It's been going on for months, at first I thought something might be irritating him/stuck between his pads etc but there isn't anything to be seen. He only stops when I tell him off for it.
I've spoken to a vet about him who suggested washing/drying his paws which I did but it's not helped - is this a nervous/anxiety thing?
2006-10-08 13:32:46 · 22 answers · asked by Raven 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sounds to me that your dog may need to see a animal psychologist, they actually exist here in the UK, and they're becoming increasingly popular.
You could try aversion therapy. Ask your vet for advice beforehand, but what I would do is to put something on the dogs paws that tasted fool, something like mustard or that nasty tasting stuff you can get to stop biting your nails. Like I said, you don't want to poison your dog, but you want something that's going to make him/her associate his 'habit' with a bad taste.
Good luck
2006-10-08 13:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by Bont11 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There can either be a physical cause or an emotional cause for your dog’s behaviour. My dog does exactly the same thing; anxiety is the cause of my dog’s behaviour. I know this because I have been able to rule out physical causes and I noticed that the behaviour gets worse if someone shouts or if she gets excited. Make sure that your dog has plenty of exercise. If your dog’s paws are not painful you can take him out for walks. This is because excess energy can cause you dog to be very board and result in anxiety. I have found that punishing an anxious dog (i.e. telling them off for the behaviour) only increases the anxiousness. Therefore the best thing you can do is to try and distract the dog or encourage the dog to chew something else. A toy for example; my dog chews socks and now beware any sock if my dog is around.
2006-10-10 23:55:01 · answer #2 · answered by AMY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be anxiety. It could also be several other things though.
Has the vet ruled out bacterial and fungal infections?
Constant licking of the paws/nails usually indicates an allergy. Also, if your dog's pads are pink at all - this is another sign of skin problem/allergy.
Please don't give up. I would find a different vet if your current one is not willing to examine and find the ROOT of the problem.
2006-10-08 13:52:36 · answer #3 · answered by T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
both my dogs do exactly the same things. what seems to start them of is when i take them out for a walk on the grass, its a really annoying problem actually cos my dogs feet are always sore! try some medicated shampoo, this works for 1 of my dogs but not the other, so i have just brought my dog some shoes and they have stopped the problem! shes a lot happier now and the shoes were only 5 99 (from pets at home)
2006-10-09 00:25:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He probably has a splinter or something stuck in his paw. Also, just like people, dogs also break nails every now and then and this can be quite painful for them. Give his nails a good look over. If one of them is broken then it usually needs to be clipped at the base. Your veternarian can do this for very easily.
2006-10-08 13:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Kelley S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to be a detective. When he is outside, is he walking on grass that has been sprayed or covered with chemicals? Is he alergic to something he is coming in contact with when you take him for a walk? Have you really looked into that food you feed him, natural is best, check the label. No biproducts, just the real deal that says meat with no fillers, gums, sugars, etc.
Add some veggies to his food too, carrots, greens, all things dogs enjoy.
Do his claws need trimming? Does he run on cement too much? These are other questions to ask yourself too.
2006-10-08 13:40:49 · answer #6 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Long nails can be harbingers for bacteria, especially if they are artificial, but these people are good for scratching and beginning those little foil wrapped containers that will are so hard to get into.
2017-03-01 03:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer girls who have got a natural look... sure makeup as well as other things are good, but whenever it is used to enhance your own natural look.
2017-01-27 00:59:37 · answer #8 · answered by Gabriel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that sometimes its an indication their anal glands are blocked?? Don't ask me what the connection is? I had the same problem with my dog and the vet checked for that. It could be an allergy? are you using something different on the floor? detergent? carpet freshener? which he may be sensitive to?
2006-10-08 19:58:04 · answer #9 · answered by KAZ M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes,it can be an anxiety problem.some vets put dogs on certain anti-anxiety meds for it.my schnauzer had it.he always licked one knee,it formed a callous called a "lick granuloma".its fairly common in dogs,i wonder y ur vet didnt mention it?well,good luck.
2006-10-08 13:38:06 · answer #10 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋