Why does my dog chew his paws?

If your dog is chewing or licking their paws, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common reasons owners bring dogs to me or ask for advice, and it’s a behavior that can be harmless or a sign of something that needs attention.

How paw chewing affects your dog’s health — and your peace of mind

Seeing your dog constantly attend to a paw is upsetting and can interfere with their daily life; owners usually reach out wanting either reassurance that the behavior is temporary or clear steps to get relief. I typically see three owner scenarios: a new puppy exploring and chewing, a seasonal flare in a previously comfortable dog, or a chronic licker who has developed raw spots. Beyond the immediate worry, persistent chewing can cause infections, pain and lasting skin damage, and it often increases owner anxiety as the problem becomes cyclical. Most people hope for a quick fix — clean paws, stop the chewing, and return to normal activity — or a clear plan that prevents recurrence, which is what this article aims to provide.

Short answer: the most likely causes in a minute

Most dogs chew their paws because of itch or irritation from allergies, parasites (like fleas or mites), local pain or injury, or boredom/anxiety-driven behavior; first steps are to gently clean and inspect the paw, temporarily block licking, and note timing and exposures so you can decide whether urgent veterinary care is needed.

• Common causes likely linked to paw chewing include environmental or food allergies, flea or mite irritation, local injury/infection, and behavioral coping (boredom or stress).
• First-triage: wash the paw with saline or mild soap and water, dry gently, look for obvious cuts, thorns, swelling or foreign bodies, and prevent further licking with a cone, boot or short-term bandage while you evaluate.
• Call a vet right away if you see heavy bleeding, severe swelling, pus, limping, or signs of systemic illness (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite).
• Mild cases often show improvement in 48–72 hours with basic care; anything that doesn’t settle or that worsens in that window should be checked professionally.

What drives dogs to chew their paws — common reasons explained

Paw chewing usually begins as a sensory response: inflammation and itch compel a dog to lick and chew in an attempt to soothe the area. Allergens landing on the feet can produce an inflamed, itchy reaction that draws attention to the paws. I often see dogs use licking as a self-soothing behavior — the act of licking releases endorphin-like chemicals that calm them, which can turn a short episode into a habit.

Sometimes the reason is pain rather than simple itch. A thorn, cut, broken nail or pad injury can make a paw tender and the dog may lick to remove debris and to reduce discomfort. Joint pain in the limb or neuropathic discomfort can also redirect attention to the paw. In addition, dogs have scent glands in and around their paws, so chewing can be part grooming or scent-related maintenance, especially after sniffing something novel. Any of these causes may overlap — for example, an allergic dog who steps on something sharp may develop a secondary infection that increases licking.

When you’re most likely to notice it (and what the timing tells you)

Timing and context often point to the cause. Seasonal patterns — especially spring and summer — suggest pollen, grass or mold sensitivity when you see more paw chewing at those times. I commonly hear owners say their dog licks paws more after walks, which can indicate contact irritants like lawn treatments, road salt or foxtail awns. Wet or muddy conditions soften pads and make them more prone to chafing and foreign bodies, increasing licking afterward.

Behavioral triggers also matter: chewing can spike after stressful events (thunder, fireworks, vet visits), during long periods alone, or when a routine change reduces exercise and enrichment. Heat and hard pavements can inflame pads on hot days, while household cleaners or de-icing chemicals can leave irritating residues. Noticing when the behavior happens — immediately after a walk, at night, only when left alone — gives useful clues for addressing the problem.

Warning signs to watch for: when paw chewing becomes serious

There are clear signs that a paw issue needs urgent veterinary assessment because complications can escalate quickly. Seek immediate care if you find bleeding that won’t stop, deep punctures, large or rapidly spreading swelling, visible pus, or a wound that is white or black at the edges. If your dog is limping, vocalizing pain when the paw is touched, or showing systemic signs such as fever, decreased appetite or marked lethargy, these suggest infection or deeper injury.

• Other red flags: an expanding area of redness or raw skin, significant hair loss around the paw, or no response to basic home care within 48–72 hours — all of which may suggest infection or a more complex underlying disease.

What to do right now: immediate, safe steps for owners

Start with calm, safe handling. If your dog tolerates it, examine the paw slowly: lift the foot, separate the toes, and look for foreign bodies, swelling, broken nails, cuts, heat or discolored pads. I find that a soft muzzle or having a helper gently hold the dog reduces stress for both of you. If you see a visible thorn or foxtail, remove it carefully with tweezers — if it’s deep or painful, leave removal to your vet.

Clean the area with plain saline or lukewarm water; for light soiling a gentle soap rinse is fine, but avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide which can slow healing. Dry thoroughly — moisture between the toes can perpetuate yeast or bacterial growth. To prevent immediate re-chewing, fit an Elizabethan collar or a fabric cone, or use a dog boot. If you apply a bandage, use a non-adhesive pad and a cohesive wrap that won’t stick to fur, and don’t wrap too tightly; remove it several times a day to check the skin.

Document what you see. Take clear photos from different angles, note exact timing (when it started, if it’s worse after walks, seasons), and list recent exposures (new lawn fertilizer, new dog park, new food, new household cleaner). If you choose a short-term symptomatic measure like a vet-approved topical balm or an over-the-counter antihistamine, double-check with your vet first — doses and choices can vary by dog. If signs of infection or pain are present, or if there is no improvement in 48–72 hours, schedule a vet visit and bring your photos and notes.

Managing it long-term: care, training, and prevention strategies

To reduce recurrence you need a two-track approach: address physical triggers and change behavior. On the physical side, make paw care routine — after walks, wipe paws with saline or pet-safe wipes, dry the feet completely, and check between toes for debris. Trim hair between pads if it mats and holds moisture, and keep nails at a comfortable length to prevent abnormal gait stresses. I generally recommend a simple, non-fragrant paw balm approved for dogs to maintain pad flexibility, but stop use if irritation worsens.

Environmental control matters: avoid freshly treated lawns, rinse off paws after exposure to suspected irritants, and consider trials of limited ingredient or hydrolyzed diets under veterinary guidance if food allergy is suspected. For seasonal allergies, your vet may discuss long-term management options including targeted medications or immunotherapy.

On the behavioral side, increase enrichment and activity to reduce boredom-driven chewing — regular walks, interactive toys, food puzzles and short training sessions. Teach your dog an interrupter cue (a calm “leave it” followed by a rewarded alternative like a chew toy) so you can redirect attention before licking becomes compulsive. For anxiety-driven licking, strategies that modify the emotional response — counterconditioning, desensitization, predictable routines, and in some cases short-term medications or supplements advised by your vet — can break the cycle.

Gear and supplies worth considering — what helps and why

Certain items make inspection, protection and prevention easier. Protective boots are useful for walks on hot pavements, salted roads or in grassy areas with foxtails; choose a well-fitting pair and acclimate your dog slowly. Non-toxic paw balms and moisturizers designed for dogs can help cracked pads, but use products specifically formulated for pets. An Elizabethan collar is effective to prevent licking; soft collars or inflatable alternatives are often better tolerated for longer wear.

• Cleaning and first-aid: saline wound wash, pet-safe antiseptic wipes (chlorhexidine-based products labeled for dogs are commonly used), a pair of blunt-ended tweezers, non-adhesive wound pads and a cohesive wrap for short-term protection.
• Record-keeping: keep a photo log with dates and short notes on timing/exposures — this often speeds up diagnosis at the clinic.

When buying supplies, prioritize items recommended by your veterinarian or reputable veterinary suppliers rather than unvetted general retail products.

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Pododermatitis in Dogs” — overview of causes and management of paw inflammation.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Allergies in Dogs” — practical guidance on recognizing and managing allergic skin disease.
• American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD): consensus statements and owner guidance on canine atopic dermatitis and diagnostic approach.
• Royal Veterinary College (RVC): “Lick granuloma (acral lick dermatitis)” — description of behaviorally driven paw damage and treatment options.
• Journal of Veterinary Dermatology, selected articles on diagnosis and treatment of canine paw infections and allergic pododermatitis.