All of My Dogs Lick & Chew Their Paws Raw! I Need Help! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I have 8 dogs: 1 60lb Labrador and 7 little dogs of various breeds. 😊They all lick and chew their paws ridiculously. I have tried numerous things, including spraying our yard! Right now, it is slowing down, and they do not chew them raw.
I started them on a small amount of Salmon oil, and it seems to be helping. Also, I took them off all chicken products; I think they’re better on beef. I understand this is a shot in the dark, but I feel bad. Four of the dogs are 9 and over, and four are 6 and under. Thank you for your thoughts in advance!!! ” – Judi
Quick Info
Dear Judi,
You are doing a wonderful job of paying close attention to your dogs and making thoughtful changes based on how they respond. Paw chewing is a very common concern, and it often has more than one contributing factor. Environmental allergies, food intolerances, parasites, or even secondary yeast and bacterial infections can all cause irritation that leads to this type of behavior. What you describe, where things improve with salmon oil and dietary changes, does fit with what we know about the role of nutrition in supporting skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce inflammation, and some dogs indeed do better when common proteins such as chicken are eliminated.
Since you have multiple dogs showing the same signs, environmental triggers are also worth considering. Grasses, pollens, and even cleaning products used on floors can contribute to itchy paws. Wiping their feet after time outdoors can help minimize contact irritants. Because chronic paw chewing can lead to secondary infections, it is always best to have each dog evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out underlying causes. From there, an individualized plan that may include allergy testing, prescription diets, or targeted medications can be developed. In the meantime, continuing with the salmon oil and monitoring their response to dietary adjustments is a sensible step.
Good luck!
– Dr. Paola