chewing foot

Question
Hi
I have a 7 year old Chinese Crested Powder Puff and he has just started chewing his back paw.  It is red and raw and now he is not walking on it.  HELP!

Answer
HI Kathy!

This may be a medical problem such as fungus that will need meds to clear up.  If it's just a bad habit, you can buy an over the counter product such as "Bitter Apple" which you can apply to the foot and it will have a really bitter taste that will keep your dog from chewing on it.  If this doesn't help, or if the foot looks infected or has sores on it, I would take him to a vet.  It doesn't sound good if he isn't walking on it, so watch him closely.

God Bless,
Becky