My Doberman has been licking certain areas raw. Usually on his forearms or his paws until the hair is gone and his skin raw. The pet store guy says it's a fungus and gave me a spray. River (my dobie) also has very dry flaky skin on his back that I'm currently treating with Brewer's yeast tablets. Does anyone know what else, if anything might help my dog? He is just over a year old. Thanks.
Debbie from Maryville, TN
Someone posted on here a short time ago about giving their dog yogurt and how it solved a problem like you're having. I started giving my dogs yogurt, even though they were not having that problem at this time. Boy, can I tell a difference in their coat! The one dog had a scrape on his chest and it felt like a lump was forming under it. After three weeks on yogurt, it's now gone. Totally gone! It seems to take care of numerous types of infections and bacteria. It's also cheap. Sure beats taking them to the vet. Try looking this up for the original post. Good luck. (10/15/2008)
By Artlady
I have one idea for you. I have had dogs my whole life, and currently have 3 dogs living in my house. They are my family, and I am very careful about what I put in their bodies, or on it for that matter. Licking of paws is a HUGE sign of allergies, and can be easily treated. I, personally have been using "Yucca Intensive" for my dogs with allergies. It is all natural, and treats MANY different issues.
By Stacie H
I have been told that a dog will chew his feet if he needs salt. (10/15/2008)
I'm no vet, but I had a dobie with the same issue. Through research, it was a fungus activated by heat so it sounds like it can be a form of a heat rash. The only thing I found to help it is to put him in the bathtub and fill with cool or room temperature rose hips tea. Steep a couple of dozen bags and cool. Something about a soothing effect helps, once the itch stops the fur should grow back. There may be small bumps underneath the fur but as long as you can relieve the need to scratch, you can control the missing fur and rashes. (10/15/2008)
By kelli
I work at a vet clinic and we see cases like this all the time. It sounds like allergies. I would start by changing the protein source you are feeding him or to a sensitive skin food, and adding a fatty acid supplement to his diet such as fish oil or omega 3 and 6. There should be some improvement in a month or two if it is a food allergy. (10/15/2008)
A healthy diet and tons of exercise are necessary for good health. Non sugary yogurt and some carrot chunks, a little broccoli, etc. mixed in with good quality dry kibble and a little flax seed or omega 3 fish oils (essentially the same thing but one's from fish and the other from a plant) are a great part of a healthy diet. (10/16/2008)
By Shelter Worker
Supplement your dog's diet with some fresh, whole foods so his body has a chance to fight off these ailments. Also, consider the time line of these afflictions: often dogs will react to vaccinations, so if the symptoms occur or get worse within a month or two of his shots, you may wish to consider this as a cause. Do some reading on over-vaccinating pets to learn more about it. (10/17/2008)
By guest
If it's no where else but his feet, he may be breaking out from what you clean your carpets or floors with. Just a thought. (10/17/2008)
Sometimes this excessive licking is some sort of nerve problem. My mom's dog had to wear a pail on her head for several months to keep her from licking her paw. It looked funny, but didn't hurt her. You should probably take your dog to the vet to have the problem properly diagnosed. My mom's dog was licking her paws so much that she was making them into open wounds. (10/19/2008)
By Louise B.
My German Shepherd was doing that, the vet said she was bored (we had been away and the dog sitter wasn't doing much with her). Is your dog being left alone? Getting enough attention and exercise? My vet said it is a common obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs that are bored, think about it. (10/19/2008)
We had a bassett hound that would chew herself raw. We found out the first year that it was allergies. Every year around rag weed season we would have to get meds for her. I would suggest taking the dog to the vet. (10/20/2008)
By jen
My dog's tail had a raw spot he was licking at. He also licks his feet. When he was in at the vet for a booster, the doctor said it was allergies and gave me a spray bottle anti-itch medication that's equivalent to what humans can get with a prescription at the pharmacy. The bottle cost about $11 and it has helped. The doctor also said he's seen a lot of allergies this year (my dog never had the problem before this season). (10/21/2008)
By Jessica
Your dog has allergies. My dog does the same thing. It will be worst at different times of the year (fall is the worst). Go to your vet and he will put him on medication (doesn't cost much). Good Luck.
By jeepwoman
My mom has a Dobie named Forth. Those spots are nothing but dry blisters. They don't feel right, that's why they lick them.
About dry flaky skin, put some regular oil - vegetable, corn, whatever you use for cooking, on your palms, rub the palm together, and then rub your pet's coat. Not only will it moisturize your pet's skin and coat, but it will also be awesome for the looks. You will be surprised how slick, shiny and gorgeous your Dobie will look. Do it everyday, you'll notice change very quickly. My mom does, and Forth looks like $1 million dollar dog. ;-)
(10/23/2008)
By Natasha
Try using I T natural (with cultures) plain yogurt, use some Omega fish oils in the diet (use a capsule or two depending on size). My little Westie suffers from many allergies and I use all the above as well as a regular benadryl tablet (generic) after you have checked with your Vet. I went to a specialist and have learned these tricks HTH. (01/06/2009)
By mia24
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