Why is my dog biting or chewing its feet? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog is biting or chewing its feet, it often means the paws are itchy, sore or irritated. Common causes include allergies, something trapped between the toes, skin infection, dry skin or habit chewing after a flare-up. You usually can't tell the exact cause from one look alone, but a few simple checks can help you work out what's most likely.
Things To Check
1. Look at when the chewing happens most, such as after walks, after being on grass, after grooming or in the evening.
2. Check each paw carefully for redness, swelling, cuts, scabs, discharge, heat or a bad smell.
3. Look between the toes and around the pads for grass seeds, thorns, mud, grit or anything wrapped around the fur.
4. Notice whether your dog is licking one paw or several, as that can give a useful clue.
5. Check for other signs of itchiness such as rubbing the face, scratching the ears, or licking the belly and legs.
6. Think about recent changes, including new food, treats, bedding, cleaning products, shampoo or time outdoors in long grass.
7. Watch for limping, pain when the paw is touched, or reluctance to walk, as that can suggest soreness rather than simple itch.
Common Causes
Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs chew their feet. That might be a reaction to something in the environment, such as grass, pollen or house dust, or sometimes to something in the diet.
Another common cause is local irritation, such as mud, pollen, a small foreign body or a minor scrape between the toes. Even a tiny bit of grit can keep a dog licking.
Skin infection can also make the paws itchy or sore, especially if the area has been wet, warm or repeatedly licked. Over time, chewing can make the skin more inflamed and harder to settle.
Less commonly, the problem may be linked to pain in the paw, nail issues or a skin condition that needs veterinary assessment.
What To Do
Start by gently checking and cleaning the paws after walks, especially if your dog has been on muddy or grassy ground. Dry the feet well afterwards, including between the toes.
Try to prevent further chewing while you monitor the pattern. If the skin looks sore, keep walks shorter for a day or two and avoid obvious triggers where you can.
Make a note of when it happens, which paws are involved and whether anything else is going on, such as ear scratching or tummy itch. That information can be very helpful if you do need to speak to a vet.
If your dog is only mildly bothered and the skin looks normal, careful monitoring and good paw hygiene may be enough for the moment. If the problem keeps coming back, it usually means there's an underlying reason that needs sorting out.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet if the chewing is persistent, the paws look red, swollen, sore or infected, or your dog is licking so much that the skin is getting damaged. It's also worth getting advice if the problem keeps returning, your dog is limping, or you notice itchiness in other parts of the body.
Early advice can help narrow down whether allergies, infection or something else is driving the problem.
Products That May Help
Keeping the paws clean, dry and comfortable can be part of a sensible home routine when your dog is prone to foot chewing or general skin irritation.
Related Questions
Why is my dog licking its paws so much?
Why do my dog's paws smell odd?
Can grass or pollen make my dog chew its feet?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.