Dog Chewing His Claws?

[MelissaPengu]

I noticed this new habit, my dog chews on his dewclaw. Is there something wrong with his paw? Or is he possibly doing this because he's bored? His claws are a reasonable length, so it shouldn't be because it's too long for him.

Any suggestions? I've never seen this before.:eek:

[APBT<3er]

It is possible that hes bored. Try to divert his attention when he does this, you don't want him to self inflict any pain. Give him a kong when he chews his nails.

[tweener]

I totally agree that he's bored. I think it's time you buy him a dog toy so that your dog wouldn't chews on his dewclaw.

[Wiztherewoz]

Some do it because they're bored, in which case you need to make sure they're getting plenty of interaction and plenty of exercise.

Some do it because they're nervous and are re-directing their anxiety, same as a person chewing their nails. If that's the case, it's best to distract them with something else. Don't over-do the attention though, or else they may learn that chewing on themselves is a good way to get mommy to fuss - which you do not want. Be casual about it.

And some do it because there's a physical problem with the claw or around the claw. If the chewing has only just started and it's only the one claw that your dog's focusing on, have a close look at it to see if there's anything stuck there/a wound/a sore/an irritation that might not be immediately noticeable. My friend recently thought her dog was licking at her claws and it turned out she had an abscess between her toes.

[Llamalady]

I've seen cats and dogs do it. Some just like to trim their nails. It's like people. Some people chew on their nails, and some don't. Excessive chewing I would think would indicate a problem, but it might just be part of the way they care for themselves. :)

[MelissaPengu]

I got him a big fuzzy teddy bear, since he doesn't really have any toys that he can call his own, and the two smaller dogs seem to have little toys out the rear. He seemed very happy to have a toy all for him self. Throwing it around and rolling around on the bed with it :) I think he was just bored. He's also been spending more time out in the front yard getting to watch people walk by and things of that nature.