Dog Biting Leg?

Question

For about a year now, my dog has nibbled on his back two legs. First he'll nibble on a leg (never two at once) and I never notice it until he's licking it like crazy. He nibbles so much that he clears the area from fur and it starts to turn a little whiteish because hes getting down to his skin. If i put my hand or finger in between his mouth and leg while he's nibbling, he starts whining and snapping at my hand. After about a minute or so he'll stop doing it. He does it whenever he comes in from outside. After a week, he wont bite down on his leg for a while. He's a two year old min-pin. Sorry if this doesn't make any sense i've tried to explain it the best that I could. Now, the question is 1)Why could he be doing this
2)Anyone elses dogs do this?

Answer 1

Your dog is potentially having an allergic reaction to something in your yard. Watch where he goes. Does he lick/chew both legs or only one each time he comes back in?

See if he is chewing the leg he doesn't lift when he urinates. He may be trying to clean himself up and being compulsive about it.

I highly recommend that you take him in to your vet for some bloodwork and skin scrapings to rule out things.

My expertise in this area comes from 13.5 years of professional dog grooming.

If the reaction is not from something in the yard or urination, it could be the food you are feeding him. Try feeding him a lamb and rice or chicken and barley diet for a month. It is important to read the labels! You want to AVOID beef and corn and wheat as ingredients in both the daily food and in any dog treats as well.

Answer 2

This is common. He probably has food allergies. Dogs shouldn't eat any corn or wheat products. Read the label on his food. Also bad is animal by product, animal digest, and all preservatives.
Never feed Purina, Iams or Science Diet. For reasons, read "Food Pets Die For" by Ann N Martin. You will be shocked and amazed at the disgusting things that are perfectly legal to put in pet food. It is making our pets sick (and itchy).
Try a product called "Bitter Apple" sometimes it works by making the area taste so nasty the dog won't bite. Some dogs find it to be a tasty sauce, so it might not work.
Going to the vet is also a good idea, he may have given himself an infection, and need antibiotics. If they offer you steroids, don't give them, try changing his food first. Steroids and other drugs do more harm than good. If changing his food doesn't work, you can then try the drugs.
Go to naturapet.com. They have the best, most natural food out there. I highly recomend Innova EVO. It will fix him right up. California Natural is also very good. They have a skin and coat supplement that works wonders. My very allergic dog thrives on it and hardly itches anymore.
Look into Wellness, Avoderm, Artemis. They are also fantastic foods.

Answer 3

It could be a reaction to a flea or tick bite. Some dogs actually have allergies to that which make them itch or gnaw the area. There are some lotions and baths that include soothing elements to help decrease the irritation (hot spot comes to mind). Since it only happens when he comes inside, there's definitely an exterior causality - the other possibility is that there's something in your lawn to which the dog is allergic. I'd ask your vet if they can recommend some other viable solutions other than having the dog wear a collar that keeps him from biting himself (it's funnel shape)

Answer 4

Check with a vet..He may have an allergy in that area..or he picked up something from outside..An ointment may work. As far as you trying to stop him, and he nips at you, thats because your disturbing him from licking and chewing. Keep correcting him. Sooner or later, all you have to do is tell him to stop, and he will, for a moment or two. But to put your fears to rest, contact your Vet..I've had dogs in the past that had a HOT SPOT. I corrected it by going to the Vet and getting an ointment or a pill to stop the itching and rash that usually comes from licking and chewing.

Answer 5

I read the other answers and you have received a lot of good advice. What you might try, until you find out what this is, is wiping down his legs when he comes in from outside. That way if the allergy or irritation is something on his fur, you can get it off before it bothers him.

Good luck, I hope you find out what it is.

Answer 6

It could be that he has an allergy to something in the yard, or food. You should get him tested to see what it is. Good luck.

Answer 7

Fleas -N- Ticks, it's itching him long after they are gone (Fleas), they bite dogs and they itch for a while just like when they bite us (fleas), as for ticks, you may have to check closer and pull them off.

Answer 8

take him to a groomer and he might b allergic to something in your yard................................................................... :-]