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My Dog Chews And Licks Her Own Paws All The Time, What Could It Be?

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Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Allergies are a common problem that leads to licking of the feet (especially when multiple feet are involved) and other areas.  Allergies can be environmental, food, or flea related.  Treatment includes anti-histamines, frequent bathing, omega-3 fatty acids, anti-biotics/antifungal (for secondary infections), steroids, immune modulating drugs, and allergy shots.
There are some immune mediated diseases that can lead to cracking, discomfort, and chewing of the pads as well.  Treatment includes steroids and/or immune modulating drugs.
Have your dog examined by a veterinarian who will help you form a good treatment plan. 
thanked the writer.
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Anonymous commented
I have a 7 year old miniature poodle. Since a puppy she has had itchy, smelly, sore ears, a problem for floppy eared dogs. Also, her paws have itched so bad that she was continually licking and chewing them. She has seen at least 5 different vets. Her vets now are a father and son. For over a year the son treated her with antibiotics, prednisone which always makes her stay hungry and thirsty which would lead to accidents in the house.About 2 months ago, the son was out and I had to take my poodle in for an extremely bad ear infection and had the opportunity to see the father. This happened to be the best day in my baby's life. The elder vet prescribed Ketoconazole 200 mg. tablet. She weights about 15 lbs. so he prescribed 1/4 tablet twice a day for 3 weeks, 1/4 tablet once a day for 3 weeks and then maintain:1/4 tablet Monday-Wednesday-Friday. After 2 or 3 days of treatment she has not chewed her paws which the doctor said were driving her crazy they itched so badly. She was also scratching her jaw under her ears until she would break the skin until she bled. She no longer does that either. Her ears have improved to the point that the smell is gone. She will rub her ears sometime and I have Otomax drops for that which works very well. At one point I had to use the Otomax so much her ears were oily and stayed filthy from trips outside. I know that the Ketoconazole is just a "fix" and there is probably no cure. But it works and my little one is itch free and happy. I hope that the word gets out there because I know this problem is very common. It is a yeast infection and these wonderful creatures depend on us to seek help for them. If your floppy-eared canine has the itchy ears or any canine has itchy paws, please get your baby to the vet right away. Like I say, it is not a cure because I don't believe there is one but it will fix the problem and apparently it can be taken indefinitely without ill effects. My name is Pat. Let me hear from you if you have any questions. I would love to know if putting this info out there has helped just one pet.
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Anonymous commented
I am SO impressed! I am going to take her to the vet and let him read all of this. My dog is a 3 year old Yorkie-Poos. My baby is doing the SAME exact thing Pflaw42's baby was doing. Ever since I got her at 8 weeks old, she has had ear infections. She is constantly scratching at her ears and jaws. They put Lexie on Remicin Ear Ointment which seemed to clear up the yeast infection in her ears. However, she is now constantly licking her paws. Hopefully this will get me some answers/help!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
In addition to hockey4eva's answer, dogs might also chew on their paws because their nails are too long and need clipping, or because they have arthritis and/or other pain in their "feet", or because of an itch or skin condition. It may be worth taking your pup to the vet if it continues, since they will chew their little feet raw sometimes. Good luck!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I am going to try this thanks so much. My toy pom puppy does not stop crying while she scratches and licks her paws and mouth area. Il let you know how it goes thanks so much
Debbie Profile
Debbie answered
My dog chews on her back paws she seems to do this when she is getting tired is this normal
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Our year old German Shepard dog recently started chewing and licking her paws, paw pads and in between her paw-'toes.' The vet put her on an antibiotic and we have to wash her paws with prescribed anti-yeast pads twice a day and don't let her lick again until it is dry. She also got a steroid shot. It has only been one day but the improvement in her behavior is remarkable! We are glad we took her to the vet for treatment.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My dog kc was doing the same thing she has diabetes which we didn't know at the time but..it wasn't from that we started giving her two children's chewable benadryl tablets twice a day...its sometimes just a habit...also soaking the pets feet in a warm tub or sink of water really does help a lot..she use to hate taking baths now she goes to the tub now and begs to get in ..also a stressed out dog does this as well...I have cute the benedryl out now unless she tends to start chewing at the feet again
Melissa Rankin Profile
Melissa Rankin answered
My yorkie is 2 yrs old I took him to the vet for crusty spots on his back with hair loss he gave me fungus shampoo I did what he told me and gave him the doxycycline for ten days now he still chews the tops of his feet he has real bad breath and his eyes are getting matted what do I do
Katey Hurtman Profile
Katey Hurtman answered
If you haven't already checked his paws to see if there was something irritating them, such as a thorn, splinter, or stick, it may be a good idea to. It could also be a habit. Many dogs develop weird habits when they are bored or don't get enough attention.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My dog does this too.   Allergies is the cause.  I cut beef out of her diet and this seemed to of helped.  This was recommended by my Vet.. She hardly does it now...
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Mine too! Probably allergies. We have been battling this for months and they usually get infected. We have tried everything short of a new (grain free) diet. Could also be a contact dermatitis, something she walks on, like cedar chips, or grass, or lawn chemicals.

Could also just be a compulsion or boredom.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Your dog likes being clean,or she could have hot paws so try and bathe them in cool water
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My dog does this too and when we go to dog shows he also does it in his crate and he's a nervous dog so it's probably cause he/she is excited,anxious, or nervous.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
My dog does it too I put olive oil on her paws and after a few days she was tottaly fine
Jacquelyn Mathis Profile
It might be a nervous disorder, call your vet and ask them if you should bring her in, or take her to a trainer or behaviorist. Maybe one of them can help her to break the habit. Hope this helps, good luck.

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