My dog is a siberian husky and we've had him a few years now, and about 2 years after we got him he would always bite/chew/rip the hair out on his paws. It's gotten pretty bad now. You know when you scrape your knee on the concrete? Well thats how his two front paws are. Kinda like cuts/scrapes. He's starting at his tail now. We've been to the vet and he gave us some kind of spray, but it didn't really work and cost us an arm and leg. My mom ordered him more medicine but it hasn't came yet. Is there anything we can do for him? It breaks my heart, the poor thing. He's also rather FAT. Seriously he weights 104 pounds, but he doesn't really eat much...Does he need a diet?...
2007-09-25 19:35:38 · 10 answers · asked by xorenée 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
i guess you could refer to them as 'hot spots'
2007-09-25 19:37:05 · update #1
Well,the allergy isn't nearly as serious as the weight problem! If the dog doesn't lose weight,he'll die.He's twice the size of a normal Siberian.I would put him on a good weight control kibble,combined with some fish every day(salmon,mackerel,sardines) and an egg three times a week.Northern breeds need fish in their diets,and eggs are wonderful for the skin.Also,walk him.Everyday! Start slow,and build up until he's walking a couple of miles a day.Of course,you should have him examined by the vet to make sure he's fit to exercise,and also,have you had him checked for hypothyroidism? This will cause a dog to have skin problems,and gain weight,even if they eat normally.I would have him checked for it,and have the vet do a skin scraping to se exactly what it is on his paws.Try the fish and eggs,though,and just a SMALL amount of weight control kibble.You've got to get that weight off,or the dog will develop all kinds of troubles;joint stress,heart problems,etc.
2007-09-25 20:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First problem , Yes he needs Diet food ! And more exercize .
Huskies are prone to this chewing behavior when they are left alone too much ! It is a way of working out his boredom . He needs more company and activity . Huskies are meant to be very active dogs . If he is fat you are trying to make him happy with food instead of activity ! Same problem lots of fat children have .
Cut any matted hair from between the toes . Sometimes putting a bad tasting but beneficial substance such as Sulfadine Pet Ointment ( get it in the pet store - inexpensive ) on the feet and irritated areas . It is very good for healing the open sores . They also have a shampoo .
You can try a firm "NO !" whenever you see him biting . Don't use treats to get him to stop . Play with him or take him for a walk .
2007-09-26 02:52:45 · answer #2 · answered by allure45connie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would change his dog food. Sounds like a food allergy. Try to find a food with no corn, wheat, soy or chicken. I recommend Solid Gold and they have a large breed formula. If you can find this food or something similar without the previously listed ingredients it may cost a little more but if it works it will save you loads in vet bills! It could also be a flea allergy. Check with your Vet and get some Frontline and have your house/yard treated.
2007-09-26 02:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by starlight10103 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im going with a food allergy. I had a German Shepard that would do the same thing. We had seen different vets that used steroids, creams, shampoos. When I changed her over to a high quality food her condition improved 100% with in a month. I personally use Earthblend but I am sure you can find a high quality food by in your area as well. Or do an internet search on the one I mentioned. Hope that helps.
2007-09-26 02:45:27 · answer #4 · answered by miss_nashville_2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be several things...1. Allergies to fleas or"bugs" on the ground 2. Yeast infection...(Mylasia)This has been a problem for my dog. I tried cortizone shots, but found that ketaconizole pills is the most effective. 3. Thyroid defeciency. With combo of thyroid pills and ketaconizole, practically all her itching, digging and gnawing stopped. It took going thru several vets before the defeciency was diagnosed. You might specifically request a thyroid test. Good luck
2007-09-26 03:03:08 · answer #5 · answered by papaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be allergies, or behavioral. You really will have to check with a vet, my sister uses "doggy valium" for her Dalmation, they have used Benadryl as well and it helps some. Maybe he needs some exercise to help with the weight problem. Keep him busy so he doesn't sit around eating himself LOL. Good luck!
2007-09-26 02:44:20 · answer #6 · answered by Amy 911 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your dog as allergies......you may want to bring him to the vet for a allergy test to determine if it's food allergies, inhalant allergies or perhaps flea allergies. In the mean time some treatment can help.....try giving him antihistamines (benadryl for children), add omega 3 and omega 6 to his food and also give him cold bath with colloidal oatmeal (weekly)........these simple solution should help.....it did for my dog!
Good luck to you!!
2007-09-26 10:56:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog might have an allergy to his food. Try putting him on a fish diet and see if there's any improvement. And do avoid chicken.
2007-09-26 02:45:47 · answer #8 · answered by hugoluvbossy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's definitely in need of a visit to the vet. But not the one you already went to. Go to a different one.
2007-09-26 02:39:06 · answer #9 · answered by Bambi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Change your dog food.
2007-09-26 02:39:11 · answer #10 · answered by DawgHouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋