Dog Community

Chewing/licking paw

Posted : 11/20/2006 2:48:02 PM

My dog has a small 'skin tag' on the top of one of his front paws. It has been there about a year, hasn't changed in size or color (same as his skin). However, over the past couple days, he started licking at it. It has become an obsession, and he has licked the hair completely off in about a 1" by 3" diameter around this wart, or skin tag. He has become neurotic about it, and I have tried bitter spray to discourage him from licking it, but it hasn't stopped him one bit - as a matter of fact, it made me even wonder if he actually LIKES the bitter taste. Has anyone had similar experiences? Any suggestions? I'm afraid if left alone long enough, he will lick it into an open sore. Thanks -

sallya

Posted : 11/20/2006 3:13:13 PM

Have you asked if the vet can remove it. They are easy to take off of people. Just a quick cut. I think removing the cause is the best solution. Ask the vet. Good luck.

cakana

Posted : 11/20/2006 3:16:01 PM

It is very likely that he will continue to lick it and create and open sore and probably an infection. The need to lick it (it may be itchy or painful) is probably more powerful than any deterrent you could use and may even be making it more irritated. Have you had it checked by a vet? Is it possible to have it removed by the vet? That would be my suggestion.

bullsmom

Posted : 11/20/2006 3:19:32 PM

Well, before it bothered him, the vet recommended I just leave it alone - that removing it would probably open up a can of worms for a non-issue. But now that it seems to bother him, that is probably the route I will have to go. I was hoping to avoid a trip to the vets, as that totally stresses him out. And anybody - especially the dreaded vet - touching his feet is just, oh, so unacceptable in my dog's mind. Thanks for your reply . . .

cakana

Posted : 11/20/2006 3:51:16 PM

And anybody - especially the dreaded vet - touching his feet is just, oh, so unacceptable in my dog's mind.

[sm=lol.gif] - Yep, I know exactly what you mean. Take lots of yummy treats for distraction and good luck!

Pam

Posted : 11/22/2006 3:10:46 PM

My cat had a tumor thingee the size of a tumor on his neck under his chin. He would manage to bite the thing off and start bleeding, then heal up and the tumor grew back,,,over and over his whole life about 17 years. He made it to 21 .

I would try some THUJA for a few days. Its homeopathic and costs $5 for 80 pills. Just drop the tiny pill into your dogs mouth w/o touching with your fingers.

You could also try a sloution of ox-y-drops. Mix with water and dab on the thingee. [linkhttp://www.nzymes.com]www.nzymes.com[/link]

My mom's dog lick her paw into an open wound. When she swtiched off Purina and onto Flint River Ranch, the problem stopped.