My 7mth old boxer mix has just recently started chewing her paws... I've noticed it from when she comes in from outside after going to potty... I've also noticed that when she lays in the grass outside for any long period of time, she'll get a red rash on her tummy as well... We've had people out in the last month spraying the grounds (apt complex) and planting new stuff, so I don't know if it's a reaction to that or not... She never had any of these two problems until this started.
We switched her food to Nutro Natural Choice (chicken & oatmeal) last month because of food allergies and a sensitive tummy, so I doubt that has anything to do with it as she has been GREAT since switching this food.
Any advice? Suggestions? Experience?
2006-06-16 12:00:31 · 5 answers · asked by Just Cari 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
ETA: The red rash on her tummy goes away within a few hours from her being back inside!
2006-06-16 12:05:51 · update #1
I would contact the people that were doing the spraying and find out exactly what they put on the lawn. Ask them to send you a list of all chemicals and ingredients in the spray. If this behavior just began after the spraying then it is possible that something is causing an allergic reaction. A rash is a sign of an allergic reaction.
It could be from grass because allergies are known to spring up as dogs get older. Their immune systems change and different things can beginn to affect them that never had before.
Contact your vet and describe the symptoms. They would be able to better determine if it is from the spray or just and allergy to grass.
I would say that since it disappears after a while that it is one of the two. If the dog were allergic to flea bites the rash would not go away until treatment.
I am leaning towards the spray being the irritant. My dog has allergies to rag weed and it doesn't go away intil treatment so I would imagine that grass would be the same.
I hope that you find out soon and that it is an easy fix for you and the pup!
2006-06-16 12:47:29 · answer #1 · answered by macberly m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a vet, but it does certainly sound like she has an allergy to something out there in the grass. A lot of those fertilizers and hericides can do things like that. And it burns and itches.
She could also have an allergy to the grass itself. Take her somewhere else and see if other grass makes it happen as well. Finding out what causes allergies in pets is pretty much the same process we use in humans. You carefully expose them to one thing at a time and see what it is that's making it happen... Vets can do tests to help you narrow it down as well. Hopefully, it was just the chemicals that did it. Once they wear off, you won't have any more worries. Just remember it for next time!
Good luck!
2006-06-16 12:11:59 · answer #2 · answered by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She could have a grass allergy, it's not unheard of in dogs. But since you say this started after your grass was sprayed, I have two suggestions. First, after she comes in side wipe off her belly and feet, even in between her toes, with a washcloth. Then, if you notice the rash, you can buy this stuff at PetSmart called Corti-Care srpay or cream, or DermCare anti-itch spray. If you notice it getting more severe even with this, or this not helping, take her to the vet and see what they recommend.
P.S. Kudos for feeding your dog a high quality, great food!
2006-06-16 12:09:09 · answer #3 · answered by Twistedsheets 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have a boxer, sensitivity to certain foods is common, as far as the chewing of paws it could be grass allergy, or like mine got the equivalent of athletes foot (no joke) took her to vet and he told me to use the spray tinactin "fast acting" lol. and it worked well, she still gets the red belly from grass but it doesn't seem to bother her, the best thing to do is keep her off the grass as much as possible for a couple days after they spray and clean her paws when she comes in from outside, also mine will chew on her paws when its wet outside and she comes back in, most boxers don't like being wet. I always keep a towel by the door to dry her paws, also it keeps them used to you messing with their paws which in turn makes it easier to trim their nails which i suggest you do from the start, its alot easier when they get older and stronger and boxers are all muscle
2006-06-16 12:07:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too also have a boxer. He has very bad allergies. What happens is he gets fluid in his ears and it really bothers him. his belly also turns red time to time. I think its just that boxers have very dry skin naturaly. My vet recommended that we give him a bath about every 2 weeks with a hypoallergetic dog shampoo with moisterizer in it. you can get it at your local pet shop. It seems to work with his belly. Im still trying to find something that will help him with his ears tho. Good luck
2006-06-16 12:08:04 · answer #5 · answered by BrownEyedGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋