Why Do Bichon Frises Bite Their Paws? 8 Scientific Reasons To Learn

Sandra S. Ashley
Last Updated On: August 2, 2021
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Bichon Frises are known for their snowball-like appearance and lap dog nature. As an owner of one of these pups, you may have seen your fur baby often bite her feet. And you want to know the possible reasons.

So, why does your Bichon Frises chew their paws? It may be because your Bichon has an infection. May be she is bored, anxious, or simply just need a good scrub in the tub! Except that, there can be some other reasons why Bichon Frises may want to chew their fuzzy, white feet.

Whatever the case would be, it is easy to check your pooch’s paws to figure out why she’s biting her feet. Keep reading to learn a bit more about this very common issue!

Is It Natural for Bichon Frises to Bite Their Paws?

It is not out of the ordinary for a Bichon to bite their paws. Are all the reasons this breed bite their paws out of the ordinary? Most likely not! It is completely natural for a Fido to be his or her paws, just like humans bite their nails.

Chances are if you are on this page, you have asked yourself if it is normal for your Bichon Frise pup to be biting their paws. As the owner, it is your duty to pay attention to your mutt’s chewing habit and whether it becomes serious or not.

A Bichon Frise chewing their feet is not something to immediately call a vet about but is something to keep at the front of your mind.

Read: 16 Ways To Identify And Rate Your Dog’s Intelligence

8 Scientific Reasons: Why Bichon Frises Chew Their Feet?

Reason 1: Does Your Bichon Frise Dog Need a Bath?

A Bichon’s coat and paws build up bacteria and dander the longer they go without a bath. Depending on how active your pup is, especially outdoors, grass, pollen and sweat accumulate in the paws and hair follicles around it.

As a result, this can cause redness, itchiness, and overall uncomfortableness, causing your doggo to chew at it to get relief.

Alternatively, you may even notice your canine licking its’ feet and chewing – this also means they are trying to clean out whatever is causing their paws to itch. A quick scrub in the tub with some dog-friendly shampoo can bring your Bichon Frise sweet relief!

Signs That Your Bichon Frise Needs a Bath

Your Bichon is excessively chewing or nibbling at her paws.
There is an odor coming from her paws or hairs.
The Bichon’s paws are red and appear inflamed.
Your Fido is licking itself to clean.
Your Bichon Frise puppy is rubbing its paws against the floor to relieve an itch.

Reason 2: Can Allergies Cause Your Bichon Frise to Bite His or Her Paws?

Bichons are prone to allergies and sensitive skin. So yes, allergies can cause your pup to bite his or her paws. Therefore, one of the most common Bichon Frises skin problems are allergies. As a result, they chew or nibble at the irritated area.

Typically, allergies also cause your Fido to sneeze, wheeze, cough, or scratch other bodily areas. Pay attention to this combination as it can be a key highlighter of allergies.

Additionally, a Bichon dog may bite or chew their paws due to itchy or rash-covered skin. Remember, pooches rely on using their teeth to help them itch a real bad spot.

So, if you have ever wondered, why does my Bichon Frise skin have a rash? Or, why does my Bichon have itchy skin?

Bichons’ skin issues are almost always connected to some kind of skin problem or skin issue.

Signs That Your Bichon Frise is Having Allergies

Your Bichon Frise bites or chews excessively at its skin or paws.
A hotspot occurs and causes an inflamed, red, and hairless patch of skin.
Scratching or rubbing.
Dry, flaky, and red skin (eczema).
Smelly coat or a strong odor coming from their fur, skin.
Loss of fur in patches.
Ear infections.

Reason 3: Can Boredom Cause Bichon Frises to Chew Their Paws?

When a Bichon canine becomes bored, they may start chewing at themselves. Most commonly, the paws are an easy spot for your Fido to reach. Just like humans who bite their nails when nervous or bored, a pooch bites their paws in the same way.

If your Bichon pup is left alone for extended periods of time or does not get enough exercise, they may turn to their paws as a place to vent their frustration. In turn, the chewing can turn into an obsessive act.

Signs That Your Bichon Frise is Bored

Your Bichon puppy shows disinterest in playing with her toys or with you.
Your Bichon Frise barks or whine with out any reason.
The Bichon pup chews, nibbles, or excessively licks her paws and skin.
Your Bichon Frise pup chews or destroys furniture and other special objects in the home.
Your easy going mutt suddenly turns into a destructive dog!
Your Bichon pooch develops an attachment disorder to you.

Reason 4: Are Parasites Causing Your Bichon Frise to Bite His Feet?

Parasites are tiny pests that can wreak havoc in your Bichon’s feet. It is known in the dog world that Bichons have a problem with ticks or they may have problem with fleas.

Parasites or fleas can cause inflammation and itching. More specifically, it is the saliva from the flea that causes the uncomfortableness.

If you are wondering “Can a Bichon Frise get fleas if they are inside dog?” The answer is absolutely! Bichon Frises do get fleas easily but if you are keeping a close eye on your pup always, you will be able to remedy it.

On a side note, Bichons also can have problems with ants. Ants can infest and bite your furry friend’s paws, which can cause irritability and itchiness.

Signs That Your Bichon Frise Has Fleas, Ticks, or Other Parasites in his Toes

A tick can be felt in your Bichon’s paws. You should never remove the tick on your own.
Ants may be seen stuck in your canine’s paws or crawling around on them.
Your Bichon Frise mutt is chewing and gnawing at their paws and fur around it.
Your Bichon’s paws have a strong odor and look inflamed, itchy, or sore.

Reason 5: Can Anxiety Cause Bichon Frise to Chew Their Feet?

A stressed or anxious Bichon canine may turn to their paws to release their tension or frustrations. As a result, it can cause sore, red, and inflamed pads.

An emotional dog will turn to a place to vent, which is often on its own self. Anxiety definitely plays a role in causing a Bichon to gnaw or chew its feet.

Signs That Your Bichon Frise Has an Anxiety Issue

Anxiety reveals itself in a variety of ways and differs in severity. Some mutts suffer from real bad cases of anxiety, while others have mild cases of it.

Being that a Bichon Frise is a very sensitive and petite breed, it may be easier to recognize signs of anxiety with it.

Crying, whining, or whimpering.
Random and unusual urination or bowel movements (i.e., such as inside the house).
Shaking.
Pacing the room.
Licking and chewing and its skin or fur.
Fear aggression.
Nervous behavior.

Reason 6: Can Sensitivity Cause Your Bichon Frise to Bite Its Paws?

In short, yes, sensitivity can cause your Bichon Fido to bite its paws. Depending on what your pup is sensitive about can either worsen the biting or lessen it.

If your pooch is sensitive to something, whether it be something in the home or an internal issue (anxiety or nervousness), they may bite their paws to help ease their anxiety or pain.

Reason 7: Can an Improper Home Environment Cause Bichon Frises to Chew Their Paws?

The home is supposed to be a place of relaxation and safety. However, sometimes there are things in the home we are unaware of that can cause a furry friend to chew their paws.

If you have noticed your Bichon Frise biting paws or chewing their feet, it could be something making them feel uncomfortable in the home.

Signs That Your Bichon Frise is Not Sleeping in a Healthy Place

A home with allergens (dust, hair, and dirt)
Dirty floors that collect debris that can get in your dog’s paws
Mildew that contributes to unhealthy air
Loud noises which may cause anxiety or nervousness, especially when trying to sleep
Strong smells or odors that can cause allergies or sensitives (i.e., cleaners or air fresheners)

Reason 8: Is Your Bichon Frise Experiencing Food Issues?

If your pup is chewing its feet or biting its paws, chances are it may be related to a food issue. For example, the presence of grain in many commercial dog foods can cause itchiness and rash.

It is important to not overlook this area, as it can be a simple fix!

Signs That Your Bichon Frise is Having a Food Issue

Biting, licking or chewing at the skin or paws
Itching or clawing at their ears
Developing a rash on the skin
Refusing to eat
Gas, vomiting or diarrhea after eating
Whining instead of eating
Hot spots on the skin
Dry or itchy paws
Tearstains around the eyes
Dry coat and skin

Read To Learn: Why Is My Dog Eating Grass All Of A Sudden?

How Do I Get My Bichon Frise to Stop Biting Its’ Paws?

That’s right! Want to stop your Bichon baby away from chewing her paws? You can apply the following tricks.

Redirect Your Bichon Dog

The more in-tune you become with your dog, the more you will be able to pick up on when it feels like biting its paws. As the owner, it is your job to positively redirect your Bichon Frise from doing so.

You can do this simply by using a code word that redirects him or her, or even correcting them not to bite or chew by using a treat. Redirecting takes work and repetition for it to work.

Regular Exercise is Imperative for Your Bichon Frise

Exercise is imperative for your Bichon pup! It can keep their heart and limbs healthy, as well as keeping their mind active. A bored Bichon may chew at their paws or nibble at their feet.

If they are tired from running around or going for a long walk, they may think twice about biting their paws.

Prevent This Unwanted Behavior in Your Bichon Frise

There are many easy, at-home solutions to prevent this unwanted behavior in your Bichon. It is important as a dog owner to be proactive and try different remedies early on.

Here are some simple ways you can easily treat unwanted chewing or biting of the paws.

Check for a Yeast Infection on the Paws of Your Bichon Frise

When yeast accumulates on the skin, it is because of an overgrowth of bacteria/fungus or moisture. You can easily check your Bichon’s paws for a yeast infection by doing a quick check with your eyes and hands.

Signs of a yeast infection are rusty colored hair around the paws, itchy or dry skin, and a desire to chew or lick the area.

Put Apple Cider Vinegar on Your Bichon’s Paws

Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural remedy for treating itchy paws. It is a natural antiseptic and antifungal liquid. However, please never use ACV on cracked or open skin as this will cause burning and pain for your pup.

The easiest way to treat your dog’s paws using Apple Cider Vinegar is by creating a 50/50 concoction: 1 cup water and 1 cup ACV. Soak your pup’s paws in this mixture for 10 minutes or so.

Alternatively, you can spray your dog’s feet with the mixture too and rub it in. After 10 minutes, thoroughly dry off the paws.

Visit a Vet and Use Medication to Help Your Bichon Frise

There are a variety of products on the market your vet can prescribe to your Bichon canine for itchy or bacteria-infested paws.

These medications come in the forms of cream, sprays, or pills to take. Your vet will do a thorough exam to find out what is the best option.

Read: What Is The Fastest Way To Crate Train A Puppy?

Over To You

As we found Bichons are not paw chewer breed by nature. Now when you see your Bichon Frise keeps chewing her paws, compare the symptoms mentioned above. I hope, you can easily detect those reasons.

Except that, if your Bichon dog chews her feet and the symptoms are different, it is wise to visit the vet asap.

If you can detect some other reasons those are different from the above list, please feel free to write about that in the comment section below. Our readers may like to learn that as well.