He does not have fleas or any inflamation of the skin, that is apparent. He is strickly an inside dog, except to do his business.
2006-06-13 12:41:33 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, get a vet's opinion. I had a dog doing that horribly, and the vet told us it was probably an allergy to his food. We changed the brand we were feeding him and he stopped almost immediately.
If it's dry skin, which doesn't usually make them get so manic about tearing their own flesh, I've found that Mane and Tail horse shampoo works the best, but be sure use to use the conditioner, too.
Mange is something the vet can dose and fix fairly easily.
2006-06-20 03:18:12 · answer #1 · answered by Crooks Gap 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are two reasons for excessive self-grooming in dogs.
One: there is a physical problem with the skin, i.e. it's excessively dry or itchy due to preservatives in the food, or your dog's allergic to something, or you're using unnecessary chemicals to clean your dog, or something like that. Have it vet checked.
Two: there is a pschological problem. Excessive self-grooming is one of the first symptoms of psychological illness. Does your dog have enough exercise, does it have enough time and space to fulfill a reasonable number of its instinctive and necessary behaviours - digging, running, chewing etc., is it bored beyond belief, does it ever have the company of other dogs, can it see out of the windows, does it ever have fresh air and freedom in the backyard?
Reviewing your own answers to the above questions, you need to reconsider the way you are owning your dog. Owning an animal without tending to its basic needs it animal cruelty. Permitting an animal to become so unhappy that it strips the fur off its own body is cruel.
2006-06-13 22:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably take him to the vet. However, it could be a nervous condition, he may have a mental disorder that can make him think things are attacking him. Or, it may just be the way he is.
I had a friend who had a cat who sucked it's tail all the time because of nervousness. He had no hair on his tail whatsoever.
You may want to consult a behaviorist and find out what else can cause him to do this.
It's not fun for him either, he may need to be outside more to do what they do naturally, nose, eyes and ears, in that order will maybe help you understand what is making him react.
Good luck, let me know how he fairs.
2006-06-13 12:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by teddybearloverus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be several things:
Did he just start doing this or has it just become more prominent recently?
If he is licking and chewing at his feet or body with no inflammation it could be an allergy. One of three allergy reactions 1. Inhalant-meaning he is allergic to pollen, perfume,smoke,carpet freshener things like that. 2.flea allergy- If one flea bites him and he is allergic to the saliva he will have a reaction. 3. food allergy some ingredient in his food like lamb,rice,eggs . You need to take him to the Vet. and let him tell you for sure. If it is an allergy they can do an allergy test for you and tell you exactly what he is allergic to.
2006-06-13 12:57:14 · answer #4 · answered by Tinkerbelll204 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Westies are notorious for having allergies. It could be fleas, mites, or a skin infection, but taking it in for an veterinary exam is the only way to find out.
-a dvm
2006-06-13 12:48:31 · answer #5 · answered by rabbitwhisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a groomer, I used to do 2 Westies for a lady. One of them had the same problem....I told her to check the food she feeds and check for red dye #40. This is a very unnecessary that dog food makers put in food. She removed him from it and low and behold the hair grew back.
2006-06-13 12:50:07 · answer #6 · answered by hotdogs33624 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone told me that some westies have skin problem. Take it to the Vet to make sure.
2006-06-13 12:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by lynnoo77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mange. It could be...or an allergic reaction. Mostly, its not good u should get it checked out at a vet. That is the only way to be sure. It coud also be redd bugs which live UNDER the skin, just try to get him looked at
2006-06-13 12:47:03 · answer #8 · answered by shelly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had several West Highland White Terriers. They are very prone to skin allergies. I would take him to a vet as soon as possible and have him checked out.
2006-06-13 13:19:49 · answer #9 · answered by Gloria M M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a westie to but she doesnt do that the closet thing she does to that is chew on her feet but shes just cleaning them you should take it to the vet
2006-06-13 13:09:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋