Dog biting paw ?

We are wathcing my mother-in-laws dog for atleast a month (which might stay our dog indefinitly) and I have noticed he bites at his two front paws. He will just chew on it. I have looked to see if anything is on it or in it and I cant see a thing. Also he doesnt seem to be in any pain when walking or when I touch it. And he will go hours not licking it or biting it. But at times he will lick and bite it non stop almost like it is a compulsion. Is something wrong? Can I do anything to make him stop?
TIA
(If you couldnt tell, this is my first dog )

Re: Dog biting paw ?

Cooper is a notorious "licker". He can lick his paws for hours! Our vet says it's because his skin is irriated and gave us a cortizone spray. It seems to work. You can also try Bitter Apple; it's a spray that you spray in their mouth when they're doing something they're not supossed to do... you can get it at Petco or Pet Smart.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

Be careful with this. My dog got a lick granulosa which is a sore that won't heal becaus eof constant licking-we got the spray and it works. You can also buy dermcaps which helps with itchy skin and paws

Re: Dog biting paw ?

In addition to the above responses, I would also check carefully between the pads & between the "toes" to make sure there are no irritations or abrasions.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

I've also heard it is a sign of an obsessive compulsive disorder. Don't laugh, it's true!

Message edited 2/27/2007 6:57:51 PM.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

My doberman had the obsessive compulsive thing...I used to spray his paws with bitter apple and then he wouldn't lick them.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

I assume it's been going on for a while. If it is only recently, it could be from the salt or sand from the snow.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

My parents dog had this too. They brought it to the vet and it turned out that the dog's blood was too rich. They had to change her diet and got some medication too.

I would bring the dog to the vet just to be on the safe side.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

Molly licks her one paw alot. She does it in spurts. When we go to the vet this weekend that is one of my questions on my list to ask them about!

Re: Dog biting paw ?

I have heard that when they do this, it can be allergies. Murphy used to do this and the vet said that you can take a real easy approach.

Buy antibacterial dishwashing soap and make a warm water solution with it and wash and soak the paws every night. It should help.

Re: Dog biting paw ?

thank you for all the replies!!!!!
I will bring him to the vet and see what they say to do!!!
Thank you