My red heeler is about a year and 3 months old. He does some weird stuff, but the strangest is his new habit of chewing on his feet. It's more like his ankles. He'll lay on the floor and chew on himself like he does with his other toys. He doesn't draw blood and has never yelped. Is there a reason for this?
2007-09-11 02:59:39 · 7 answers · asked by Lindsay 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Foor chewing can be a sign of allergies.
They get itchy and chew to relieve the itchiness.
If he has red or swollen or loos of hair or any thing that looks other then perfectly normal on his feet you may want to talk to your vet and see if they can prescribe something.
Many times simply switching the dogs food will fix the problem.
It can also be a behavioral thing. they need something to do and will chew on themselves to release the pent up energy.
2007-09-11 03:04:55 · answer #1 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As already said, it could be a contact, or even dietry intolerance or allergy.
Could be boredom. Dogs will often 'worry' at their feet when they simply don't have enough stimulation. Don't tell him off, don't even let on you've noticed, as it could become an attention seeking behaviour. Check with the vet, to rule out allergies, and then teach him some 'games' or 'party peices' or do agility or something with him. Just more excersice WONT be enough - sounds to mwe like your boy needs to use his bright little brain more!
Good luck in breaking this undesirable habit.
xx
2007-09-11 03:11:42 · answer #2 · answered by Aye. Right! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He might have a allergy..
Check if you have changed something around the house ?
Like carpet cleaner, deoderizer, sometimes Fabreeze, or could be his food....
If you live in an area that has fire ants, he might have gotten bit by them that will flare up and blister and itch...
Try giving him 1/2 of a benidril see if that helps
if not I would check with the vet.
2007-09-11 03:05:20 · answer #3 · answered by str8putter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes foot chewing is an indication of an allergy to its food. Crazy, I know. What kind of food does he eat? If it continues, it may be worthwhile talking to your veterinarian about it, though I wouldn't consider it a dire emergency unless he starts to develop hot spots.
2007-09-11 03:07:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like a human baby will chew their fists, some puppies chew their paws / legs. It is just a phase and is better then him chewing your table legs. If he starts to injure himself, there are liquids that taste bad that you can put on his legs. Call your vet and they'll recommend one.
2007-09-11 03:04:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My female Pom has Allergies and she chews on her foot because of this. We have her on antihistamines to stop her from doing this. Take your dog to the vet to see if he has allergies or maybe he's just bored and chewing on his feet because of that.
2007-09-11 05:10:00 · answer #6 · answered by anuhyi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a bad habit. Comforting to him.
2007-09-11 03:10:28 · answer #7 · answered by it's me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋