Fido's Foot Fettish
by R.H. Henderson DVM: Eastside Animal Health Clinic
Why do some dogs chew on their feet? Often times during routine examinations or as the primary complaint for examination, our clients ask about their dog’s habit of chewing on his or her feet. Pet owners will complain of being up all night while their little hairy friend licks and chews the night away. It seems that nothing in particular or practical will stop this annoying habit.
So why do dogs chew on their feet? The easy answer is because they itch. But that statement is saying a lot and not much at the same time. The most common cause for this problem is a condition call ATOPY. Atopy or atopic syndrome is an allergic hypersensitivity affecting parts of the body not in direct contact with the substance to which the subject is allergic. You and I get hay fever when we inhale allergens. Our eyes water, our nose is stuffy, we feel like our head is in a fish bowl. But for a great many of our canine friends, they demonstrate their allergy with itchy feet.
There are many other causes for pets chewing their feet. Things like ice balls and mud balls between the pads or with grass stuck between the toes will cause your puppy to chew their feet. Nail bed infections, cuts, and bruises will make them pay attention to their feet. Mange and fungus responsible for ring worm have been implicated in Fido’s foot fetish. But the most common cause is ATOPY.
Your vet can usually diagnoses ATOPY in the office with a quick visit. (He or she should be able to rule out some of the diseases listed above) The trick, however, is to determine to what your dog is allergic. While many times it is seasonal and the allergine is inhalent, sometimes it can be fleas. Often, food allergies will rear their ugly head as ATOPY being demonstrated at the feet. Rarley, contact dermatitis like grass allergy will cause similar symptoms.
ATOPY can be treated and often eliminated. It’s just a mater of determining the allergine. Sometims, anithistimanes will do the trick. Sometimes it takes steroids to get the job done. What ever the cause may be, it’s important to get to the bottom of the foot chewing issue so you and your pet can get some sleep.
Have a question for Dr. Henderson? Send it to us at contact@fortsmithmoms.com
Pet Health Tips and information provided by:
Eastside Animal Health Center
9600 Rogers Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72903
479-452-5700
R.H. Henderson DVM
L.M. Lynch DVM
L.C. France DVM