[SOLVED ] Q. My Chihuahua has a red line on both sides of his legs, near his scrotum area. He often bites himself and licks himself excessively. What do ...

I do?

Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :

A. If you do not do flea prevention, then now is the time. Your dog may be allergic to flea bites or his food. You should see a veterinarian who can help determine why the dog is itching so badly. Sometimes a bacterial infection can also cause this, but can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?

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Bacterial or yeast infections of the skin can be very itchy and result in constant licking of the affected area. The presence of pustules or red bumps usually indicates a bacterial infection and warrants antibiotic therapy.

It is a symptom caused by dry skin, allergies, parasites, or other underlying conditions. Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite as a response. Changing your dog`s diet may be the key to stopping obsessive licking behavior. Fatty acid supplements can help ease pain and itching from dry skin.

Why do dogs lick themselves? Dogs lick themselves to groom, heal, or from anxiety. Licking is fine, but see a vet if it is extensive or causes fur loss. Some dogs lick themselves out of habit or allergies.

A veterinarian`s examination may be helpful in determining if the scrotum and testicles are normal or not. Your dog could have epididymitis or another disease of that area, and is licking because it hurts.

Dogs keep relatively clean. In addition to cleaning their legs and body, both male and female dogs will also lick their genital areas in an attempt to remove dirt, discharge, or debris. Excessive licking in this area may indicate a medical problem and be a cause for concern.

Acral lick dermatitis is a skin condition that`s pretty common in dogs. Also known as acral lick granulomas, this condition occurs when dogs continually lick an area of their skin, leading to redness and loss of hair.

Anxiety and stress may play a role too. Exposure to frightening interactions with people or other animals may lead to excessive front-leg licking as a way for the dog to self-soothe himself. Many things in our daily lives can cause anxiety and stress in dogs.

Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks

Chamomile and green teas are well-known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory effects in humans—but they work just as well for dogs, too.1 If your dog is dealing with hot, itchy patches of skin, try giving them a soothing soak in a chamomile or green tea bath.

Sometimes making changes in your dog`s environment can subside their need to lick. This often helps dogs who are suffering from psychological distress. Antibiotics or anti-lick creams may also help your dog find temporary relief. Wraps and hock socks are two other ways you can protect your dog`s paws and legs as well.

Your dog may have puppy pyoderma if you see red bumps in the armpits, groin and/or on the abdomen. These red bumps can scab over and scale. Puppy pyoderma can make your dog slightly itchy, but pups with puppy pyoderma are usually otherwise in good health.

Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it`s a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they`re stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!

In the prayer position, the dog stretches far forward with the torso almost resting on the ground. The front paws are stretched out and also rest on the ground. Unlike the low lying torso, the hind legs are stretched wide and steeply upwards. The hind legs are therefore fully extended.

Symptoms of peanut butter allergies in dogs will vary; his symptoms may show up over time if he is fed peanut butter as a treat on a regular basis, or immediately, such as in the case of anaphylactic shock. Symptoms may include: Red and itchy skin. Excessive licking of the skin.

Clean the skin with a mild, water-based antiseptic spray or wipe (like Douxo Chlorhexidine 3% PS pads) or an antibacterial shampoo. Apply a veterinary-recommended hot spot treatment spray that is safe if ingested. One example is Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray.

A lick granuloma, also known as acral lick dermatitis, occurs when a dog obsessively licks at an area, often on a lower limb, most commonly the wrist or carpal joint of the front limb. These dogs find a spot to lick and start a cycle of self-trauma, inflammation, and infection.

In general, tongue, lip and mouth wounds in dogs tend to heal well due to the environment of the oral cavity. The nature of the oral mucosa and the ample blood supply in the mouth aid in a speedy recovery.

However, experts say one should not let their pets lick the areas around nose, mouth and eyes to minimise risk of infections. So, the verdict is – let your pet lick you but only after washing your face and hands, and not around nose or mouth.

Mites are tiny spider-like creatures that can typically only be seen with a microscope, but sometimes they may be visible as tiny orange, black or white dots moving on your dog`s skin.

You may notice a very fine rash or just the itching at first. Over time the skin becomes very red, there is hair loss and flaking skin. Areas where hair is thinner (ears, elbows, ankles, belly) tend to be the most severely affected. However, some dogs may have a different pattern or no symptoms at all.

Not only can licking wounds lead to infections, it can also cause irritation and damage to the surrounding tissues and the wound area. This, in turn, can lead to delayed healing and potentially even increase the size of the wound. In some cases, dogs lick at their wounds so much they reopen wounds that are healing.

Although the common bacterium is found in about 75% of dogs, the chances of developing an infection from a lick are extremely rare, doctors say.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Q. My dog keeps licking himself in the same area, what does this mean?

ANSWER : A. Excessive licking in one area often leads to a condition called Acral Lick Dermatitis or Lick Granuloma. By constantly nibbling on one spot, which is usually on one of front legs, dogs can cause skin irritation and inflammation and not uncommonly skin infection.

There is a long list of possible causes of this problem. In many dogs this is purely a behavioral issue related to anxiety, boredom or stress. Dogs with joint pain like to lick over the painful area to alleviate pain. Skin allergy or infections, skin foreign bodies predispose dogs to Acral Lick Granuloma as well. Finally, low thyroid hormone level is believed to play a role in developing Lick Granuloma.

Treatment is often long, and close cooperation between the owner and the vet is required. The effort should ultimately be directed to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Read Full Q/A … : Excessive Dog Licking

Q. My Chihuahua has a red line on both sides of his legs, near his scrotum area. He often bites himself and licks himself excessively. What do I do?

ANSWER : A. If you do not do flea prevention, then now is the time. Your dog may be allergic to flea bites or his food. You should see a veterinarian who can help determine why the dog is itching so badly. Sometimes a bacterial infection can also cause this, but can be treated with prescription antibiotics.

Read Full Q/A … : Why is my dog suddenly having pain near her stomach area …

Q. My dog has no fleas, but is scratching and licking continually. He has been through a round of prednisone and it hasn’t helped. What can I do?

ANSWER : A. Itching can be caused by more than just external parasites, and if your dog is already on a flea medication, then it is possibly not the case. Itching can indicate anything from allergies to even minor skin infections causing problems. If your dog has been treated with prednisone (a steroid that inhibits the immune system) and it did not help, then looking at other options may help.

Food allergies are very common in dogs and can present with itching and licking all over the body rather than on just one spot. Common food allergens include ingredients such as wheat, corn and soy products, however dogs can be allergic to almost anything! Starting a food trial of an allergen-friendly diet from your vet or pet store that avoids these common ingredients may help. The food should be switched over a period of 7-9 days and then given about a month to decide if it is helping.

Small skin infections or yeast in the skin can also cause itching, however this itching is often more specific to a certain area of the body (such as the toes, or base of the tail). Your vet can perform a skin scraping of the area to be cultured at a lab to look for any yeast or bacteria. If they are present, a medication given either orally or placed on the affected area can clear up the infection.

In some cases, licking and chewing can actually be due to a boredom or anxiety behavior. Dogs may lick one spot obsessively to the point of creating sores or wounds in the area. Stopping your dog from licking and chewing either through the use of dog booties, no lick strips, T-shirts or even Elizabethan collars can break the habit and give the area time to heal. Licking and chewing can also cause the spread of bacterial infections so should be deterred even if not behaviorally caused.

Read Full Q/A … : Why Is My Dog Or Cat Itching & Scratching – Allergic Skin Disease

Q. My dog licks his feet and legs and they are turning brown. He is a white dog. Can you help?

ANSWER : A. Licking the feet and legs can be caused by a number of things in dogs including allergies, illness or even stress behaviors. Allergies are the most common in dogs, with yeast infections coming in second. Allergies can cause the area to become red and itching, making your dog want to lick and chew on them. Over time, the area may become stained from saliva, especially in lighter or white-coated dogs. Yeast infections are also common between the toes, and may cause a smelly “corn chip” smell to appear near your dog’s feet. Again, dogs will attempt to lick and chew to relieve the itch. Keeping the feet clean and dry can help relieve both allergies and infections and pet wipes or a baby wipe of all paws when your dog comes in from outdoors may also help. Keeping your dog from licking the space with either dog booties or an Elizabethan collar is also good as it will prevent secondary infection and staining of the paws and legs. If your dog is determined to keep licking and keeping the feet clean and dry do not help, then your vet can help by providing a medication to treat any infection or provide relief of allergies.

Read Full Q/A … : Dog licking his paws face and butt. Fur turning brown.

Q. My cat has hairloss on hind leg. Itching and licking often I applied antibiotics to areas. One cleared, one got raw

ANSWER : A. It is possible your cat has a wound or even skin infection that is causing the hair loss and redness you are seeing. Preventing him from continuing to lick is best as this can introduce more bacteria into the area and make problems worse. An Elizabethan collar can be used to prevent access to the legs. It is also best to have your vet take a look at the area, and they may wish to take a sample if the cause isn’t readily apparent. Your vet can then provide you with a pet safe topical or oral antibiotic. Do not place over the counter antibiotic salves on the area as it can be toxic if licked and ingested by pets.

Read Full Q/A … : Causes of Scratching & Licking in Cats – Pet Education

Q. My sister’s dog is digging the hair off from his legs. Any advice?

ANSWER : A. Biting and chewing to the point of hair loss can be caused by a number of things. Allergies, skin infections, and even metabolic illnesses can all cause the skin to become bothersome, or hair to be lost. In some cases, the behavior of licking or chewing at the hair can become chronic, and lead to infections or sores on the leg.

It is best to have your sister bring her dog in to have the legs looked at. Your vet can check for any signs of infection, allergy or even external parasites and provide treatment for relief. If there is no apparent cause, your vet may also recommend a blood test to check for internal illness as the cause.

Until you can get to the vet, it is best to prevent the dog from licking or scratching at the area. An Elizabethan collar (cone) is best to stop the behavior and allow the legs to rest some until they can be examined. If there is any dirt or debris in the area, a warm clean washcloth can be used to keep the area clean and prevent secondary infection until it can be examined.

Read Full Q/A … : Why Is My Dog's White Hair Turning Brown? – Pets

Q. My dog likes to walk around trees and bushes. I noticed today a rash on his back in a straight line and his hair is gone in the area. Help?

ANSWER : A. If you live in a brushy or wooded area it is possible that your dog may have come into contact with an irritant such as poison oak or poison ivy. These can spread to people, so care should be taken when handling the area by using gloves and washing hands. You should also prevent your dog from licking or scratching at the area to prevent the spread of irritation. Topical ointments for pets can be used to treat oak/ivy infections.

Other causes such as allergies, cuts and scrapes, or even external parasites can cause redness as well. Ticks and fleas are common in wooded and brushy areas, so making sure your pet is on a preventative for these is important.

If the rash appears to have any cuts, scrapes, open sores, hair loss or spreads, then making an appointment with your vet is best. Your vet can take a sample of the area to look for any more serious infections causing the redness.

Read Full Q/A … : QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SQUIRRELS – scary squirrel world

Q. My 10 yr Chow mix chews a sore on her front leg unless we keep a “cone collar” on her. What can we do?

ANSWER : A. Lick Granulomas (chewing sores on body parts) are very common in dogs and can be triggered by an initial health event, and then become a behavioral issue. Breaking the “habit” of licking can be hard at times, and takes a lot of time and patience. It is also a good idea to make sure any initial or underlying problems in the area (such as infections or parasites) is cleared up.

While the cone or covering the area with long socks if on the forearm or foot is a traditional method of breaking the habit, there are new products out called “no lick strips” which can be applied onto a bandage over the affected area. These strips utilize a minor form of positive punishment- when the dog licks the strip he gets a minor electrostatic shock or bad taste in his mouth, deterring him from continuing. The strips have had good success with use when compared to just using an Elizabethan collar.

Treating any underlying stress or anxiety can also help to decrease licking behaviors. Calming medications and treats, removing the stressors, providing a safe place for your dog to “hide” during stress or anxiety, or even using calming pheromones can all help with stress reduction.

Read Full Q/A … : My dog chews on her legs – Questions & Answers