like caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, oregano, garlic bulb concentrate and pau d’arco bark. These ingredients are scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and provide relief for fungal infections in dogs. K9 Yeast Defense can help get rid of the cheesy smell and stop the constant paw chewing.
