Last Saturday, I took my dog (10 lb Pomeranian) with me to go snowshoeing. We ended up waiting for an hour with all our warm clothes on for my friend to show up. Finally, we had to walk down to the trail, which is about a 1/3 of a mile.
On the way there, my dog kicked off one of his foot covers--doggie boots--since I couldn't put it on without a hassle, I just took them all off. But once we got to the trail, I became concerned that his feet my get icy from being in the boots then in the snow. So I decided to go home. I carried him part of the way, then put his boots on for the rest. We immediately went home and I kept him inside for the rest of the day.
But it seems that, since then, he has been obsessively licking his paws. He did this once before to one paw when he did something to irritate his dew claw. The pads of his feet look normal, no swelling or cracks.
And being the paranoid pet owner that I am, I'm worried that he got frostbite. How can I tell what's up?
2007-02-07 02:08:44 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Beano--That's a good question. No, I don't think there was any roadsalt where we walked. It's a bit of a backroad and the road commission wasn't using salt this past week because it's been too cold, it wouldn't have work.
Misa--That's interesting. I didn't know that about Poms. That may be the problem--boredom---as the poor guy has been stuck inside a lot this past week because of the below zero temp, it wouldn't have been safe for either of us to walk.
2007-02-07 03:06:17 · update #1
You're not being paranoid, but I would call your vet and have him checked out. I'm not sure if a dog's pads change color if they are damaged from the cold, but better safe than sorry. It may also be a stress behavior - in that case, it's also worth a vet visit. Poms are active dogs and if bored, will self-mutilate. If this is what he's doing, you need to find somethng to do with your dog to occupy him : agility, obedience, a tricks training class, etc. Good luck!
2007-02-07 02:51:46 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say allergies, but what you describe doesn't make sense. Could you of walk on rock salt? If there's a Chemist out there he/she could make allot of money making a "rock salt" that wouldn't irritate animals paws. If it were frostbite your dog wouldn't be able to stand or walk. Check w/ your Vet is the best advice.
In Chicago when the weather is too cold to use only roadsalt they add another chemical and I heard it mentioned on the news last night but for the life of me I can't remember. Misa also brought up a good point (boredom) but that would be a continious condition and he's just doing this now it's highly unlikely.
2007-02-07 02:46:53 · answer #2 · answered by Beano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She probably has allergies if there are no signs of cuts or something in the paw. My dog has quite the list of allergies and you would be surprised on how many ingredients in regular dog food/treats dogs are allergic too. - Wheat Flour - Cheese - Beef I believe those three are the most common puppy allergies. You could try cutting out those foods out of her regular diet but I would recommend taking her to the vet - just to be on the safe side. Good luck!
2016-03-29 09:24:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm paranoid (of course, I like to think of it as highly concerned) about my pets' health, too. Frostbite sounds like a possibility. I think at least a call to the vet is warranted. They'll decide whether they need to see him.
2007-02-07 02:17:35 · answer #4 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I read somewhere that it could be a cause from rice that is found in the dog food (as a filler)that they put out on the market today.
2007-02-07 02:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sailon 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would take him to the vet, or get one of those collars that will prevent him from licking...
2007-02-07 02:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋