I'm hoping it's just his nervous habit, much
better than chewing things that aren't his.

It's either boredom or an allergy. Very likely it's the latter.
People tend to manifest allergies through their sinus and respiratory
systems. Dogs and cats, however, tend display allergy symptoms in
their skin, as evidenced by itching, scratching and paw-licking. My
chessie, for example, had a serious problem with constant paw-licking
until we stopped giving her these Milk-Bone-type doggie biscuits for
snacks. Then it suddenly stopped completely.

Sometimes, of course, boredom can lead to it as well. If he develops
a raw spot or irritation, that can cause him to lick it even more,
starting a vicious cycle.

I would suggest:

1. Giving him more attention - a walk, playing, or just being with
him. For example, sit down on the floor next to him sometimes when
you're watching TV or reading a magazine. You'd be surprised how much
he'd love it.

2. I don't know what you're feeding him, but take a look. Stay away
from wheat gluten, corn, and rice. Innova makes a good food - the one
in the green bag, I forget what it's called. Instead of using
biscuits for snacks, try 3 or 4 slices of fresh carrots - most dogs
LOVE them. Do NOT feed him any prepared foods such as weiners or
anything else with a list of unpronounceable chemicals on the label.

3. If you really need to, spray his feet every couple of days with
"bitter apple" spray, sold in most pet stores.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Ron M.

I'm hoping it's just his nervous habit, much
better than chewing things that aren't his.

It's either boredom or an allergy. Very likely it's the latter.
People tend to manifest allergies through their sinus and respiratory
systems. Dogs and cats, however, tend display allergy symptoms in
their skin, as evidenced by itching, scratching and paw-licking. My
chessie, for example, had a serious problem with constant paw-licking
until we stopped giving her these Milk-Bone-type doggie biscuits for
snacks. Then it suddenly stopped completely.

Sometimes, of course, boredom can lead to it as well. If he develops
a raw spot or irritation, that can cause him to lick it even more,
starting a vicious cycle.

I would suggest:

1. Giving him more attention - a walk, playing, or just being with
him. For example, sit down on the floor next to him sometimes when
you're watching TV or reading a magazine. You'd be surprised how much
he'd love it.

2. I don't know what you're feeding him, but take a look. Stay away
from wheat gluten, corn, and rice. Innova makes a good food - the one
in the green bag, I forget what it's called. Instead of using
biscuits for snacks, try 3 or 4 slices of fresh carrots - most dogs
LOVE them. Do NOT feed him any prepared foods such as weiners or
anything else with a list of unpronounceable chemicals on the label.

3. If you really need to, spray his feet every couple of days with
"bitter apple" spray, sold in most pet stores.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Ron M.