help me! (and zoey)
July 20th, 2008
I recently discovered that Zoey’s become a compulsive paw-licker. Her front paws have been licked so much that her fur is starting to come off, and I think she’s beginning to start on her back paws now. I know this is probably a summer allergy thing, but I don’t want to take her to the vet. I’d really prefer not to put her on any anti-steroidal/anti-inflammatory drugs unless it’s the last resort.
Have any of you had any experience with compulsive paw-licking? What did you do? Have you found any natural/home remedy solutions that have helped? Did you buy spray? Booties? Tea bags? Apple cider vinegar? I’m trying to do work here but keep popping out of my seat every 5 minutes to spy on Zoey and see if she’s licking (which she always is). I make her stop and give her a bone to chew on, but she’s back at it the minute I sit down again. I’m going to make a run to the pet store today to see if I can buy something to help her but would love to hear any of your thoughts.
Thank you in advance for any advice!
July 20th, 2008 at 10:56 am
this may be a long shot, but my dog was licking himself alot a few years back and a friend recommended I look into my water, so i got a new filter and gave him water from that and his paw licking days are more or less over
but if that isnt it you may want to look into any underlying medical reason for the behavior, i think if you pin point why Zoey is licking her paws so much you can get a better grip on how to stop it.
good luck
=)
July 20th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Hi Grace!
My dog Comet has the very similar problem. Took him to the vet but the medicine never helped. Changing his diet helped but it seems like a never ending battle for my husband and i because we have to constantly keep an eye on him. The vet recommanded this shampoo that helps with the yeast build up between his paws and we had to give his paws a bath every morning and night (it was a pain but had to do what we had to do) that worked.
July 21st, 2008 at 9:48 am
Skin issues are hard. I have a French Bulldog, Amelie, that just went through the same thing. I think preventing the actual licking itself is good, but only helps the symptom and not the cause. I would first try modifying her diet — I don’t know what you have her eating but try maybe adding fish oil to it. I heard tomato paste and olive oil works too but I haven’t tried it. I got high quality omega fatty acid supplements from my vet and I’ve seen an improvement in Amelie. Also try bathing in oatmeal shampoo and using pure aloe vera. To deter licking so it didn’t get worse, I used bitter apple spray with success. In the end, it took a course of antibiotics to clear it up completely, and a shot of cortisone for the discomfort. I was advised by my vet to try a animal dermatologist next if it persisted. (in fact, I saw that there was one off Lincoln Blvd in Marina Del Rey). HTH!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 am
Sabrina, Julie, and Jackie thank you so much for taking the time to leave me such insightful comments. You are all absolutely right that I need to get to the root of the problem and not just prevent the licking.
Now that a few days have gone by, I really do suspect it’s environmental allergies. I’ve started giving her bendryl and it definitely helps. Her paws are actually starting to get better. I wanted to start treating this before it got really bad to the point that she would need prednisone or antibiotics.
I’ve also started to transition her over to a high protein grain-free food. Don’t suspect it’s a food allergy, but it doesn’t hurt to get her on a healthier food anyway.
Again thanks for taking the time to leave me your comments and offering your insight. I just hope Zoey continues to improve! And hope your dogs stay healthy and keep away from licking their paws too.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Hi Grace…dogs just like people can develop food allergies. I know that a few friends have taken their dogs off chicken products and it helped a lot! Just an idea. Maybe ask Carole, I know Bernie has severe allergies, so maybe she may have some more ideas for you. See you at adoptions