My dog contantally chews on himself what should i do about this problem? What could it be? Or cause?
Thanks
2007-11-21 12:37:22 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
the dog does not have fleas
2007-11-21 12:43:34 · update #1
Try a food called Canidae. It's all natural hypoallergenic. and have your dog take some omega 3&6 capsules or salmon oil, which really promotes healthy skin and glossy coat.
2007-11-21 14:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by Jorjor 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. I've been working in the field of canine behavior modification for over 25 years, so I answer this from that perspective.
First, see a vet to rule out organic causes (fleas, mange, diet, vegetation, allergies). One flea in an allergic dog can cause lots of physical distress.
This also could be a nervous habit. In that case you may find that the dog was subjected to alot of stress as a young pup and it is a carryover from that time. Or -since I don't know the breed, sex, etc. of the dog - it may be that it needs to get out and run or exercise more, or that it has been cooped up too much. Or if kept basically outside, it may need more companionship plus there then could be the vegetation allergy or the insect issue.
You also do not say where the dog is chewing on himself. Could be all over or just a paw or a 'hot spot'. Is he chewing himself raw and bloody? When does this happen most, when you are alone with the dog, when you have company over, after tension in the household, in the morning, at night. There are many factors to take into consideration.
I had a Doberman that sucked his paw and 'sang' when he wanted to comfort himself (to anyone that didn't know him he sounded like a ferocious beast growling away whilst sucking on his paw - that's what he did all his life)
If it is basically nervousness, then spending more quality time with the dog would be a great improvement. And a good general obedience program that you put into him and yourself would open up a solid line of communication that settles alot of nervousness in dogs. More information is needed though to really figure this out. And again I suggest you have your vet look at the dog.
Good luck!
2007-11-21 20:50:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like dry skin or maybe fleas. Give the dog a bath with flea soap with moisturizer, brush him good and see if this changes anything. If not take the dog to see the vet.
2007-11-21 20:43:18 · answer #3 · answered by Eric S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE THE DOG TO THE VET!
What is wrong with you people?! Why is it you all come on here asking for free medical advice from unqualified strangers who have never even SEEN your pet, let alone examined him or her!
Grow up. This is part of being a responsible pet owner. Take your dog to the vet. It could be allergies, or a skin condition, or a thyroid problem, or boredom, or any number of other causes. It is your pet's RIGHT by LAW to receive proper medical care and to deny it is abuse.
2007-11-21 21:37:28 · answer #4 · answered by D 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are positive it is not fleas, then probably dry skin. Try some hot spot spray for instant relief (mine avoids me for an hour after that though!). Try adding a little olive oil to his food. Did that with mine and her major skin issues cleared up quickly.
Other contributors- allergies, nervous habit, bored (even if toys are available), or possibly just plain in need of a bath (not trying to be mean, but that can make them itchy, just like it does us, and it is easy to forget things like that this time of year).
2007-11-21 20:48:43 · answer #5 · answered by KD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your dog to the vet.
He may have fleas
He may have an allergy
It may be a habit by now
It may be that he is in the habit of chewing on himself because he has fleas and is allergic to the flea bites.
2007-11-21 20:42:05 · answer #6 · answered by Blessed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's probably allergies. My dog has the same problem so I'm constantly ripping him from his paws. My family never took him to the vet, but I'm suggesting that you do take take your dog to one. It could possibly be something else too like a bug bite, but you should take your dog to the vet to have it checked out.
2007-11-21 20:44:26 · answer #7 · answered by Starr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fleas or just skin allergies, could be from changes in weather. the vet can give them a shot and a spray to take home that stops the irritation of skin.
2007-11-21 20:40:51 · answer #8 · answered by suzette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is probably fleas. Just go to yuor local pet store or vet and get him some flea medicine. Hope this helps!! Good luck!! â¥â¥ ^_^
2007-11-21 20:40:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the dog probably has fleas. hes biting himself to get rid of the itch and stop the fleas from biting him.
you can get flea powder or shampoo to make it better. :D
2007-11-21 20:40:32 · answer #10 · answered by sonia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋