How do i get my dog to stop chewing his paws?

Paw chewing matters because it affects your dog’s comfort and your household: sore, stained paws and persistent chewing often mean the dog is itchy, uncomfortable, or stressed, and owners commonly notice it in new puppies learning grooming habits, in dogs with a long-standing chewing habit, or in recently adopted dogs adjusting to a new environment. Most owners want the behavior stopped quickly, need the paw tissue protected from further damage, and want to identify whether the cause is medical, environmental, or behavioral.

Straight to it — First steps to stop your dog from chewing his paws

Do a quick, calm inspection for obvious wounds or infection, temporarily block the chewing while you soothe and protect the paws, and keep a clear note of timing and triggers so you can consult your veterinarian if you see redness, swelling, persistent odor, or ongoing chewing despite basic care.

What drives paw chewing: allergy, stress, boredom and more

Paw chewing is rarely a single thing; it may suggest physical discomfort, a grooming response, or a behavioral coping mechanism. Itch or pain from allergies, fleas, mites, or a cut can trigger focused chewing. Some dogs groom their feet the way they groom other areas and will lick or nibble to remove debris. For other dogs, chewing becomes comforting—repetitive licking or nibbling reduces anxiety in the short term and can form a self-reinforcing cycle where the relief reinforces the behavior. Once the skin is repeatedly wet or damaged, bacteria or yeast can take hold, creating a secondary infection that prolongs and intensifies the chewing.

When paw chewing worsens: how to tell it’s escalating

Pay attention to patterns: many dogs chew immediately after walks because of stuck grit, salt, or plant material between pads; others chew at night or during alone time when anxiety peaks. Seasonal factors likely play a role—pollen and mold in spring and fall, or dry cracked pads in winter—while hot pavement or road salt can irritate pads in summer and winter respectively. Contact with lawn chemicals, household cleaners, or certain plants may provoke immediate chewing after a walk. Significant life changes—moving house, a new family member or pet, or altered daily routines—are common triggers for stress-driven chewing that can persist until the dog adapts or the stressor is addressed.

Red flags to watch for — signs that need prompt attention

Some paw problems require prompt veterinary care. Seek urgent attention if you see open wounds that bleed easily, pus drainage, a strong foul odor, or rapidly worsening swelling and heat—these findings often accompany bacterial or deep fungal infection. If your dog is limping severely, refusing to bear weight on a limb, has a fever, is listless, or has stopped eating, those systemic signs may indicate a spreading infection or pain requiring professional treatment. Also escalate care when a problem fails to improve with basic home measures within 24–48 hours or when each episode is more severe than the last.

Immediate actions owners can take tonight

When you first notice paw chewing, a calm, methodical approach helps both the dog and the diagnostic process. Follow these practical steps, photographing findings so you can show your veterinarian any changes over time.

1. Inspect each paw gently: look between toes, around nails, and on pads. Photograph wounds, swelling, or discoloration and note when chewing happens (after walks, during evenings, etc.).
2. Clean the area with a simple saline rinse (0.9% sodium chloride) or plain warm water; avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol which can delay healing. Pat dry with a clean towel and keep the dog from immediately rewetting the paw.
3. Prevent further chewing while the area heals using an Elizabethan collar, protective booties, or a loose bandage changed regularly. If bandaging, leave toes visible and do not wrap tightly—a too-tight bandage risks circulation problems.
4. Reach out to your veterinarian with your observations and photos. If the paw is red, swollen, odorous, bleeding, or not improving in 24–48 hours, plan an exam. Bring notes on household chemicals, new foods or treats, recent walks, and any prior skin treatments.

Training and home changes that reduce paw chewing

To reduce recurrence, address the non-medical drivers of paw chewing. Increasing physical exercise and mental enrichment often lowers boredom-driven chewing; I suggest predictable daily walks and structured play that tire both body and mind. Use counterconditioning: when you notice the dog starting to lick, redirect immediately to a favored chew or a short training session and reward the alternative behavior consistently. Remove or limit exposure to known irritants—wipe paws with water after walks to remove salt, pollen, or lawn residues, and avoid treated lawns for a few days if you suspect chemicals are involved. Establish a calming, consistent routine around alone time; consider crate training as a safe, quiet den alternative if done humanely. Supervise recovery periods and keep potentially irritating surfaces or substances out of reach while the skin heals.

Safe gear and tools that actually help (and what to avoid)

Choose equipment that protects healing tissue without creating new problems. Durable dog booties or socks can shield pads during walks and recovery; confirm a proper fit to avoid rubbing. An Elizabethan collar or softer inflatable alternatives will prevent licking while allowing some mobility—monitor for stress caused by collars and remove only when supervised if healing is complete. Use only veterinarian-recommended paw balms and barrier sprays; many topical products may soothe and support barrier repair, but human ointments or potent steroid creams should be avoided unless prescribed. For behavior management, interactive food puzzles and long-lasting, safe chew toys redirect oral focus; select non-edible chews appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing strength to avoid choking or tooth damage.

Who to consult — veterinarians, behaviorists and when to call them

Your primary veterinarian is the first stop: they can examine the paw, perform cytology or cultures if needed, and prescribe targeted treatments such as antimicrobials, antifungals, or short courses of anti-inflammatory medication. For persistent, recurrent, or complex skin disease, a veterinary dermatologist may be helpful; they specialize in allergy testing, immune-modulating therapies, and chronic skin management. If the chewing seems driven by anxiety or compulsive behavior, seek a certified applied animal behaviorist or a force-free trainer experienced with separation and anxiety issues; they can design a stepwise behavior modification program. For reading and evidence-based background, professional sources and peer-reviewed veterinary dermatology literature are most reliable—avoid anecdote-heavy online forums when making medical decisions.

If it doesn’t improve: a clear escalation plan

If the paw problem persists despite basic care, the next steps are diagnosis and targeted therapy. Your vet may collect skin swabs or tape preps to look for bacteria or yeast, take a fungal culture if ringworm is suspected, or recommend blood testing and allergy workups if atopic disease seems likely. In chronic cases, addressing the underlying driver—parasite control, food trial for suspected food allergy, or a behavior program for anxiety—often produces the biggest gains. Longstanding licking often leads to thickened, scarred skin that takes weeks to months to normalize; in those cases, expect a treatment and management plan rather than a single quick fix. If pain or deep infection is present, short courses of systemic antimicrobials or anti-inflammatories may be needed under veterinary supervision.

Practical tips, cautions and everyday reminders

A few practical cautions help protect your dog while you treat the paws. Avoid giving over-the-counter human creams without veterinary advice; some contain ingredients that are toxic if licked. Do not tightly bandage paws except under direction—the wrong bandage can trap moisture and worsen infection. When using topical products, allow them to dry before the dog walks so grit doesn’t stick to the area. Finally, when a protective device is in place, check circulation, skin color, and comfort frequently; if the dog becomes unusually distressed, contact your vet for alternatives.

References and trusted resources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Pododermatitis in the Dog” — clinical overview, diagnostics, and treatment approaches.
• Olivry T., et al., 2015. “Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines”—Veterinary Dermatology (consensus recommendations for diagnosis and long-term management).
• American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD): Position statements and owner resources on canine skin allergies and diagnostic testing.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Allergies and skin disease in dogs” — owner-focused guidance on signs and when to seek veterinary care.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control and pet-care resources: guidance on household chemicals and plants that may irritate paws and cause licking/chewing.