Chewing and licking paws
- Thread starter CSpears
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Hi Cheryl 
Licking and chewing at paws is usually a sign of an allergy. The paws get itchy, which is the reason for the licking/chewing. Do they get at all red too?
Since it only seems to happen in spurts, one does have to wonder about environmental allergies. Could be something as simple as grass, or a particular type of plant.
Food is very often the cause, particularly if the dog is fed a food that contains corn, wheat or beet pulp (very common allergens). But if it only happens periodically with Abbey, then environmental allergies may be the more likely cause... especially if her food doesn't change.
It would probably help to narrow down possible causes if you had a bit of a think about what she eats (treats included) and what she comes in contact with when her episodes occur, and see if you can think of a common factor. Of course, it is possible for dogs to be allergic to more than one thing. But if you were to find that her foot problems occur after she gets a particular treat, while being fed a particular food, or at a particular time of year, then that would help a lot in identifying and eliminating possible causes.
Licking and chewing at paws is usually a sign of an allergy. The paws get itchy, which is the reason for the licking/chewing. Do they get at all red too?
Since it only seems to happen in spurts, one does have to wonder about environmental allergies. Could be something as simple as grass, or a particular type of plant.
Food is very often the cause, particularly if the dog is fed a food that contains corn, wheat or beet pulp (very common allergens). But if it only happens periodically with Abbey, then environmental allergies may be the more likely cause... especially if her food doesn't change.
It would probably help to narrow down possible causes if you had a bit of a think about what she eats (treats included) and what she comes in contact with when her episodes occur, and see if you can think of a common factor. Of course, it is possible for dogs to be allergic to more than one thing. But if you were to find that her foot problems occur after she gets a particular treat, while being fed a particular food, or at a particular time of year, then that would help a lot in identifying and eliminating possible causes.
Thank you so much for the advise. I have tried to pay attention to when it occurs and why but there is not rhyme or reason to it. We did just recently switch her food but she is still doing it. I feel so bad for her, I will keep your advice in mind, and check her food for those common allergens you listed. Thank you very much
~Cheryl and Abby
~Cheryl and Abby
apollosdad
Boxer Insane
i agree that it could be due to some form of allergy. especially since you mentioned it goes in spurts. i'd recommend having your vet test form some possible allergic reactions.
We are experiencing the same problem, ie incessant licking of between claws, fur all gone, redness. I have put vaseline on, can do no harm but Cleo just licks it off. I agree it is occasional and sporadic and lasts for a few days at a time. We gave her Piriton for allergies and it cleared up for a while but is back again.
If it is an allergy, then I suppose we need to try and isolate it, not easy to say the least.
If anyone out there has experienced this and has found a solution please advise.
Regards
Mike
If it is an allergy, then I suppose we need to try and isolate it, not easy to say the least.
If anyone out there has experienced this and has found a solution please advise.
Regards
Mike
mikel2: a lot of people have had success with food changes, when that turns out to be the cause. If it is environmental allergies though, it can be a little harder to narrow down the cause and to eliminate it. I know you said sporadic - but is the itching seasonal? If it is - then environmental allergies is the most likely cause (don't forget about household cleaners, air fresheners etc - they can be the problem). But if not, food/treats are a good thing to look at, most especially the grains they contain.
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