doggy behaviour

[maggieann]

Two weeks ago I adopted a little dog from a Rescue Centre. She's still very shy and timid, but settling down well I think. A couple of days ago she started licking her front paws, and doesn't seem able to stop it. I've washed her paws in case it was something irritating her, but she won't stop. Can anyone offer me any advice please as it's making her paws very wet, and driving me mad! Thanks

[Wisebird]

It sounds as if it's a behavioural problem. Do you know what her background is? My little dog sometimes does this, but not excessively. Has your vet practice got the facility for seeing a practice nurse instead of a vet (less expensive. Our Vet has a nurse who specialises in behaviour. It's worth ringing a vet practice and having a word. I'm sure it's nothing to worring about. Good luck with your new baby!

[Snappy]

She could have started this as a way of dealing with experiences in the past. You need to find out about her past to have any chance of trying to sort this!

[PurplePixie]

It does sound like it's a sort of displacement behaviour. you can do something in the mean time while she settles in & gets more confident & that's to not draw any attention to the licking, and replace it with something else. Try filling a hollow synthetic bone with pate or soft cheese...this will occupy her & give her a 'job' to do. Just keep an eye on her tummy (don't over do the treats & get her the squits!!) Any time you notice her licking her paws, don't give her any fuss for it, just gently pop something more appropriate in front of her & encourage her to focus on that instead & lots of non over the top praise when she plays with the new toy. I've seen dogs like this lots of times & if not stopped it can get quite serious, as they can break straight through the skin & cause open wounds...bit like biting your nails I suppose. You sound like you are willing to take time with your new dog so she's a lucky little thing..good luck you'll get it all back a thousand times over x

[woofgang]

theres some stuff that you can get from the vet called dog appeasing pheromone...not sure what it costs, but it is intended to help to deal with behaviour caused by anxiety in the short term. It might be worth a try, in the mean time, be calm with your newcomer and don't over whelm her with new experiences, I'm sure you won't and she is lucky to have found you.

[Elfin]

It is also worth visiting a vet to make sure your dog hasn't got Harvest Mites (especially common if you live in a rural area). My cat has been nibbling away at his feet for the last week or so, and does this every year at harvest time so we're off on our annual foray to the vets again. The vet treats it with an antihistamine injection/tablets to stop the irritation. The mites are TINY orange dots on the skin, often between the toes. Washing by the owner won't remove them. They don't last long but the damage caused by the constant nibbling by the host animal can be distressing. Just a thought, before going down the psychotherapy route.

[maggieann]

thanks for all the answers. I'm afraid Susie was found abandoned and shut up in an empty house by her previous Spanish owners. Although I really like the Spanish folk, sadly animals aren't looked after very well. We'll never know her background, and I think she's been ill treated as she cowers every time anyone bends over her, rather than try and get down to her (very low!) level. The vet is Spanish of course, and it was hard enough working out how to ask her to give Susie a Rabies jab, but I really appreciate the answers, especially the suggestion about giving her something else to think about, Thanks again, Ann

[Wisebird]

Two years ago we took on a little rescued dog that had been very badly neglected and cruelly treated. He had every conceivable problem you could think of and was a total wreck. Neither did he have any fur except the odd whisp here and there. Two years on and he's a totally different fellow and turned out to be a pure bred Yorkshire Terrier! He's confident, happy and very, very loving. He is the absolute proof of what patience and plenty of love and affection can do. He had been badly treated for six years so nothing is totally irreversible! Good luck with your little Spaniard. (I love Spain, but their attitude to animals is the one thing that always puts me off going there!)

[JB]

Can't give you any advice on the 'OCD' but I had to say well done for adopting a dog! I did and (despite early behavioural issues!) have never regretted it - best thing I ever did!

[peps]

What a shame how anyone can be so cruel to animals. At least she is in a caring home now though. It sounds like she licks her paws out of habit now. The habit would of probably been caused out of sheer bordom , perhaps fear related and from being stressed. I agree with purplepixie she needs to have something to occupy her mind ie, chews , long walks and lots of tlc. All the best x

[woofgang]

maggieanne, another thought, can you get bach flower remedies where you are? if you can, try giving your poppet some of the rescue remedy in her water. I find it very good for calming and if it doesn't help, it won't hurt its about 3 or 4 english pounds a botle and lasts ages, you only use a few drops at a time

[maggieann]

I've been trying to get bach flower stuff since it was suggested, but no luck so far. I'm going to the UK for a couple of days in November, I can try then, but can someone tell me where I might get it please? Susie is still doing ok, but she's off to the vet tonight for a blood test. The vet says she sleeps far too long and too deeply for a small dog, and she's worried she may have a tic related disease!

[dalsgal]

Talk to your vet, but my sister's dog did the same thing. Her dog's skin was also reddish in color, her dog ended up with allergies!! Special food from the vet cured her. Good luck!