I have a year and half old boxer mix, and we can't get her to stop chewing on the pads of her feet. We give her allergy medicine, treat the spots with benadryl, even did the "yucky" spray. She won't stop chewing! IT's gotten pretty bad and she has made herself bleed multiple times leading to a round of antibiotics. Anyone have any ideas? We don't want to muzzle or put the collar on because she'll just get right back at them when we take it off.
2006-12-20 04:56:58 · 35 answers · asked by Merry Mary 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Is there something she is walking in when she goes outside? Be sure to keep her feet washed with soap and water.
Worse case scenario it is an OCD and may need medications from the vet.
2006-12-20 05:11:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be a food allergy. Try changing the food. Chicken and chicken byproducts are in MOST dog foods. Try switching to a lamb and rice food. Also, our dog has terrible seasonal allergies (on top of food ones) and is also allergic to dust, which you CANNOT get away from. So, our vet gives her steroid shots when it gets really bad and we give her steroid tablets from time to time when it is pretty bad but not to the point she is bleeding. Our vet feels that sterioids every now and then are acceptable and there really is not other answer. (Could be allergic to your carpeting or something also?)
ALSO, save your money on allergy tests. They are really expensive and test for only a few things that the dog could be allergic to. If the vet won't do steroids and insists on tests, find a better vet. Our vet says that the cost of steroids over the dogs lifetime is a fraction of the cost of allergy tests and allergy syrum for the injections, and allergy shots only have a 50% success rate...He's a vet that really cares.
2006-12-20 07:51:09 · answer #2 · answered by hugsandsmilesplease 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inspect the paws for cuts, abrasions etc. If there doesnt appear to be any visual injuries it is likely due to allergies. Often times this is caused by the food the animal eats. Aside from going through a battery of tests, which can be expensive and yield poor results I would try the simple things 1st. Change the animals food and go with a high quality food. Food changes can often resolve many allergy issues.
2006-12-20 05:05:57 · answer #3 · answered by Zyggy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a roll of pet wrap and spray some "Bitter Apple" on it. wrap the paws she likes to chew on. She may be trying to "heal" her self-inflicted wounds.
I have a Shar-Pei (similar build and temperment) that does the same thing. I get a little dog shampoo with a gentle anti-bacterial agent in it or anti-itch agent and gently clean her paws and really get through the webbing of the pad and the toes. I reassure her while doing that (b/c my dog gets antsy when handling her feet) and use it as a bonding/ attention time. Then I use the wrap, or get an Elizabethan collar so she can not get to her pads so they can heal.
It seems like you've been doing the right thing to date. It may be time for a visit to the vet.
Good luch and hopes she feels better.
2006-12-20 05:02:38 · answer #4 · answered by Bathroom Graffiti 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have you taken her to a vet, to have the area examined?
The problem is, your dog is chewing skin that is trying to heal. The skin is very itching during this process so it feels good (and bad) for the dog as he keeps re-opening old cuts.
The causes are many, but more commonly due to inhaled allergens. You will need to get your dog tested for allergies.
Unfortunately, the method used to test for allergies on canines is one once used in humans. There is however a blood test you can request. The test has shown less accuracy so I wouldn't suggest it.
The basic steps are:
1. A selected area of fur is shaved
2. several different substances are injected into the skin
If there are signs of a reaction signalling an allergy, your dog with have a formulated injection given to him over a series of days or weeks depending on the allergy.
Put the sprays away until your dog's skin has healed. There are chemicals that seep through the open wounds and cause the dog more harm than good.
Meanwhile, my suggestion would be to give your dog anti-inflammatories such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are naturally derived from fish. If your dog is vegan as my two dogs are, then read the labels carefully to ensure they are getting the plant derived fatty acids.
Products containing these fatty acids can be purchased online or at your local pet store. These include Derm Caps, EFA-Z Plus and Omega Pet.
2006-12-20 05:00:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It sounds like a vet has already looked at her. Maybe the spray you tried wasn't potent enough. Try a new, stronger product and keep with it. If this doesn't help, can you give your dog other things to do besides chew on her feet? If you don't wish to muzzle her maybe you can find some dog booties to cover them from her. If she chews and rips at the booties which she more than likely will, try heavily spraying the deterent on the booties themselves. Hope these suggestions will help.
2006-12-20 05:02:38 · answer #6 · answered by Mandy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our dog had a similar issue. He chewed his feet to little pink nubs! It turned out it was a yeast infection in his nail beds. We did antibiotics / steriods as well as a Vitamin E supplement. Everynight we used Malacetic Wipes to clean off his feet. You'll need to keep them dry otherwise - so walk him on the street for a bit. He also had to wear an elizabethan collar for about 3 weeks. =( They do make clear plastic elizabethan collars now, so it wasn't toooo bad.
He is all better now. Hope this helped!!!
2006-12-21 10:12:30 · answer #7 · answered by Daisy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you should try just training her with a muzzle. It will take patience and time, but whenever she starts chewing, put the muzzle on. If you take it off and she does it again, put it back on.
Did you get all the medications from her vet? If not, just check with your vet and see if there isn't something they can do to help you. Keep on them, tell them that she isn't getting any better. If they give you the run around, then see another vet. don't give up.
2006-12-20 05:01:21 · answer #8 · answered by Casey B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would talk to your vet about allergies. I know you mentioned usinig allergy meds, but I would see what your vet thinks. I will tell you upfront that allergy testing is VERY Expensive and requires your dog to have blood drawn (to see what it is allergic to) and then your dog has to come in on a schedule to be treated (given a shots that desensitizes your dog to the allergens). But it is well worth it if your dog is very allergic. The are some dogs that are allergic to everything from different types of food, to different types of trees, to even human dander or other animals. Well talk to your vet and see what they think. Good luck
2006-12-20 05:06:11 · answer #9 · answered by Ryne's proud mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pit does that. She has damn near taken a paw off!! Her problem is yeast infections. Ask your vet to check for yeast or just use some powder or cream from the store for yeast infections. We went to 4 different vets before we found one that said it was yeast and now we treat her with powder and have no more problems. We have found that creams tend to make the problem a little worse because yeast develops because of moisture and by adding cream it is keeping it wet. If you can get ahold of NYSTOP or Nystatin powder that is the best. I get it from my wife who is a nurse. Ask your vet if you can get some I don't know if they will give it to you though because it is for humans. If you know what a yeast infection smells like you might be able to just smell her paw and be able to tell. That might not work though. I reccomend having the vet check specifically for yeast.
2006-12-20 05:03:14 · answer #10 · answered by talarlo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋