Dog foot problems; does your pet chew his paws? 

My dog started chewing his foot about a week ago.  He just started licking and licking until his paws are red and swollen and always damp.  What  should I do and why is he doing it?

Stephanie in Santa Barbara

Feet  infections - is he constantly licking or biting his paws?  Are the pads  of his feet red and raw from constant licking and chewing?

 

Read more about dog foot problems

Fungus and yeast infectionsIf all four feet are red then I would suspect a fungus. Fungus and yeast infections can be cured with medications.

If you look  between the paws of the feet, you can see if they are clean and a  regular skin color or if they are swollen, inflamed and pink looking.   If you see your dog licking them constantly you can try this.  Put Fido  in the bathtub and wash his feet with an antibacterial shampoo for dogs, you can even use human dandruff shampoo.

Then drench  the feet in 1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water and soak the feet in this solution.  Do not dry the feet with a towel but let them air  dry. 

The Vinegar  kills the yeast bacteria.  Do this 2 to 4 times a day for the first  week.  See if there is improvement.  You have to be diligent.  If your  dog just will not leave his feet alone while the vinegar is drying, hold him in your arms until the feet are dry.

Have you considered these problems.

• Foreign objects in the paw
• Fleas
• Allergies
• Stress
• Splinters and burrs
• Long Toe Nails
• Cuts on the foot
• Separation Anxiety
• Fungus and yeast infections