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| Hello Friend,
Welcome to Monday!
Today's article covers dog paw licking, most commonly caused by an underlying dog allergy
Allergy is multifactorial ( ie many causes), which then requires many potential things to prevent it.
In my opinion, a quality supplement with a variety of ant-itch products are key.
Such as essential fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, colostrum
One such option is my supplement- you can use others, but just make sure they have most of those ingredients. Mine just also happens to have higher than typical levels of ingredients, and is proving helpful for thousands of dogs.
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| | Excessive Paw Licking In Dogs
Does your dog CONSTANTLY lick his paws?
Lick. Lick. Lick.
It can be very frustrating as a pet parent, especially when some of the things you try are not working.
The most common cause of excessive paw licking is an underlying allergy, making the feet itchy, causing your dog to lick.
Typically the feet become stained from the salivary pigments, so often is the dogs with white fur they become a reddish brown.
The moisture caused by excessive foot licking between the paws can cause a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. This can actually worsen the itchiness and clinical signs.
Allergy is defined as a hypersensitivity in which exposure to a benign protein (allergen) causes your pet’s immune system to overreact.
In both people, and dogs and cats, the incidence of allergies is increasing.
CAUSES
Three main possibilities: external parasites, such as fleas; food—for dogs, beef protein is the most common; environmental, from pollens to house dust mites. The immune system overreacts and causes severe itchiness.
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| | | Solutions
1. ELIMINATE the fleas. Practice regular flea control using natural methods, if possible, topical antiparasitics, if necessary.
2. Hypoallergenic Food Trial
Here you are feeding a hypoallergenic diet for ten to twelve weeks to see ifyour dog or cat’s allergic symptoms stop. This is a long time, and fortunately over 80 percent of pets respond at least partially by six weeks, although Labs and cocker spaniels usually need longer trials.
3. THE SUPPLEMENT CONNECTION. Fatty acid supplements are very helpful in decreasing the level of inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are most important. The main point is to give a high enough dose to be effective, and the ideal dose is 1,000mg per ten pounds daily. A great, inexpensive source is flax oil; I give 1 tablespoon per fifty pounds. Other sources include primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
4. FEET WASHING. Regularly washing of your dog’s paws after they come in from being outside is one of the best ways to decrease the itching; this washes off the outdoor allergens. You can use a damp cloth or put your pup in the bath.
5. SOOTHE IT TOPICALLY. HERBAL CREAMS. There are a few herbs to consider topically: Licorice gel, chamomile cream, and topical curcumin.
Licorice and curcumin ointment are herbal medications that has been successfully used to relieve the itch. Apply a thin coat twice daily to affected areas.
6. ANTIHISTAMINES. Benadryl is the most commonly used antihistamine. It is given at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight, two to three times a day. It is best to consult your veterinarian before using these medications. It often takes fourteen days of using these to see if they are helping.
7. Treat the YEAST. Yeast are often a secondary organism that grows on your dog’s skin with underlying allergies and paw licking. One option is to make your own anti-yeast wash of 1 cup of green tea, 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar – wipe your dog’s paws with this mixture twice daily. Another option is to purchase a ‘human’ OTC anti-fungal cream such as Canesten and apply that twice daily as needed.
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Heal Your Pet At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM |
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P.S. Dog Paw Licking is often difficult to treat, and usually means ongoing treatment - in general veterinary medications such as prednisone are only stopping the symptoms, NOT getting to the underlying cause.
They also often have side effects such as Increased drinking, Increased urination, - never mind less common ones such as diabetes.
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| DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.
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