lab chewing his feet

Question
I have a 6 yr old black lab/golden retriever mix - Dillon - who just recently started constantly licking & chewing his feet.  He has never done this before. I'm not sure if he needs to go to the vet (allergies?) or to the grooomer (toenails too long).  He lives outside in a fenced yard that has grass & a concrete patio during the day while I am at work and he lives in the house (carpet & wood floors) at night.  I haven't changed any cleaners used on the floors.  He will lay for hours at a time licking and chewing on all four paws.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Deanna, First you should have your veterinarian rule out any physical problems. This is surely a behavioral issue, but behaviors can have their root in physical problems. Your dog may also be going through some psychological changes as well.  There have been some very good advancements with medications to help canine neurosis and dementias. I have alway taught my dogs that they must stop licking anything if I snap my fingers. It is not too late to teach your dog new things. Sometimes they can get stuck and you simply must unlock his mind and out of the circle they are in psychologically. But please have your vet take a look to be sure that there is not an internal problem or some physical changes that could be causing this problem. It may be as simple as putting him on a good joint supplement. I have also seen dogs develop psychological problems from boredom, fear, lack of exercise, poor breeding and other reasons. Try making an effort to walk Dillon at least once a day at the heel and see if this helps him. No matter how large your property is, he still needs exercise at the walk to help him focus on you as pack leader, socialize with the world, and get to know the neighborhood (to associate the sounds and smells with pleasant activity, releasing fears). Please leave me some feedback and follow-up to let me know how things are going. Give your boy a pat on the head for me. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan