What should I do to make my dog stop hurting herself?

Question

My dog is a 2 year old Lab mix and recently she's picked up a habit of giving herself hotspots, and ruining furniture when left alone shes never done this b4. We tried duct tape to make her stop biting, along with numerous bandaids and head gear.. Nothing works. What should I try?

She doesnt have fleas. She just bites herself constantly. Weve tried everything. She just eats it

Answer 1

The vet may give her a shot of prednisone to stop the itching. The itching is quite intense and can drive an animal pretty crazy. Also there is a danger of the area becoming infected and that can get bad. If her behavior is suddenly changing it could be because of all the discomfort. She's trying to get your attention and it looks like it worked. Take her to the vet! good luck.

Answer 2

my dog had the same problem. it was an allergy to FLEAS!! just because u don't see a swarm of them on ure dog doesnt mean theyre not there. ALWAYS use advantage or frontline, ALWAYS. or there is an underlying condition which warrants a visit to the vet ASAP. dont let hot spots continue, they will ruin your dogs skin and coat, sometimes so bad, the coat wont grow back! as far as the dog eating your furniture goes...have u tried using sour apple (i think thats the name?), or something else called foozie? its AWFUL tasting! that stuff will work. google it online. but i know you can buy it at petco, petsmar, or it can be ordered online...

Answer 3

Have you tried an Elizabethan collar? With this on, she can't bend her neck around to bite herself. She may have had a hotspot that started the behavior or won't heal due to her biting. This will give it a chance to completekly heal and hopefully break the habit. Yes she won't look pretty but it will help.

Answer 4

it really sounds like the dog needs more exercise. i mean it sounds like shes driving herself nuts and a dog like that at her age needs to go out for about an hour of play and walking and fetch a day. i see dogs like that at the park everyday and they are excellent dogs but they have energy to a point where they lose control. also i'd check the diet. make sure she's eating food that has lots of omega 6 and omega 3. grocery store foods are not good for them no matter what anybody says. they just don't have the same quality ingedients and high amounts of protein that an athletic dog like that needs. also try oatmeal shampoo for baths.

Answer 5

the best thing to do if she only does this when she is left alone is put her in a dog crate.

if they are true hotspots rather than just her rubbing her fur off you need to take her to the vet for cortizone shots.
it will stop the inflimation and hair loss.

Answer 6

There is a product called bitter lime, that is supposed to make them stop licking and biting themselves, I'm getting ready to try it so I'll let you know how it works out. My dogs problem is rug burn though as he likes to do the "belly crawl", he's a weird'o but we love him.

Well as promised, I am reporting back, the bitter lime seems to be working as advertised.

Answer 7

She could have fleas or skin allergies. The best thing you can do is take her in to your vet and have her examined. They would be able to treat it She's probably so uncomfortable. Poor baby! Good Luck!

Answer 8

I agree with the other answer take the dog to the vet.

Answer 9

She might have fleas. You should take her to the vet and have her checked.

Answer 10

OMG!!! WHAT AN IMBECILE!!!!!!

Get rid of the CAUSE,ya moron!!!
It's ITCHY!!!!!!!!

GOD,people are ****STUPID*****!!!!!!