Licking Problem
Skippy is now 1 1/2 years old. As of 2 months ago he's started licking his paws and legs (front and back). Thinking it was allergies, I converted him to a no grain diet feeding only Orijen. For awhile, we were good. Then about a month ago, we started up again. I wipe his legs off after every time he goes outside with alcohol baby wipes, put vaseline on his legs and spray with an anti-licking spray I got from the vet. This seems to help deter, but not stop. He doesn't have fleas. The hair on all four legs are becoming very thin and he's developing sore spots. I've started him on Benedryl once a day.
Here's some changes that have happened in the past month (if this helps). We've moved to a different home. He has full roam of the back yard now with our other dogs (labs). He has full roam of the house when we are gone (with no problems). Before this house, he was kenneled while we were gone.
Could it be that he's bored in the home and needs to be rekenneled while we are gone so he feels safe? I figured he'd like his freedom.
WHAT ELSE DO I DO? The vet can't figure it out and we're limited to vets (town of 5,000). This is not a recent picture. His hair is thinning from his paws up to his elbows on all four.
Here's some changes that have happened in the past month (if this helps). We've moved to a different home. He has full roam of the back yard now with our other dogs (labs). He has full roam of the house when we are gone (with no problems). Before this house, he was kenneled while we were gone.
Could it be that he's bored in the home and needs to be rekenneled while we are gone so he feels safe? I figured he'd like his freedom.
WHAT ELSE DO I DO? The vet can't figure it out and we're limited to vets (town of 5,000). This is not a recent picture. His hair is thinning from his paws up to his elbows on all four.
Comments
Lindsay - what are the percentage of young dogs who suffer from arthritis?
Generally dogs do not chew on themselves when bored, there usually is a health reason behind it. I would say it typically is a sign of allergies. Seasonal allergies are not uncommon for Shibas. Since he has free run outside now, grass, molds and pollen may be taking a toll on his immune system. Like people dogs get hayfever but the symptoms are exhibited via foot/leg biting and face rubbing. Have you guys talked to your vet about cort shots etc to see if that reduces the flairs. You will have to work with a vet to rule out other various health possibilities. If Skippy digs too much and the hair loss is too severe then it may become permanently calloused, so it's better you tackle it now rather than later. If it is allergies, most likely it will become worse next season so it's better to get a plan of action together now to get it under control with the help of you vet health provider.
Snf
So the mold is out there until a good frost, I suppose.
This has been a horrible allergy year- Thanks, El Nino!
We use hypoallergenic wipes after walks