Why Is My Dog Biting Their Paws? 10 Hidden Causes Every Owner Should Know
Is your dog constantly biting or licking their paws? Discover the top 10 causes—from allergies and anxiety to injuries and parasites. Learn when to worry and what to do next.
Why Is My Dog Biting Their Paws? 10 Hidden Causes Every Owner Should Know
Paw biting, chewing, or licking is one of the most common complaints dog owners bring to both vets and canine nutritionists. It might start as an occasional nibble but quickly escalate into a compulsive, chronic issue—leading to red, inflamed skin, hair loss, or even infections.
So what’s really going on? Is it allergies? Anxiety? A hidden injury?
As a canine nutritionist, I often work with dog owners struggling to get to the bottom of this frustrating behaviour. And the truth is—there’s no single answer. From environmental allergens to diet and emotional health, paw biting can be a sign of deeper imbalance in your dog’s wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most common reasons dogs bite or chew their paws—backed by science—and how to tell when it’s time to seek expert help.
1. Environmental Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies triggered by:
Grass and tree pollens
Dust mites
Mould spores
Cleaning chemicals
Household sprays or diffusers
These allergens often affect dogs through skin contact, especially on exposed areas like the paws, belly, and muzzle.
The British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group estimates that up to 10-15% of dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis—many starting with paw chewing or licking as their first visible symptom.¹
Signs to watch for:
Redness between toes
Constant licking or nibbling
Itchy ears or armpits
Licking paws after walks or exposure to grass
What to do:
Wipe paws after walks with a damp cloth or hypoallergenic pet wipe. Limit exposure to grassy or pesticide-treated areas. Consult a vet dermatologist or nutritionist about food-based immune support.
📚 Reference:
Olivry, T., et al. (2015). "Atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats: a one health perspective." Veterinary Dermatology, 26(6), 409-e94. Link
2. Food Intolerances or Sensitivities
Food can be a silent trigger for paw chewing, particularly if your dog has an undiagnosed intolerance to common ingredients like:
Chicken
Wheat or gluten
Beef
Dairy
Artificial preservatives or colourings
Unlike environmental allergies, food-related reactions often come with chronic ear infections, tummy issues, and skin flare-ups, including on the paws.
What to do:
Work with a qualified canine nutritionist (like The Canine Dietitian) to identify possible triggers. An elimination diet or hydrolyzed protein plan may help reset the immune response and reduce inflammation.
3. Yeast Overgrowth (Malassezia Dermatitis)
Warm, moist areas like the paws and ears are ideal environments for Malassezia pachydermatis, a naturally occurring yeast that can overgrow when your dog’s skin barrier is compromised.
Signs include:
Brown discoloration between toes
Musty smell
Oily or greasy paws
Relentless chewing or licking
Yeast overgrowth is often secondary to allergies or immune imbalances, and won’t go away with just topical sprays.
What to do:
Address the root cause (often dietary or immune-based), cleanse with antifungal paw soaks (e.g., diluted apple cider vinegar), and rebalance with diet and probiotics if appropriate.
📚 Reference:
Bond, R., et al. (2020). "Malassezia yeasts in veterinary dermatology: An update." Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 10, 79. Link
4. Anxiety or Stress
Dogs are emotional beings, and behaviours like paw chewing can be a displacement activity—similar to nail-biting in humans.
Common triggers include:
Being left alone (separation anxiety)
Household tension or change
Lack of mental stimulation
Pain or discomfort they can’t localize
In these cases, paw chewing provides a form of self-soothing, even if it leads to physical harm.
What to do:
Look at your dog’s overall environment, enrichment, and routine. Try calming aids (e.g., L-theanine, Zylkene), and consult a behaviourist if anxiety is chronic.
5. Pain or Injury
A dog might chew a specific paw or toe due to a localized pain source, such as:
Torn nail
Foreign object (e.g., splinter, grass seed)
Arthritis
Nerve pain
If your dog is focused on one paw or starts limping, always rule out physical injury first.
What to do:
Inspect the paw for swelling, warmth, or wounds. Use a flashlight to check between toes. Seek veterinary care if pain persists or worsens.
6. Flea or Mite Infestations
Even a single flea bite can cause flea allergy dermatitis, particularly in sensitive dogs. Mites like Sarcoptes or Demodex can also cause intense itching and chewing.
Signs include:
Sudden chewing or scratching
Bald patches
Red, inflamed skin
Restlessness or agitation
What to do:
Use vet-approved flea and mite preventatives regularly. If symptoms persist, request a skin scrape or hair follicle test.
7. Dry or Cracked Paw Pads
In winter, cold, dry air and salt-treated roads can dry out your dog’s pads. In summer, hot pavement can cause minor burns or blisters—leading to excessive licking.
What to do:
Use paw balms or moisturisers formulated for dogs (avoid human creams). Wipe paws after walks and avoid walking on hot or icy surfaces. Ensure you are feeding a complete and balanced food to rule out zinc deficiency.
8. Contact Dermatitis
Your dog may react to certain substances they walk on, including:
Lawn fertilisers or weed killers
Floor cleaners or carpet sprays
Certain types of grass or mulch
If paw biting follows walks or grooming, contact irritation may be to blame.
What to do:
Avoid freshly treated lawns or harsh cleaning agents. Use pet-safe products and rinse or wipe paws after exposure.
9. Nutritional Deficiencies
Poor-quality diets, especially those low in:
Zinc
Essential fatty acids (Omega-3, EPA/DHA)
Vitamin E
...can lead to skin barrier dysfunction and itching.
What to do:
Consider upgrading to a balanced, life stage appropriate diet or consult The Canine Dietitian for a personalised nutrition plan. Supplements like zinc methionine and marine-based Omega-3s can help.
📚 Reference:
Bauer, J. E. (2011). "Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239(11), 1441–1451. Link
10. Habitual or Learned Behaviour
In some cases, paw biting becomes a habit, especially if it provided temporary relief in the past (e.g., from itching or pain).
Even after the trigger is gone, your dog may continue the behaviour out of routine or boredom.
What to do:
Break the cycle with environmental enrichment, food puzzles, scent work, or soothing chews. Behavioural therapy may help if the habit is deeply ingrained.
When Should You Worry?
If your dog’s paw biting is:
Persistent or worsening
Causing redness, bleeding, or hair loss
Focused on one paw
Accompanied by other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections)
…it’s time to consult a vet or qualified canine nutritionist.
How The Canine Dietitian Can Help
At The Canine Dietitian, we specialise in uncovering the root cause of symptoms like paw biting—not just masking them.
We offer:
Full diet and lifestyle reviews
Customised elimination plans
Supplement guidance backed by research
Home-cooked and raw diet balancing to FEDIAF/NRC standards
We also offer 1-to-1 consultations and ongoing support to guide you through behavioural and environmental adjustments.
Explore services:
www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk
Related FREE Guide:
"Elimination Diet Diary"
Help your dog find food freedom with this step-by-step Elimination Diet Diary. Created by expert canine nutritionist Sally Barker, this guide walks you through identifying food intolerances, picking safe proteins, managing flare-ups, and creating a long-term plan that works.
Final Thoughts
Paw chewing is never “just a phase.” It’s your dog’s way of signaling something’s off—be it environmental, emotional, or nutritional.
With the right support and a holistic approach, you can get to the root cause and restore your dog’s comfort, naturally and effectively.
Ready to get to the bottom of it?
Book a consultation at www.thecaninedietitian.co.uk
Alternatively Complete the FREE DIET ASSESSMENT FORM and get back a report within 48 working hours from The Canine Dietitian
