My dog

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   Jane@CMposted 13 years ago

   We have a lab.  She has been to the vet for this problem numerous times.  They put her on steroids.  The problem, she licks constantly - her paws are soaking wet.  This morning I got up & there were to big wet spots on the carpet, from her licking.  I went to strip my daughters bed, she licked so much in the bed, it went through the quilt, the sheet & the mattress pad. No, its not pee - trust me.
   
   Any thoughts?  Yes, she has allergies, but she isn't licking any more frequently since we moved, so I don't think it is the climate change or plants/grasses.

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      mirage erinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      don't put sthg on the paws then they will lick something else, my dogs used to always chew on a bone, and ever since they cannot they got into this habit of licking obsessively. it can get very annoying unfortunately, i try to place toys in front of them, so they lick that instead of the sheets.

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   habeeposted 13 years ago

   One of my dogs does this every night before he goes to sleep. He has no skin problems of any kind. I think he's just a little neurotic. Maybe is a "doggie sleeping pill" for him??

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   Jane@CMposted 13 years ago

   We do have some sedatives that the Vet gave her when she had to make the cross country ride for the move.  She does get 50mg of Benedryl every night.

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4. 69

   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   Sorry Jane, I have no advice for you. I do not have dogs. I have two cats and they have no problems. I do hope you can get to the bottom of it.
   
   Good luck and I hope it can be rectified.

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   Beth100posted 13 years ago

   Hi Jane,
   
   Has she been doing this since she was a puppy? 
   
   If not, then remember when it all started and the circumstances surrounding it.  If there has been a change in her life, it can cause stress.  Animals respond differently to stress.  For example, some parrots will pluck all their feathers because they are stressed.  Then, when they are naked, they continue to pluck at the fine hair on their body.
   
   Bitter apple is natural and a small spray may discourage her from licking.  I've used this on my horses for chewing the fence as well as for my birds.  I am pretty sure that it is safe for dogs, but you might want to read the label before applying.

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   habeeposted 13 years ago

   My dog has always done this - since he was a pup!

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   DinnyDinahposted 13 years ago

   Could be a food allergy of if you live near fields.  Another suggestion is boredom.  My dog does not continuously lick his paws but he does have something called 'wet mouth' which is a form of eczema.

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   Diane Insideposted 13 years ago

   Benedryl is an antihistimine, (diphenhydromine) one of the side effects is dry mouth, she probably is trying to lick  to help with salivating because her mouth gets so dry. Licking stimulates saliva glands.  It sounds like its the benedryl that's the problem.

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   DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years ago

   I have had two different dogs that did this. One was a dalmation, he licked his paws untill they bled, and licked some more. We used the bitter apple with pretty good results. http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Apple-Dogs … B0002XKIU2
   
   My other dog that licked all the time, was more like yours. She licked the couches, the beds, the floor, my whole house was wet with dog spit. Our vet said it was kind of like dog ADD. (She had been treated very badly by her previous owner, and now had nervous problems.) Some dogs, especialy pure bred, are just more highstrung and are born with anxiety, just like some peopel.  http://www.dog-health-guide.org/anxiety … indog.html  I would try the bitter apple, and if that doesnt work, maybe a new vet? Good luck.

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    patdmaniaposted 13 years ago

    You can put hot sauce on his paws.  He won't like the taste and won't lick his paws anymore.

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    Ladybird33posted 13 years ago

    we have had this happened too and it's hard, so many tricks to help them.  I really didn't find any solution but reading this forum has helped us.  Wish you the best and so sorry!

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    Jane@CMposted 13 years ago

    Thank you all for the tips.  Will try the green apple.  We have some wipes for her that the vet gave us & they worked for awhile, but now she just licks the wipe stuff off her paws. 
    
    I do have to find a new vet, we just moved & its on my list.

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    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    If your vet has not really diagnised and treated the underlying problem after several visits, you need to change vets.  Perhaps try one who has a more holistic approach.

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    Maria Ceciliaposted 13 years ago

    I don't experience this licking thing with my dogs, unless they have wounds or something is itchy... well try all the tips they suggested it could be very helpful, like giving him treat to chew so he wont have time licking his paws...
    
    good luck to you and please update us with the developments and also share with us what the new vet said about her licking...

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