Content
- Allergies
- What to do if my dog has an allergy?
- Dry skin
- Other reasons for the dog to bite its paws
Most of the time, a dog licks and bites its paws because something is bothering it or because it hurts. Other times it may be a reaction to some kind of anxiety or medical condition.
The reasons are diverse, however it is important to solve this problem as soon as possible to avoid it becoming a continuous and even obsessive behavior and the dog hurting itself.
If your dog has this type of behavior, continue reading this article by PeritoAnimal in which we will explain why does your dog bite his paws. If your puppy has other strange behavior, explain everything to us in the comments and we will try to help you.
Allergies
Although dogs also sneeze, allergic reactions are one of the reasons dogs can bite their paws, in fact, is one of the most common reasons. The problem is not with your dog's paws, but with your nose and ears. Your dog may be reacting to an allergy or an ear infection.
Your puppy will chew its paws due to allergies to elements it inhales, such as dust, mold and pollen, which often react on the skin causing itching. For example, the well-known hay fever, which is an infectious disease whose main symptom is an increase in body temperature. The dog could not only bite its paws but also scratch its armpits, rub its face and ears.
The problem is that scratching too hard can lead to skin infections with bacteria, which will make the itching even worse. In addition, animals, like people, can get contact dermatitis due to exposure and contact with chemicals such as soaps or pesticides not suitable for the dog's delicate skin. This usually results in atopic dermatitis.
What to do if my dog has an allergy?
The first thing you should do is consult a veterinarian to carry out a thorough examination to rule out parasites, fleas, ticks and infections that may be causing itchiness and therefore feel like biting your paws. After this disposal, you must do allergy tests. If an allergy is diagnosed, the veterinarian will prescribe some treatment that usually begins with antihistamines, which provide relief from the itching. The veterinarian will also recommend symptomatic treatments of medicinal baths, ointments or sprays, and oral fatty acid supplements.
Remove any chemicals from areas of the house where your dog has access. Likewise, educate him to stay away from the garden until the chemicals are completely eliminated.
Dry skin
Having dry skin can be as uncomfortable for a dog as for a human being, it causes itchiness and the skin becomes irritated, and this can be one of the reasons why you have the desire and need to bite your paws, to get rid of it. dry feeling. While a dog's balanced diet that contains fatty acids helps to hydrate and protect its skin, the lack of this source of hydration could be a cause of dryness. The dry air that comes with the winter season also causes cracking and dryness in the skin.
One of the most basic solutions to moisturize your puppy's skin is to feed him excellent quality food that contains a balanced formula of vitamins and minerals, including fatty acids.
Also, every time you bathe him (which is important not to be followed), apply special moisturizing shampoo to obtain a better production of the skin's natural fat layer, remember that baths often help to remove this natural fat that is very necessary for your pet's body health.
Other reasons for the dog to bite its paws
Other reasons for a dog to bite its paws can be:
- It could be a reaction to something at the moment that is bothering you or hurting you. One an insect sting, a wound, a broken nail or chipped, or something might have been left inside it and it might be trying to remove it, etc. Examine your paws for any injuries. If you notice that your wound is infected, the solution is to go to the veterinarian for treatment and then put on an Elizabethan collar to keep your mouth away from your paws. If, on the contrary, you have something on your pillows, remove the object and put an antiseptic on the wound. If it's too complicated and your puppy complains too much and won't let you touch his paws, it's best to take him to the vet.
- Dogs with stress, anxiety or just plain bored may have harmful and obsessive behaviors how to lick paws. And if the situation is more complex, it can lead to acral lick dermatitis. Don't leave him alone for many hours, spend time with your dog and when he starts biting himself try to redirect his attention to his favorite toy or game. The use of the Elizabethan necklace is also recommended in this case.
Read our full article on dog paw care.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.