[goslow]

Scoot is a 13 yr Cushings dog and cannot take steroids. He has always licked his paws but has worsened. He moans while he does it becauses they are raw. He has no other "allergies" but when I tell him to stop it he does and goes on to something else to do. Has anyone else had this problem? Vet says he may be allergic to something in his environment!! Where do I start?

[LabMan2]

I have a corgi that does the same thing, he licks the bottoms of his paws quite frequently. Nasty habit. There could be a number of causes for this. Seems you have taken the first step though in ruling out any medical issues that may be present so kudos to you for that.

There are a number of sprays that are made to try and stop these types of habits. Anything that contains bitters might be a start. Good luck!

[DoggieVogue]

Originally Posted by goslow

Vet says he may be allergic to something in his environment!! Where do I start?

Food allergies are the most common allergies in dogs, from my understanding. What type of food do you feed? Grains and chicken are the most common food related allergies. Maybe try switching food if your brand contains one of these ingredients? Something to remember, though- treats count too! Almost all treats contain grains, and a great many contain chicken. I didn't even think of this at first when I was trying to rule out what my dog was allergic too. If you decide to switch foods, do it gradually over a period of time, and keep in mind that you won't see the full results for about 2 months. I have no knowledge of what environmental things dogs can be allergic too, other than grass, so I can't help you there. Hope you find the answers you are looking for!

[pattimow]

While allergies may be the cause be sure and check the area between the pads of their feet.

My peke-a-poo kept biting her feet and when I checked the pads, she had a BIG wad of hair balled up in there. I had to take small scissors and cut the knotted hair out, she was good to go...

Years ago one of my WFT's did the same thing, I found she had a small sticker from the grass stuck in the pads. Once the sticker was removed she was fine after that. Good luck...I know all the biting and licking can cause you to go mad! It gets annoying fast..and of course it doesn't do the doggy any good either!

[dogsclothesplus]

If you have ruled out any type of food allergies and injuries, sometime it can simply be an OCD disorder.
It may be a matter of breaking the cycle that your pet is in. Sometimes it can be as easy as making a loud noise as soon as they start to do it, everytime they do it. Then show them a play toy. It takes time and can be annoying but this has worked for my dog that has done the same thing. Also make sure that there is some other toy available to keep them occupied.
I hope this helps

[Bacis Dad]

I agree with all the previous posters!
Most of the time the issue you are having is a food allergy, or grass allergy. But more often than not a food allergy but bc of his age I caution you if you transition his food, ween him VERY slowly...

But a good home made remedy:
Boil a lemon (natural antisceptic) cut in half and
a couple bags of chamomile tea(soothes).
Let it sit over night and add coloidal silver (a natural strain resistant antibiotic) Store the mixture in the fridge should last about 3-4 days.

And what you want to do is sponge it on his paws 3-4 times a day.
Good luck and a lot of good advice given to you above.

[Lara's mom]

If all of the above fails, you could try putting a pair of light booties on the dog to prevent the constant licking.