Licking their paws can be normal, especially after a walk, as part of your dog’s grooming routine.
However, if your dog nibbles its claws often and for a long time or licks its paws extensively in one place, this is no longer part of typical dog behavior.
In this article I will tell you what you can do now.
In a nutshell: Your dog is nibbling on its claws
Have you watched your dog nibble its claws? Maybe your dog is actually chewing on his paws.
Unlike some people, biting your nails isn’t just a bad habit. If a dog chews its paw, this can indicate an itch, an injury or a foreign body.
Not sure what your dog has? At the online veterinarian Dr. Sam, you can schedule a consultation with a vet in just a few minutes and get professional advice.
7 causes of biting the claws
When a dog bites its claws or toes, there can be a variety of reasons.
1. Parasites between the toes
Depending on the season, autumn grass mites can be the cause of nibbling on the claws. The mites prefer to settle between the dog’s toes and cause itching and pustules.
But ticks can also settle between the toes and become a nuisance.
If a tick has bitten on your dog’s paw, you can usually remove it yourself and disinfect the area.
2. A fungal infestation
Skin fungi are common in dogs. Because these fungi are highly contagious, just coming into contact with a contaminated surface, such as a blanket or carpet, is enough.
If your dog has bald spots on its paws, this could indicate a fungus. Some dogs feel itchy due to this fungal infestation. Such an infestation can be treated externally with special anti-fungal shampoos and ointments.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a skin fungus, it is not enough to treat the dog. The area around the dog must also be freed from the fungal spores. Otherwise your dog can quickly become infected again.
In addition, you reduce the risk that you or other family members will also become ill. Skin fungi can be transmitted from dogs to humans.
3. Risk of injury from wolf’s claw
If your dog has a wolf’s claw and is chewing on it, something may have gotten caught in it and is annoying. In addition, your dog may have gotten caught with the extra claw and torn it.
4. Claws too long
Claws that are too long can also bother your dog or be painful. If the claw turns inwards, it could irritate the paw.
Many a dog then tries to pull out its claws. If your dog can’t sneak up on the hardwood or tile floor because you can hear his claws clicking on the floor, the claws are too long.
5. Splinters and awns
When romping around outdoors, it can also happen that a splinter of wood or an awn bores into your dog’s paw. This can be painful for your dog and lead to inflammation.
You can usually use tweezers to remove the foreign bodies and then disinfect the wound.
6. Road salt attacks paws
Especially in winter it happens that you walk with your dog on gritty paths. The salt on the floor can crack your heels and irritate the skin between your toes. This can cause sore spots on the paws that your dog then nibbles and licks.
7. Stress as a trigger
Over- or under-challenging can cause a dog to chew its paws out of stress or frustration. Many a dog needs a lot of work. If he doesn’t get it, frustration ensues.
Biting is then an outlet. If you have a dog that doesn’t like being alone, your absence can also lead to stress. When a puppy chews its paws, it can be a sign of stress or anxiety.
For what reasons should you go to the vet?
You should see the vet if your dog:
- has been attacked by a fungus
- has mites
- has an infected wound
- a claw has grown in or you cannot trim it yourself
If you suspect a fungal infestation in your dog, you should contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. He can use fur and skin samples to clarify whether and which fungus it is. In this way, the spread of the fungal pathogen can be prevented at an early stage.
If you have discovered small red grass mite larvae on your dog, the veterinarian can recommend treatment methods so that your dog can quickly get rid of the annoying parasites.
A long wolf’s claw can cause your dog pain if it tears or digs into the paw. Even if your dog generally has claws that are too long and you don’t know how to trim them, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable.
Not quite sure what’s causing your dog?
For all major and minor emergencies, Dr. Book Sam for a video consultation with a veterinarian in minutes. He will give you professional advice and tell you what to do.
What you can do for your dog now
If you have discovered an injury, it does not always have to be an alarm signal. Small cracks and scrapes can also heal on their own. You can shorten long claws with a special claw cutter and you can remove ticks with tick tweezers.
If you suspect that your dog is nibbling its paws out of stress or frustration, you can ask a dog trainer about various activities, plan varied walks or try out dog sports. This way you can offer your dog an alternative to chewing on its claws.
If there is no improvement and your dog continues to chew its claws, you should go to the vet.
Important:
Frequent chewing and licking of the paws can lead to further problems such as inflammation. You should therefore step in and look for solutions for your dog.
How can claw gnawing be prevented?
You should check your dog’s paws and claws regularly. This allows you to quickly identify injuries and foreign bodies. You can also clean your dog’s paws with clear water after a walk.
If your dog likes to go off-road, you should think about protection against parasites. There are many useful means and collars against ticks and mites. In consultation with a veterinarian, you can ward off parasites in the long term.
Conclusion
Not every licking and nibbling of the paw indicates a problem. However, if your dog chews its nails frequently and for a long time, you should not simply dismiss this as bad habit.
By regularly checking and caring for your paws, you can quickly identify and treat injuries. If the cause of your dog’s behavior cannot be identified, longer observation and professional help are recommended.
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