It's critical for pet owners to understand when their dog's behavior is normal and when it's cause for concern.
Dogs groom themselves by licking their paws.
If your dog licks to clean itself every now and then, that's quite natural and nothing to be concerned about.
If your dog is biting or licking his or her paws excessively and severely, it's a cause for concern, and you should visit your veterinarian.
There are a variety of reasons why dogs bite their nails or lick their paws.
Dogs will gnaw their nails to keep them short.
It'd be difficult to operate a nail clipper if you didn't have opposable thumbs!
Reasons Why Dog Chew Their Toenails
1. Food Allergies
If your dog is chewing his nails or chewing paws excessively, it's possible that he or she has food allergies.
Food allergies might irritate your dog's paws, prompting them to bite or lick.
Consult your veterinarian about your dog's diet for recommendations on specific foods and possible allergens.
2. Infected with a parasite
Your dog's paw may itch from a parasite, such as mange or fleas, leading them to lick.
Flea bites and mange spots, which are caused by mites, should be checked on when your dog is paw chewing.
Because these parasites are so little, it's a good idea to talk with your veterinarian even if you don't see any physical signs of them.
Your veterinarian can detect if a parasite is present in your dog's paw pad and provide any required therapy.
3. Dermatitis
Dermatitis can affect both people and canines.
It's an itchiness-inducing skin disorder among nail biter.
It can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies and germs.
If you think you have dermatitis like dry skin, talk to your veterinarian to be sure it's not caused by bacteria.
If your dog has a habit of licking their paws after coming in from outside, provide a basin of water at the door so you may wash their paws when they enter.
Allergies to a variety of items can cause dermatitis in dogs, including:
- Lawn treatment chemicals
- Food
- Dust
- Grass
- Trees
- Mold
- Insects
- Weeds
Dog allergies can be year-round or seasonal, much like human allergies, so keep an eye out for changes in behavior as the seasons change.
Fortunately, once the reason of a dog's allergy is identified, it is quite easy to treat.
The following are some of the most common treatments:
- Fish oil is a kind of omega-3 fatty (naturally anti-inflammatory)
- Shampoos with medicinal ingredients
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics used orally (for severe cases)
4. Injured
Bee stings, scratches, broken nail, a brittle nails, a stone or thorn lodged between the pads, puncture wound or other minor injuries might cause your dog's paw to become irritated.
Check to see if your dog is chewing one paw in particular to make sure there isn't a little injury-causing irritation caused by nail clipping using nail clippers.
You may be able to treat the injury with basic first aid.
But if it doesn't improve or becomes more destructive chewing, you should take your dog to the veterinarian.
Take extra care of your dog's nail to prevent them from becoming hurt and developing tendencies like excessive licking and biting.
- After coming inside from outside, clean your dog's paws.
- Look for strange items in their paws.
- For severely hot or chilly days, consider dog booties.
5. Dog's Behavior
Chewing can also indicate a health issue or a behavioral issue such as boredom or nervousness like for some breed such as German shepherd.
It can be also a separation anxiety between the dog owner.
If you can't figure out why your dog is chewing his paws excessively, consult your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian should be able to assist you figure out what's going on, and if there's a health or behavioral concern, they'll be able to give you advice on how to deal with it.
How to Evaluate Your Dog's Health
If you observe your dog licking or biting at their paws, the first thing you should do is look for visual indicators as to what's causing it.
You may notice discoloration or a rash, indicating what is causing the pain or suffering, and you can tell your veterinarian about it during your visit.
Check for any of the following in between their toes and under their paws:
- Foreign bodies, such as ticks or fleas, are burned by punctures.
- Splinters
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Redness
- Odor
Keep an eye out for any other behaviors that could indicate pain, such as limping or a lack of mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can dogs trim their own nails?
Many dogs and people despise grooming, but these owners devised a novel solution to the problem.
Through simple observation and imitation, most dogs can learn to scratch an emery board.
Why do dogs chew on their feet and nails?
Airborne allergens, like humans, can cause severe itching. To relieve atopy itching, dogs lick and gnaw their paws.
When dogs have itch-inducing allergies, they may bite their nails to relieve the itching.
Other allergic reactions, such as those caused by food allergies, can also cause same behaviors.
Is it OK to let dogs chew their nails?
Is it dangerous for my dog to chew on their nails?
It's not a good idea for dogs to gnaw on their feet since it can exacerbate any underlying issues, such as allergies or anxiety.
“It's typically a symptom of discomfort,” Dr. Spencer added, “so it's better to have your vet take a quick look.”