Shih Tzu is Licking, Chewing at Paws

While dogs will lick at their body to some extent, if a Shih Tzu concentrates on one specific area such as the paws, this can cause quite a few problems.

It is not uncommon for owners to fail to identify the root cause or only see partial improvement; and meanwhile the effects of continual licking focused to one area compounds each day.

Overview

While all dogs will lick at their body to some extent, if a Shih Tzu concentrates on one specific area such as the paws, this can cause quite a few problems. It is not uncommon for owners to fail to identify the root cause or only see partial improvement; and meanwhile the effects of continual licking focused to one area compounds each day.

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When a Shih Tzu focuses actions such as licking and/or chewing to the paw region, the continual friction from licking and/or persistent gnawing from using the teeth can lead to the following problems:

• Sores – Areas on the paws can become quite raw, leaving circular sores that are tender to the touch.

• Bleeding - When licking or chewing continues, the sore(s) can crack open. This is due to exceedingly irritated, vulnerable skin.

This often only serves to cause a Shih Tzu to lick more due to ‘wound licking’ which is an instinctive response to lick an injury.

• Infection - Once the skin has been broken, it is vulnerable to bacterial infection. The paw(s) may appear red, swollen in an area, may have discharge, and will be sore.

•Hair Loss– An inevitable part of this issue is eventual hair loss on the areas.

Top Reasons for Licking and/or Chewing the Paws

Clinical Signs of Excessive Paw Licking and Chewing

Sores: Areas on the paws can become quite raw, leaving circular sores that are tender to the touch.
Hot Spots: Aka pyotraumatic dermatitis is a common result of self-inflected damage to skin.
Irritation: Swelling, redness or other signs of irritation.
Bleeding: When licking or chewing continues, skin can crack. This often only leads to ‘wound licking’, an instinctive response to lick an injury, thus exacerbating the issues.
Bacterial Infection: Once the skin has been broken, it is vulnerable to bacterial infection. The paw(s) may appear red, swollen, may have discharge, and will be sore.
Hair Loss: An inevitable part of this issue may be eventual hair loss on the areas.

But note: Many Shih Tzu dogs can lick their paws with none of the above signs. This is usually due to being in the beginning stages of a licking problem or infrequent licking.

Top Reasons for Licking or Chewing at the Paws

#1 Allergies

Allergies in Shih Tzu dogs often manifest as itching, which can be the only symptom, and even if other areas of the body are itchy, a dog may focus on the paws since they are so easily accessible.

Other possible signs include rashes, hot spots, chronic ear infections, bloodshot or watery eyes, or respiratory issues. Allergic reactions can vary with seasons and symptoms may fluctuate in intensity and frequency.

What to do:

1. Assess if a vet check is needed: If your Shih Tzu shows severe allergy symptoms or if the skin on the paws is bleeding, seek veterinary treatment. This could indicate an infection needing prescribed medications. For minimal or moderate issues, home treatment may suffice.

#2 Take steps to reduce allergens. Allergy tests like ELISA blood tests or intradermal skin tests can identify triggers but aren't entirely reliable. Regardless of testing, it's important to reduce allergens in your home and for your dog:

Vacuum all floors regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Use a central air system with HEPA filters or standalone air purifiers.
Wet-dust the house.
Wash all bedding and dog bed covers in hot water (at least 140°F).
Use mite-proof coverings for mattresses and pillows.
Keep windows closed after cleaning the house.
Have everyone remove shoes when entering the house.
Wipe your dog with hypo-allergenic grooming wipes and rinse their paws after coming indoors.
Avoid outdoor activities with your dog during peak pollen times on high pollen days.
Provide 100% natural food with no grains, corn, soy, wheat, chemical preservatives, artificial flavoring, or by-products.
Avoid using plastic bowls.

You may also wish to refer to Shih Tzu Allergies.

#3 Use a spray on the paws to help stop itching and heal the paws. Read on for more possible reasons for licking or chewing at the paws, or jump down to Treatment for Itchy Irritated Paws.

#2 Boredom or Stress

Paw licking can be a stress or boredom coping mechanism. This compulsive behavior may lead to lick granuloma, a condition where persistent licking causes open sores on the paw. Each dog has its own threshold for stress or boredom that might trigger excessive licking.

Stress can be due to factors like separation anxiety, a turbulent household, or significant changes in the family, such as new members or a loss. Boredom often occurs when a dog is left alone or isn't receiving adequate attention, even in the presence of owners.

What to do:

1. If the house is chaotic, work to create a more peaceful environment. It can help to offer your Shih Tzu his own private spot (not too isolated) where he can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.

2. If your Shih Tzu is home alone quite often, work to resolve separation anxiety issues.

3. Keep your Shih Tzu busy and active. Stay on a schedule of at least two 20-minute or longer daily walks, plus a session of play such as fetch. Bring your Shih Tzu with you to run errands when possible.

4. Offer toys that may be good distractions. For those that lick and chew the paws, something like the Crinkle Dog Toy for Small Dogs by SharLovy may help divert a Shih Tzu's attention from the paws to the toy.

5. Even if licking or chewing the paws did not start due to an irritation, the continual attention to the paws most likely now caused irritation. Therefore, use a spray to help stop any itching or irritation, and to heal the area.

6. If steps taken at home do not resolve severe anxiety or stress, it is strongly advised to seek professional veterinary treatment, which may involve anti-anxiety medication.

Read on for more possible reasons for licking or chewing at the paws, or jump down to Treatment for Itchy Irritated Paws.

#3 Dry Skin

While dry skin can affect any part of a dog’s body, since the paws are what touches outside walking surfaces, they are very vulnerable to this. This is most common in the winter.

What to do:

1. In the winter, combat dry skin by increasing humidity levels in the house via humidifiers.

2. Encourage your Shih Tzu to drink enough water. Lead your dog to their bowl, clean the bowl each day, be sure it is always filled with fresh, cool, and preferably filtered or spring water, consider obtaining a canine water fountain which entices dogs to drink, and always bring along water when you head out with your puppy or dog.

3. Protect the paws via a quality paw wax and use a paw spray, if needed.

Read on for more possible reasons for licking or chewing at the paws, or jump down to Treatment for Itchy Irritated Paws.

#4 Yeast Infection on the Paws

Yeast infections in Shih Tzu dogs can cause paw licking or chewing, either as the initial issue or developing later. Symptoms include itching, paw attention, and a distinct odor, ranging from corn chips to sour or musty. Severe cases can lead to raised or crusty skin sores.

What to do:

1. If you are not sure if your Shih Tzu has a yeast infection on the paws or if symptoms are very severe, bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis or treatment, as strong oral anti-fungal medications may be needed.

2. Treatment at home for yeast infection on the paws is different than treatment for the other paw issues covered here. It will involve special topical anti-fungal products.

1 - Shampoo. Giving a bath with an anti-fungal medicated shampoo will allow you to ensure every tiny crevice on the paws is treated. For this, a shampoo with 1% ketoconazole or one with a combination of coal tar, salicylic acid and micronized sulfur can be quite effective. SynergyLabs Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo is a good one.

This is typically used twice per week, and it's important to have your Shih Tzu's paws soaking in this for 10 full minutes. Symptoms can resolve before a yeast infection is entirely gone, so you may want to do one more bath after signs are no longer apparent.

2 - Spray. This allows you to directly target the paws up to 3 times per day to help soothe discomfort, stop itching, and work to fight the over-growth of yeast. For this, we recommend SynergyLabs Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Spray.

Treatment for Itchy or Irritated Paws

Shih Tzu with paw treatment bottle and jar

Before we dive in: Seek veterinary care for prolonged bleeding, deep sores, pain affecting movement or activities, pus, extreme redness, or other signs of infection. Also, address underlying causes of licking or chewing before using topical remedies for long-lasting results.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Here are 4 types of products that can help:

#1 A Topical Spray

This is the #1 product we recommend for immediate relief. A spray can work well to stop itchiness. When spritzed on the paws, it can reach all the little crevices that are itchy and relief can be immediate. There are several types of sprays; for intense itching, we recommend a safe topical medicated spray like Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Spray. This has lidocaine (a numbing agent to help with pain), hydrocortisone (to stop itch) and allantoin (to help soothe).

If your Shih Tzu tries to lick this spray off their paws, slip cotton toddler socks over the paws or use an anti-lick collar.

#2 A Cream

For less intense issues or if you are looking for a supplemental treatment, a cream or gel can be a good choice. This type of product can work well to soothe and is best to apply at night, so it can soak into the paws. As with a spray, slip toddler socks on your Shih Tzu's paw/s so they do not lick the treatment off. If you want to avoid topical medications, one cream to consider is Blue Butter Hot Spot Treatment by Forticept.

#3 A Paw Soak Treatment

Also for less intense issues, offering a paw soak can help, as the bubbling action gets into all of the itchy crevices and many dogs enjoy the immediate relief it can bring. The process involves dissolving a specialized tablet in water, creating a therapeutic 'foot bath'. While there are different types, most contain conditioning and/or anti-itch ingredients.

One to consider is the Warren London Deep Cleaning Paw Soak, which has natural tea tree oil that effectively targets allergens that can trigger itching and serves as an optimal hot-spot treatment. It also has a seaweed extract for conditioning and hydrating the pads.

# 4 A Paw Wax

You may know that a good paw wax can protect the paws from hot walking surfaces in the summer, cold surfaces in the winter, and keeps the pads in good shape. However, it can also moisturize dry paws and help heal issues like peeling or cracking. One of the best paw waxes is Musher's Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax; this absorbs quickly and offers a breathable layer of protection and healing.

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Shih Tzu is Licking, Chewing at Paws

Overview

Top Reasons for Licking and/or Chewing the Paws

Clinical Signs of Excessive Paw Licking and Chewing

Top Reasons for Licking or Chewing at the Paws

Treatment for Itchy or Irritated Paws﻿

Treatment for Itchy or Irritated Paws