Why Does My Female Dog Chew Her Feet and Lick Her Stomach and Genital Area?

If you’ve noticed your female dog obsessively chewing her feet or licking her genital and stomach areas, you may wonder what’s causing this behavior. While dogs naturally groom themselves, excessive licking or chewing can indicate a range of health or behavioral issues. Below, we’ll explore the possible reasons and help you identify when it's time to consult a veterinarian.

1. Allergies: A Common Trigger

One of the most common reasons dogs chew their feet and lick sensitive areas is allergies. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to:

• Environmental Factors: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and grass are frequent culprits.
• Food Sensitivities: Proteins in food, like chicken or beef, or grains may cause allergic reactions.
• Chemical Irritants: Household cleaning products, certain grooming shampoos, or even synthetic fabrics.

Symptoms: When allergies strike, your dog may experience redness, inflammation, and itchiness, especially on the paws, belly, and around the genital area. The discomfort drives them to lick or chew these areas for relief.

Treatment: If you suspect an allergy, consult your vet to identify the specific allergen. Solutions may include hypoallergenic diets, special shampoos, or medication to manage symptoms.

Also Read - How Do You Know If Your Dog Has a Food Allergy?

2. Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

Parasites can also lead to excessive licking and chewing behaviors. Fleas, ticks, and mites commonly target sensitive areas, including the feet, belly, and genital regions.

Symptoms: You might see visible signs like flea dirt (small black specs on the skin), redness, swelling, or even small sores. Sometimes, the irritation from the bites can cause secondary infections, worsening the itchiness.

Treatment: A thorough flea and tick prevention routine, involving topical treatments, flea collars, and regular grooming, is essential. Your vet may recommend a specific anti-parasite product based on your dog’s condition.

3. Pain and Discomfort

If your dog is chewing her feet, it might indicate an underlying issue causing pain, such as:

• Injuries: Small cuts, punctures, or foreign objects lodged in the paw pads.
• Joint or Bone Pain: Older dogs with arthritis may lick or chew their paws as a response to joint pain.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Some conditions, like hypothyroidism, can lead to skin issues, prompting dogs to chew or lick for relief.

Symptoms: Swelling, limping, and visible wounds may indicate injury, while persistent licking without external signs may hint at internal discomfort or a hormonal imbalance.

Treatment: Check her paws and belly for visible injuries. If you can’t find a clear cause, consult a veterinarian, who may prescribe pain relief or conduct tests to check for hormonal issues.

4. Behavioral Issues: Anxiety and Stress

Just like humans, dogs can develop coping mechanisms in response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. For some, this results in licking or chewing as a form of self-soothing. Some common causes of anxiety or stress in dogs include:

• Separation Anxiety: Dogs left alone for long periods may develop habits like licking and chewing.
• Environmental Changes: A new pet, a move, or even rearranging furniture can cause stress.
• Lack of Stimulation: Dogs need both mental and physical activity, and a lack of it can lead to behavioral issues.

Symptoms: If your dog licks or chews only in specific situations (such as when you’re about to leave), it may point to anxiety.

Treatment: Increase playtime, exercise, and interactive toys to keep your dog engaged. In some cases, training or consulting a canine behaviorist can help address anxiety. Vets may also recommend anti-anxiety medications for severe cases.

5. Yeast and Bacterial Infections

Dogs are prone to skin infections, especially if they have underlying allergies or other conditions that cause them to lick excessively, which leads to a “moist environment” that breeds bacteria or yeast. These infections can make dogs itch and lead them to chew and lick even more.

Symptoms: Yeast infections often give off a sour smell, and you may see redness, inflammation, or even darkened skin. Bacterial infections can result in pus-filled sores and crusty patches.

Treatment: A vet can diagnose infections through skin scrapings and may prescribe antifungal or antibiotic treatments. Cleaning the affected areas and using vet-approved medicated shampoos can also help.

6. Hormonal Imbalances

Certain hormonal issues can make your dog’s skin more susceptible to itching, dryness, or irritation. For instance:

• Hypothyroidism: Often causes dry skin, leading to itching and licking.
• Cushing’s Disease: Causes thin skin and sometimes skin infections.

Symptoms: In addition to licking and chewing, symptoms may include changes in appetite, weight gain, or coat texture.

Treatment: Hormonal imbalances require veterinary intervention, where a vet will run blood tests to determine the exact issue and prescribe medication accordingly.

7. Normal Grooming and Heat Cycles

Female dogs are more likely to lick their genital area during their heat cycle or following urination as a natural cleaning behavior. Some dogs are simply more meticulous about grooming and may lick these areas without any health concern.

Symptoms: You may notice that the licking coincides with the heat cycle. However, excessive licking should still be monitored, as it may lead to irritation or infections.

Treatment: Monitor your dog’s behavior and ensure her grooming is within normal limits. If licking increases and is coupled with discomfort, speak to your vet.

Also Read - What to Do if Your Dog Is Rubbing Its Face Constantly

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional licking or chewing is normal, it’s best to see a vet if you notice:

• Persistent licking or chewing, especially with visible skin changes (redness, sores).
• Signs of pain or discomfort, like limping.
• Foul smells from the paws or genital area, which may indicate infection.
• Changes in appetite, energy levels, or other behavioral shifts.

Final Thoughts

Understanding why your dog is chewing her feet or licking her genital and stomach areas can help you provide the best care for her. Whether the cause is allergies, anxiety, or simply routine grooming, observing and addressing her needs early will make her happier and healthier. When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health conditions and create a suitable treatment plan tailored to her needs.

Note: This article is meant for general information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have any health concerns about your pet, please consult with a veterinarian.