Bite and chew on his/her paws?

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin has a weird habit of biting or chewing on his back paws a couple of times a day. I don't think he used to do this, it seems to have started in the last few months. I wouldn't worry too much, except it causes the hair in his paws to matt pretty badly, and it's hard to comb them out when they are between his toes! He is also a pretty big scratcher, but I can't tell if it's a normal amount or not... as It's been years and years since my last dog. 

Does your dog scratch a lot? Does he bite his feet? Could this be a bigger problem? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have. My guy has been under the care of a board-certified veterinary dermatology and immunology specialist for several years. That's where most of my info comes from.
For systemic allergies, the substance has to enter the bloodstream, either through ingestion or inhalation. And it has to be organic, in order to contain proteins that bind to the receptors and provoke an allergic response from the immune system. It usually takes several exposures over a fairly long time period for an allergy to develop.
In contact dermatitis, which is a localized allergic response, the usual allergens are certain families of plant species, and the symtpoms are localized itching with rash. This also takes more than one exposure. There's a really good article about contact dermatitis allergies in dogs in the current issue of Bark magazine.

[Lauria Orr]

Well, I believe there is a difference of opinions in dermatologists and allergist/immunologists then . The immune system is quite complex. There does need to be an antigen/antibody response. A substance can enter the system by inhalation, ingestion or contact.

[LG & Sadie]

My Sadie has allergies and doesn't tolerate any of the allergy meds (except for benadryl) well. I was surprised my Vet had us try Claritin with her-but, it made her anxious or I should say more anxious. In reading this thread I am excited about trying to wipe her paws with a baby wipe when she comes in-to see if that makes her more comfortable! I also am going to try the evening primrose oil-as this Spring I definitely connected her symptoms to pollen. Thanks everyone! I hope Darwin's situation clears and it isn't a bigger problem!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's funny how different antihistamines work differently on individual dogs. Claritin has worked best for Jack. Some others have found Zyrtec to be best. The others most often recommended by specialists are Atarax, ChlorTrimeton and Tavist.

[LG & Sadie]

Hmm, we tried the Tavist and Claritin.....but not Zyrtex. We would love to use something other than benadryl as we only give it at night because it makes Sadie flat (not the usual joyful Sadie) and sleepy. I think because she is on Phenobarbital the benadryl is a double whammy. Glad you replied-maybe I will get brave enough to try it. I am always hesitant with change :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack's specialist recommended trying the Zyrtec when he was flaring last year, but it didn't do any more than the Claritin for him. I know some humans with allergies say the Zyrtec works best for them, and some of the atopic dog owners, too.
The sleepiness on Benadryl is why most of the specialists like some of the other antihistamines better, I think.
But with Sadie being on other meds, maybe check with your vet; I have no idea about possible interactions.

[Taylor & Huff]

Sometimes Huff bites his feet when his feet are irritated. Then they get raw and we go to the vet and get an antiseptic spray and we spray that on his feet for about a week and they get better. He is a doodle with sensitive feet!:)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks for your input! I think it was an irritant. My guess is the freshly cut lawn. As soon as we stopped walking him on the grass as much, he stopped biting.