Ask Your Dog Question. Dog Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Dog Question?)

My doberman keeps biting and licking a spot on his leg ...
Sent to Dog Experts July 27 12:17 AM

My doberman keeps biting and licking a spot on his leg till it becomes raw. I bought a cone for his head to keep him from it. It healed and i took it off. But he has reopened the cut and just keeps licking it. What is it and what can I do?

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
July 27 12:28 AM (10 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
This is not uncommon in this breed and has been considered an obsessive compulsive disorder but it might also be linked to an allergy issue.
Anxiety meds may help
http://petinfo.org/articles/mutilation.shtml
and you might want to test him for allergies or see if he has a thyroid issue triggering this.
Sometimes going to a food that has no grain and no common protein source such as Wellness fish, rabbit, duck or venison (or other brands with similar formulas) will help resolve this.
With the obsessive compulsive leg licking dog I had I found diet change, addition of omega 3&6 fatty acids such as Derm Caps or Fish Oil caps, and increasing the dog's exercise by a good deal, plus redirecting the chewing behavior to an approved chew item such as a smoked bone, stuffed kong etc. helped him a lot.
But back then we didn't know a mood elevating drug might help too and now we do!
Good luck with him!

Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Picture
NancyH -- Dog Expert:Rescue, Train,Breed,Care -- 99% Positive Feedback on 12949 Dog Accepts
30+ yrs dog vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible show breeding, genetics
Reply
July 27 12:56 AM (28 minutes and 11 seconds later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: So would you keep putting the cone on and change his food? And what kind of food would you recommend ?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 27 12:58 AM (1 minute and 55 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Wellness is one brand with a formula that has no grain using sweet potato instead and alternative proteins such as fish, duck, rabbit,or venison

Also I would seriously consider upping daily exercise and using a mood elevating med from the vet or from a veterinary behaviorist - your vet should be able to refer you to such a behaviorist.

Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Picture
NancyH -- Dog Expert:Rescue, Train,Breed,Care -- 99% Positive Feedback on 12949 Dog Accepts
30+ yrs dog vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible show breeding, genetics
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Dog Breed Info and Canine Health Care