Why does my dog constantly knaw at her feet?

Question

It seems as if my 3 year old cocker spaniel obsessively chews at her feet constantly, we've looked them over and there's nothing that we can see. I swear I have an OCD dog?

Answer 1

First of all high fives to all the cocker spaniel lovers! I am a owner of these loving fun dogs! However cockers like other dogs are prone to some illness and one of these include being highly sensitive to allergies. Perhaps food, surrounding, etc. Chewing feet is a symptom of this, however it could be other things. Keep her feet clean. If you look at her skin under her coat and it seems to be pinkest, she chews her feet, and she is digging(and doesn't have fleas), then i would definitely think it is a allergic reaction. As far as finding the culprit will be challenging, research or ask a vet for diet related information. I do know soy is one of the things that do not set well with cockers. Hope this helps, hope you find out the problem.

Answer 2

i have seen this question many times.
the most common problem with chewing of the feet r allergies.
food allergies r the most common.
r u feeding the dog dog food with corn, soy, beet pulp, or by-products in it?
if so this is more than likely ur problem.
switching the dog to a dog food with none of those ingrediants would probably cure the problem.
canidae, solid gold, wellness, innova, california natural, and dick van pattens brands r very good healthy dog foods.the food u buy from the vet is also crap with all the crap ingrediants that causes allergies.
good luck

Answer 3

My Dog does the same thing he licks in between his toes and so much they are raw. There are bacteria that can cause this but what I bought was a product called Chew stop and it is a bitter tasting agent and I spray his feet and he stops the licking. It is used to stop them chewing furniture, shoes etc. I also noticed he only does it when he nails are getting a bit long and causing a bit of pain

Answer 4

My mum's dog started doing that a few years ago and she took him to the vet. After a lot of tests-that all came back negative- the vet asked my mum if anything haD changed at home, the only thing my mum could think of was that the neighbours and their dog had moved. The vet told my mum that her dog was suffering from anxiety from being alone and apparently this happens to alot of dogs. My mum bought another dog to keep him company and he stop chewing his feet!

Answer 5

I think that maybe she should be checked by a vet before she causes soreness or damage to the area, something may be irritating her that needs treatment, Dogs will chew at areas that are bothering them or itching.

Answer 6

It may be that she has some salt on her paw pads? (if you are taking her out for walks in the winter?) Maybe try washing or using a wash cloth on them when you return from your walks?

If she lets you look (a good look, my dog won't), and you don't see any cracks or cuts, I would talk to your vet, to find out why she is doing it.

Good luck.

Answer 7

It could be a fungal infection like athletes foot, take her for a checkup to find out, if thats not it it is probably just a nervous habit.

Answer 8

Wash her feet well and gently prod and squeeze at different areas to see if she is experiencing painful reactions in any specific area.

If she doesn't have a splinter or dried mud, and she isn't having any pain, it could be a circulation problem or "tingly" sensation.

Ask your vet.

Answer 9

your poor pooch may have hot spots ( my sister in laws
dog had them ) or it could be an allergy , take the pooch to the vet to find out

Answer 10

Check with your Vet, she may have allergies, not uncommon in pets.
Debi