Dog licking leg
Discussion
Hi 1 y/o Terrier/Sheltie X
He started nibbling and licking his leg the other day, you can handle & squeeze it with no sign of pain, no limping. I suspected he caught it on a thorn or maybe an insect bite, no sign of anything, his fur is quite thick. The nibbling has stopped but he's licked all the fur off around the area, no sign of anything so if it was a thorn it looks like it's gone. No marks or inflamation.
How can I stop him licking his leg? If you distract him he forgets about it for a bit and then goes back. I put some aqueous cream on to soothe it, in case it was itchy but this was quickly despatched with a well aimed lick. I don't like putting cream on because it just draws his attention to it.
Should we go to the vet? It seems a very minor thing that's cleared up just a habit thing now.
Behaviour and appetite unchanged.
He started nibbling and licking his leg the other day, you can handle & squeeze it with no sign of pain, no limping. I suspected he caught it on a thorn or maybe an insect bite, no sign of anything, his fur is quite thick. The nibbling has stopped but he's licked all the fur off around the area, no sign of anything so if it was a thorn it looks like it's gone. No marks or inflamation.
How can I stop him licking his leg? If you distract him he forgets about it for a bit and then goes back. I put some aqueous cream on to soothe it, in case it was itchy but this was quickly despatched with a well aimed lick. I don't like putting cream on because it just draws his attention to it.
Should we go to the vet? It seems a very minor thing that's cleared up just a habit thing now.
Behaviour and appetite unchanged.
Lampshade collar or sock over the leg. These things can quickly become habitual which in turn causes a problem.
If the above doesn't work or the area starts to look inflamed then a vet visit may be needed.
They can develop lick granulomas if habitual licking occurs, not common though.
I'd probably just salt water bathe the area, no cream for now as that may encourage the licking
If the above doesn't work or the area starts to look inflamed then a vet visit may be needed.
They can develop lick granulomas if habitual licking occurs, not common though.
I'd probably just salt water bathe the area, no cream for now as that may encourage the licking
though!As Bex said - try and sort it early - especially as the happy dog is so young.
Our setter is now nearly 14 and has had sore legs for 5 years. Thanks to the younger setter who started it all in the first place (to lick and be licked releases the happy endorphins - and so the circle continues). We have tried everything - and failed - although only one bad leg is better than the four it rapidly got to at the start.
Another potential factor - and its end of season really - hayfever type issues.
Hope you find a cure as soon as possible. Each dog is different.
Limited success with the anti lick strips - although too small really for our dogs issue (location/size). Available from PaH but not cheap. Buy oversize which is easier for your dog.
Our setter is now nearly 14 and has had sore legs for 5 years. Thanks to the younger setter who started it all in the first place (to lick and be licked releases the happy endorphins - and so the circle continues). We have tried everything - and failed - although only one bad leg is better than the four it rapidly got to at the start.
Another potential factor - and its end of season really - hayfever type issues.
Hope you find a cure as soon as possible. Each dog is different.
Limited success with the anti lick strips - although too small really for our dogs issue (location/size). Available from PaH but not cheap. Buy oversize which is easier for your dog.
bexVN said:
Glad to see the collar hasn't put him off playtime! Have they prescribed Fuciderm for the leg?
Yes we have some cream, the Vet thought it might have been an insect bite. Starting to look better already 
Nice and dry.The cone makes a good weapon for jabbing in the back of your legs, I wish they made them with padded edges.
Edited by DocArbathnot on Wednesday 14th August 09:20
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