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hi I have an 11 year old shiba inu who licks her legs and feet until she bleeds. we have tried meds doggie prozac

we have tried special food socks on her feet etc is there anyone who has any suggestions


Asked by Guest 361165 on Jan 9th 2008 in Alternative Treatments
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Kodi - CGC and SDiT

Sounds like she might have a food allergy. Most dogs lick their paws when they are allergic to something in their diet. I would try calling a vet and getting some information about allergy testing.

You could also try switching to a grain free food as wheat and corn allergies are very common in dogs.


Kodi - CGC and SDiT answered on 1/9/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Haus R.I.P. my boy I miss you

I would reccommend a premium food such as Wellness Senior or another food similar to that.You can look at their webpage at oldmotherhubbard.com
The other thing I would try if you have available in your area is a Chiropractor.THere are some Vets that have been certified to do this or you can ask your Chiropractor if you have one.Most of them will do pets after hours for no charge if you use them on a regular basis. I have WONDERFUL luck with my kids and a Vet Chiroprator.
Good Luck!


Haus R.I.P. my boy I miss you answered on 1/9/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Bless Me With Patience

Both my parents dogs had this problem. My moms poor rott/husky is allergic to everything (grass, dust, fleas, certain types of foods, and even seems to have allergic reactions when he is snuggled with to much) and that is the cause of his licking with out a dought. They have to feed him a special food, bath him regularly with special soap and such and it seems to have gotten better, he still licks but not till he bleeds any more.

My dads dog is a different story however. She has no known allergies but lived with an older dog that did so she picked up the habit of licking from him. In order to stop her from licking the vet had her wear a cone till her sores were healed and then a couple times a day my dad sprayed her favorite licking spots with bitter apple...she learned quick that licking was no fun anymore.

Talk to your vet and find out if there are any medical reasons for her licking first before you try anything though. Hope this helps :)


Bless Me With Patience answered on 1/9/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Kolbe

If it is not a food allergy, try to think about what she comes in contact with. For a long time I thought Kolbe had food allergies - turns out she's allergic to grass (in the spring and summer her feet are beet red after playing in the yard or going for a walk), and she's sensitive to perfumes/dyes and such that are in cleaning agents. So I started using perfume-free detergent on things that she lays or walks on or comes in close contact with, such as area rugs. Remember our dogs are a lot closer to the ground than us so we have to get creative in our thinking with what could be causing a reaction. Good luck.


Kolbe answered on 1/10/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


~Sophie~

Okay well please stop giving your dog doggy prozac. This is a physical reaction to something around her. It sounds like a food allergy. The most common food allergens for dogs are wheat, corn, soy, beef and chicken. Change her food to something grain-free and a different protein source/meat. Lamb is a good one to start with if she isn't eating it already. Other good choices are duck, venison and buffalo.

Also I would follow Kolbe's advice about the household chemicals.

Then I would change vets and find one that recognizes the symptoms of allergies and does not suggest mind-altering medication for a physical problem.


~Sophie~ answered on 1/10/08. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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