My dog is eating her foot.

[canuckerjay]

My Vizsla has a habit of chewing on her rear paws. Not only licking them; but fitting as much foot in her mouth as possible and gently chewing on it. I take it out; she puts it back in. I take it out and give her something else to chew on; and it works, though it takes a couple of tries.

She's not breaking the skin, or anything; I am wondering though. I've heard this is a nervous disorder, but she only does it when we're playing -- usually when she's getting a belly rub that she has rolled over to recieve. Point being that it happens during good times with lots of attention. She is 9 weeks old, and loves to chew on bones, stuffed toys and those rope thingies.

Your thoughts?

 

[Renee750il]

I wouldn't worry too much as long as she's not injuring herself or licking her foot bald. She'll probably grow out of it, like a kid sucking it's thumb, especially if you continue giving her alternative things to chew on.

Since the behaviour coincides with something she likes - a belly rub and playing - I really wouldn't worry about it being a nervous disorder; most likely it's just a funny little quirk that's part of her personality. They've all got their own little special personality quirks. My little Kharma makes squeaky, whiney little noises when she's got herself nice and comfy on the couch and wants to take a nap. She sounds like something's wrong, but it's just her little noise she makes to get us to tell her nighty-night.

Make sure you get some photos of you puppy with her foot in her mouth; years down the road, long after she's outgrown it, you'll look at them and laugh.