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Old 10-26-2016, 03:46 PM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,451 posts, read 6,605,300 times
Reputation: 16228

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My dog (12 pound Maltese) licks her feet almost constantly (sometimes other body parts, but her front paws mostly, presumably because they are conveniently located close to her tongue. And sometimes the floor, the furniture, or whoever is holding her, constantly, lick lick lick). I should mention that her tongue is abnormally long. It literally does not fit in her mouth, and the fact that it has to hang out of her mouth may be part of the reason she licks so much. I'll also mention that we've tried SO many things that our vet has suggested and/or I've read online, in case it is a problem with her feet or boredom (Betadine foot soaks, other paw soak products, Benedryl, strapped socks onto her, wash her feet every time she has been out in the grass, feed good quality food, wear her out with walks or playing).

Can anyone suggest some kind of yummy bone type thing that she could lick, but not really eat? I don't want her to constantly be eating when it's not meal time, but instead just be able to lick without ingesting too many extra calories. She doesn't like Kongs or Nylabones.
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Old 10-26-2016, 04:01 PM
 
Location: North Idaho
32,487 posts, read 47,425,133 times
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One of the thicker bully sticks would last a Maltese practically forever. Almost every dog likes those.

However, licking feet is usually because the feet itch. Licking other objects might be an indication of pain.

You've been to the vet? Did he check her teeth?

Go on line and find out where the closest dog show is to you. Find out if they have a CERF clinic. If they do, call and make an appointment for your dog. That is an eye check by a board certified ophthalmologist specialist veterinarian. Toy dogs can have genetic eye conditions and some of them are painful.

Of course you could just call the specialist and go to his office, but it will cost ten times as much. A regular vet can not do the eye exam. It requires specialized equipment.
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:21 PM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,451 posts, read 6,605,300 times
Reputation: 16228
Quote:
Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke View Post
One of the thicker bully sticks would last a Maltese practically forever. Almost every dog likes those.

However, licking feet is usually because the feet itch. Licking other objects might be an indication of pain.

You've been to the vet? Did he check her teeth?

Go on line and find out where the closest dog show is to you. Find out if they have a CERF clinic. If they do, call and make an appointment for your dog. That is an eye check by a board certified ophthalmologist specialist veterinarian. Toy dogs can have genetic eye conditions and some of them are painful.

Of course you could just call the specialist and go to his office, but it will cost ten times as much. A regular vet can not do the eye exam. It requires specialized equipment.
Yes, she's been to the vet (many times) and in fact just had her teeth cleaned a couple months ago. I really don't think she is in pain. That is something I often ask the vet about, because despite surgery on both back legs a while back, for luxating patella, she still walks oddly. He says she is not acting like she's in pain.

I really think it's just her over-sized tongue that makes her lick things. The vet has said he has never seen a dog with a tongue this long. Poor thing, she really is a cutie, but her tongue hangs out of her mouth a couple inches (which is a LOT on a 12 pound dog), so maybe it dries out or something, and it just feels good to lick.
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Old 10-26-2016, 10:08 PM
 
Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
36,499 posts, read 53,776,198 times
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I too have a Maltese who licks his feet constantly. We've tried the change in diet, distilled water route but I know about the other things you have tried. I was afraid to try betadine foot soaks for fear it would dye his fur. I know you are supposed to dilute till it looks like tea. I've read that it is allergy related.
Dr. Becker posted an article recently about this problem and she mentions all the things you have tried. Let us know if you find a solution.
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Old 10-27-2016, 09:04 AM
 
965 posts, read 930,077 times
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It can become a habit. I had a dog who ended up with food allergies, and it showed in paw licking.
After changing the food his ears cleared up, but the paw licking habit was still there. I would redirect, with a walk, or a toy. But when I was not around I would spray bitter apple on my hands, and wipe some on his paws. It worked great, and he eventually stopped.

However a few times in the next 15 years if he got a cut on a paw, or his leg he would lick it until it went bald. A few times I used bitter apple so that it had a chance to heal dry (he kept it nice and clean). Also I never sprayed bitter apple directly on his skin, I just put it on his fur, with my hands.
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Old 10-27-2016, 11:57 AM
 
Location: At the corner of happy and free
6,451 posts, read 6,605,300 times
Reputation: 16228
Quote:
Originally Posted by simplepeace View Post
It can become a habit. I had a dog who ended up with food allergies, and it showed in paw licking.
After changing the food his ears cleared up, but the paw licking habit was still there. I would redirect, with a walk, or a toy. But when I was not around I would spray bitter apple on my hands, and wipe some on his paws. It worked great, and he eventually stopped.

However a few times in the next 15 years if he got a cut on a paw, or his leg he would lick it until it went bald. A few times I used bitter apple so that it had a chance to heal dry (he kept it nice and clean). Also I never sprayed bitter apple directly on his skin, I just put it on his fur, with my hands.
Thanks, I'll look into the bitter apple. I had tried putting some organic vinegar on her paws, but she seemed to love the taste of that stuff! I can't even stand the smell!
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Old 10-27-2016, 01:48 PM
 
12,823 posts, read 24,279,764 times
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For some dogs, it's a tic. One thing to try might be shoes.
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Old 10-27-2016, 01:52 PM
 
Location: Paradise
4,839 posts, read 4,115,585 times
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Have you tried a kong-sicle?


Best Dog Food Puzzle: The Kongsicle | Service Dog Academy - Service And Pet Dog Training - Seattle, WA 98136 - (206) 355-9033
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Old 10-28-2016, 11:54 PM
ZSP
 
Location: Paradise
1,764 posts, read 5,097,063 times
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How about Himalayan Dog Chews...three ingredients. *** and cow or goat milk and lime juice.

Himalayan Chews, Dog Chew Treat Made of *** Milk

I have power chewers and bully sticks are just to stinky for me. Himalayan Chews aren't as stinky and my pack loves them. Two chew them while the other two are content to lick. lol They're long lasting...I was actually surprised at how long they last.

I don't leave these out since I prefer observing my dogs while they're enjoying something like this...so after a session with them, I rinse them off in warm water and allow to dry on a paper towel before storing until the next time.
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Old 10-29-2016, 02:41 PM
 
Location: My beloved Bluegrass
20,098 posts, read 16,015,663 times
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Every small dog I've had has stress licked. The current little guy also likes to chew his nails.
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When I post in bold red that is moderator action and, per the TOS, can only be discussed through Direct Message.Moderator - Diabetes and Kentucky (including Lexington & Louisville)
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