You have a dog, and he is constantly chewing on his foot. You are concerned, but don't necessarily want to spend a large portion of money at the veterinarian just yet, so here are some things you can do to stop your dog from chewing on his foot.
Things You'll Need
- Comb Kong Peanut butter
Instructions
Search for cuts. Often when a dog has a cut or an infection, they clean it by licking it constantly. Put your dog on his side or back and rub his belly until he relaxes a little bit, so you can thoroughly check the paw. Make sure to check between the pads of the paw, since foreign objects can get in there. If you find a cut or infection that is causing the chewing, contact your veterinarian.
Check for fleas and ticks. You can check for fleas by taking a comb and making a sweep through your dog's fur. Hold the comb close to her body; if there are fleas they will jump up. They are harmless to humans, so don't worry about them jumping up. Also, fleas reproduce and multiply, so you need to run the comb only through the biggest part of your dog's back. Checking for ticks is a little more difficult and a little more hit-or-miss. Pet your dog, massaging her and trying to touch every inch of her skin. A tick will feel like a mole, except the tick will have a little bit of "give." If she has fleas, purchase an over-the-counter flea and tick medication and follow the instructions for giving it to your dog every month. If you find a tick, you can remove it with a pair of tweezers, however, you will also need to purchase over-the-counter flea and tick medication and give it to her monthly.
Rule out allergies. Allergies in dogs are common. If you have concluded your dog is not chewing because of a cut or infection, or fleas or ticks, take him to a veterinarian to check for allergies. If allergies are found, the veterinarian will prescribe a serious of steroids or some other form of treatment, but the foot chewing should cease.
Chase away boredom. If you have ruled out cuts or infections, fleas or ticks, and allergies, then chances are your best friend is bored. Make sure he is getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every day. This does not mean putting him in the fenced-in back yard. He needs stimulation in the form of walking. Walk your dog 20 to 30 minutes a day. If the chewing persists, purchase a Kong (at any pet supply store) and put a little peanut butter in it. This will keep him busy for hours.