My jack russel dog is just over a year old.Last Thursday he started to lick everything (walls,furniture etc) He also started to chew everything in sight like plastic bags,leaves electric wires.It was if ha couldnt help himself and it was constant he was also making choking noises as if he couldnt swallow.Had him at the vet this morning and he thinks it is just going to be a habit but when he is doing this it is as if he cant help himself.He is settled now but am worried it will happen again as this is the fifth time he has done this.Vet says he is all right otherwise.Anyone experience this with their dogs as I find it very distressing.
2006-12-01 04:00:36 · 14 answers · asked by Sonny 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It almost sounds like a sudden onset of OCD behavior... I am wondering about seizure-like brain activity that might be driving this behavior. I have seen something similar in a border collie I was called about. That dog appeared to be randomly herding clouds or something, but the behavior was not routine enough to be OCD, so I suggested they keep digging for a medical issue. Sure enough, it was a medical, not a behavior issue.
I would suggest getting a second opinion and ask about it being a manifestation of erratic brain activity. Phenobarb really helped the border collie whenever this behavior flared up,and maybe it might get some relief for your JRT.
However, the infected tonsils idea is a really good lead as well. Smell your dog's breath. If it smells like vomit (acidic), then I would have his throat checked, just not by the same vet. If you are going for a second opinion, might as well do it all at once.
Good luck - dd
2006-12-01 04:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by dedum 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there. I believe it's time for a 2nd opinion from another vet. The choking noises and the sudden change in behavior are 2 big red flags. Also, licking isto the degree that you describe is an anxiety behavior - so hopefully that menas that your dog needs more exercise and something to do, like playing with interactive toys (Kong, Busy Buddy, Amaze-a-Ball, Buster Cube) Could you crate him, for his own safety, until you figure out what's going on with him? I know a dog who died from chewing electric wires - it was an extremely painful death. Get chewies, rawhides, etc to put in the crate, too. Hope everything works out OK.
2006-12-01 12:20:32 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of our dogs, a German Shepherd cross, is like that. She eats everything, chews electric and phone cables, eats her own poo and won't be told "NO". She has severe epilepsy though, controlled by medication, so maybe that's the problem with her, but despite being doped on phenobarbital and potassium bromide she still is always constantly active and looking for something to eat. It's possible that your dog is having minor fits, did the vet do a blood test to check for problems?
2006-12-01 12:29:54 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ Divine ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put some of that bitter apple stuff on the things he chews. If that doesn't work keep a container of lemon juice where you can get at it fast and when he starts chewing on things he isn't supposed to squirt a little in his mouth. He will think whatever it was that he was eating tastes like that and will learn not to do it again.
2006-12-01 12:16:46 · answer #4 · answered by Megan B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but I am looking into getting a Jack Russel...
I have a small place (one bedroom appartment) but i also have a small tiled yard... I hear the dogs are very energetic and almost impossible to keep in a small area is this true?
2006-12-01 12:27:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wonder if he is just getting bored. Maby try to find some other toys or get a treadmill and let him run. Jack Russels are hyper and want to go. And I know they can et bored and act up. Hope this works for you. Good luck.
2006-12-01 12:23:58 · answer #6 · answered by btyboo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a problem with my dog licking and drinking excessively. Turned out his tonsils were badly swollen due to a heartburn problem. He needed antibiotics to clear it. Maybe a good idea to have his stomach and throat looked into.
2006-12-01 12:10:17 · answer #7 · answered by Cold Bird 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, that is very erratic behavior. Not sure what it means or if there is a medication they could put him on.
My dad's Black Lab has uncontrollable seizures, but that is not really the same thing as you explained...
2006-12-01 12:08:45 · answer #8 · answered by Joe Somebody 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a condition called Pica - where dogs will eat anything.
Here is some websites about it:
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/picabeh.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1551&articleid=162
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/eating_strange_objects_such_as_feces.html
2006-12-01 12:09:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a second opinion. See another vet.
2006-12-01 12:09:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋