I have a 1 year old male cairn terrier that in the last month or so has started biting his feet consistently to the point that they are red and raw.  I have had him to the vet twice and I am being informed that this is a nervous trait of the breed which is one factor and that hair between the toes is another.   We have had him groomed and that didn't seem to help.  I had a male cairn before this one who did this same thing on and off but never to the level as this little guy.  Can some one advise me on this and what I can do.  He is hurting himself.

Did the vet check his anal glands?  Chewing feet can often be an indication of discomfort from impacted anal glands. Alternatively it can be a reaction due to a sensitivity to a food ingredient like eggs or wheat.

The feet chewing or stopping it is very much a trial and error thing. I personally think it starts to become a habit.

Food of thought is it can be controlled by a number of things:

Reducing the amount of protein in the dogs diet.

Keeping the hair between the pads super short.

Washing the feet regularly with an antibacterial wash such as hibiscrub ( pick up at any chemist)

Keep the dog off wet grass , wash his feet after being on the grass and dry with a towel.

Athletes foot power can also help.

BFN Pam

In addition to the above Shaws make a product called Chew Deterrant which should work - it contains Bitrex and leaves a very nasty taste    I found it worked better if a few drops of lavender oil were mixed in too, the smell acts as a warning/reminder  ;)

I found it at Pets at Home

>>>>Alternatively it can be a reaction due to a sensitivity to a food ingredient like eggs or wheat. <<<

A change in diet has stopped this in my dog so it may be worth ecploring :)